A Purple Jewel Beetle

Longleat Estate in Wiltshire will put a swarm of animatronic bugs on display this year in an outdoor exhibition running between 31st March and 29th October.

The anatomically correct animatronic critters will be exhibited across the grounds of Longleat, allowing guests to experience the bizarre and intriguing creatures up close.

Groups will get to see well-known garden frequenters such as bees, ladybirds and a selection of British butterflies, as well as more exotic and unusual creatures such as the orchid mantis, the puss moth caterpillar and the whip scorpion.

More at Longleat in 2017

Alongside the immersive trail of creepy crawlies, Longleat will be unveiling new exhibitions with a strong focus on conservation this year.

There will be some new interactive workshops to reveal the importance of bug populations, demonstrating real opportunities to encourage a thriving insect environment locally.

More details are to be released closer to the time.

What else can groups do at the estate?

As well as exploring the grounds groups can go inside Longleat House and make a visit to the safari park.

Longleat House, which lies in the heart of 900 acres of Capability Brown parkland, has been home to 15 generations of the Thynne family, and offers a selection of guided tours for groups wanting to discover more about the Elizabethan building.

Alternatively, groups can venture round the house independently – don’t miss the extensive collection of art that is on display. Hundreds of paintings decorate the walls, as do tapestries and hand painted Chinese wallpaper.

Entry to the house also includes access to the landscaped grounds. Groups wanting to visit the safari park as well should purchase an All In One ticket.

Group booking information

Groups of 12 or more can take advantage of Longleat’s 2016 prices for all 2017 bookings.

GTOs should call 01985-844328 or e-mail groups@longleat.co.uk to make a booking.

For further information visit www.longleat.co.uk/groups.