TV legend Steve Backshall is set to return to Longleat this May half-term, bringing his exclusive live animal show back to the Wiltshire estate. The intrepid naturalist and TV presenter, who wowed audiences in 2024, will be hosting another series of thrilling demonstrations from 24 May to 1 June.
Steve Backshall expressed his excitement about returning, saying: “I’m incredibly excited to announce I’ll be back with Steve Backshall Live at Longleat. Last year was so much fun and I can’t wait to be here again. My family and I had a fantastic time.
“I’ll be getting up close to a range of animals and birds of prey and sharing with you some fascinating insights into their speed, stamina, survival tactics and more.
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“With your Longleat day ticket, you can book your seat to my exclusive show for a £1 booking fee, with all proceeds going towards Tusk, an animal conservation organisation working in Africa – last year this helped to raise more than £25,000 for their vital work.”
Alongside Backshall’s return, Longleat has announced the release of tickets for events running from 5 April to 31 August. The estate has a packed calendar, including special Mother’s Day promotions, Easter celebrations, and summer activities.
Scott Ashman, head of operations at Longleat, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Steve back to the estate. We know just how much his show was loved by children and adults alike from the feedback we received from guests. This year we are sure will be extremely popular so would advise people to book their tickets early.”
In addition, the Cellars Café beneath Longleat House will reopen in April, offering pre-bookable Afternoon Tea. Self-guided tours of the historic house are also included with the day ticket, subject to availability.
Meanwhile, Longleat’s sister site, Cheddar Gorge & Caves, has unveiled plans for its 2025 events, with tickets now on sale. Visitors in April and May can experience lanterns from Longleat’s Festival of Light inside the caves, featuring glowing eggs and illuminated ancient animals.
Fenia Vitali, Cheddar’s general manager, said: “We’re delighted to have an exciting line-up of events at Cheddar for 2025 from an illuminated cave for Easter to an illuminated trail from late April to June. Plus, in the summer we will have live demonstrations showcasing how our prehistoric ancestors lived.”