longleat safari park kennels

Longleat Safari Park Review, All You Need To Know

December 12, 2023, written by shayle, longleat safari park is one of our favourite places to visit as a family. we have visited during every season and loved every minute we spent there. here’s our review of longleat safari park and all you need to know..

Are you planning a family trip to Longleat Safari Park and Estate? In this blog post, we’ll share our comprehensive Longleat Safari Park review and tips to help you make the most of your visit, from the different ways to explore the safari park to our top money-saving ideas.

What’s at Longleat Safari Park?

Longleat Safari Park is located in  Wiltshire . It is home to various animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and many more. You can drive through the drive-through safari park in your car or take a guided tour to see the animals up close. In addition to the safari park , Longleat also features a walking safari, boat safari, stately home, gardens, and a range of other attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.

Longleat in Wiltshire was the pioneer of drive-through safari parks outside Africa. In 1966, on the 5th of April, it opened its doors to an enormous crowd of 486,500 visitors who came to witness the majestic lions of Longleat. Around 106,000 cars and 1,950 coaches went to the park during the first year.

Who is Longleat Safari Park suitable for?

Longleat Safari Park is suitable for anyone who loves animals and wants to experience a unique and exciting day out. It’s an excellent place for families with children, as various activities and attractions keep everyone entertained. We would say it’s most ideal for kids between the ages of 2 and 12, but it’s still enjoyable for children 13 years or older.

Is Longleat Safari Park accessible for disabled visitors?

The park is reachable by car and relatively flat, perfect for push and wheelchairs. There are several accessible toilets available, and changing facilities come equipped with adjustable changing benches and hoists near the Main Square. Additionally, there is a designated wheelchair area on the boat. They offer concessionary tickets and a queue assist scheme. For more accessibility information, visit Longleat’s website.

Is Longleat Safari Park expensive?

It’s probably the highest price we would play for a day at a zoo/safari park; however, it’s exceptional value for money for the amount your ticket gives you access to. The park is beautifully maintained, and the animals are thoroughly cared for. It’s a day out you will remember. There are optional extras like animal feeding, food, gifts, etc. But, they are not essential to have a great time. After entry costs, we only spend an extra £1.50 feeding the sea-lions during the day. You can view prices and buy tickets here.

What does your day ticket include?

• The drive-through safari experience.
• The walking safari and boat safari.
• Explore many attractions, including Longleat railway, adventure castle, rockin’ rhino and the hedge maze.
• Longleat’s stunning grounds and gardens.
• Special seasonal events (events taking place on your chosen visit date. Some restrictions apply. For more information, visit their  seasonal events page .)

We like to start the day at the African Village

We love to begin the day at the African village , where you leave the car and get up close to the animals, especially if we’ve had a lengthy drive already; it’s good to stretch our legs and use the facilities.

Here, you can feed giraffes, which is such a fun experience! There is also the lemur walk-through, which is perfect for little ones. We’ve even seen Ben Fogle filming for Animal Park in the lemur walk-through on one of our visits.

If you fancy a drink or a snack before returning to the car and beginning the Safari, consider checking out the Watering Hole Café. You can also find visitor toilets and the African Traders gift shop nearby.

Next, we head back to the car to head into the first part of the car safari, the East African Reserve.

Then we began the drive-through safari

Before embarking on your safari tour, wind up your windows and hide all the sandwiches. To enhance your experience, don’t forget to download the award-winning Longleat App . This pocket-sized guide includes exclusive audio commentary by Animal Park’s Kate Humble, guiding you through the incredible animals you’ll encounter on your drive.

We like to do the drive-through safari as early as possible, and when we stick to this, we dodge lengthy queues! The safari is long and takes you through the gorgeous woodland.

Will the monkeys damage your car?

You can bypass the monkeys if you prefer; there are cautionary signs about the potential damage they may cause to your vehicle. We drove through the monkey enclosure and, fortunately, did not experience any harm to our car. It was pretty fun when the monkeys climbed onto our vehicle. However, we did witness a few other cars that could have been more fortunate and had their rubber stripping and windshield wipers pulled off by the monkeys.

We loved Tiger Territory. Longleat’s Amur tigers are truly magnificent creatures. Yana and Red, both four years old, arrived at Longleat in 2018 as part of an international breeding program. Their cubs, Yuki and Rusty, were born in July 2019.

Can you get out of your car at the safari drive-through?

In most areas, your doors and windows need to be firmly shut – but there are more relaxed opportunities, too. You can purchase deer food to feed the deer and wind down your window. It’s important to note that the deer can be pretty persistent regarding food, and some people may feel uncomfortable or uneasy around them. Additionally, if you stop at the park, be prepared for your car to get a bit dirty from deer drool. If this isn’t something you’re comfortable with, you can bypass this section.

The safari drive-through takes roughly 2-3 hours to complete when there is little queuing, so factor that into your day.

Boat safari

Once at the main park, we like to head straight for the boat safari . There is usually a queue, but it can be hectic at peak times.

We loved the boat safari, a unique part of the zoo. We caught a glimpse of the gorilla colony. Additionally, we had the opportunity to feed the sea lions, who always seem to be hungry and very friendly. We purchased a pot of fish for £1.50, which was well spent. The sea lions followed us alongside the boat, barking and jumping for the fish. We also saw a hippo relaxing in the distance.

Please note that while the boat is wheelchair accessible, pushchairs must be left at the quay. Additionally, any young explorers must be accompanied by an adult.

Time to explore the main park

The walking safari is the most hands-on zoo experience we have ever encountered. You can feed rainbow lorikeets nectar straight from your hand when you purchase a cup from the feeding station. In the wild, they mainly feed on fruit and pollen, but nectar is their preferred indulgence. 

We visited the family farmyard , which is lovely for younger children to interact with animals like donkeys and bunnies. The keepers here were so friendly and knowledgeable. They engaged the kids. 

You can also witness animal encounter shows throughout the day, led by incredibly knowledgeable keepers. Learn about and interact with snakes, spiders, guinea pigs, tortoises, millipedes, stick insects, cockroaches, ferrets, and rats.

There are attractions to enjoy, too, such as the hedge maze . Added to the estate in 1978, the hedge maze is the largest maze at Longleat and the biggest in Britain. It’s made up of over 16,000 English yew trees, which the grounds and gardens team have to keep in tip-top condition. A visit to the hedge maze can take 20 to 90 minutes, depending on how good you are at finding your way to the middle!

There’s just so much; there are rides like the rocking rhino, a train ride and much more.

Conservation at Longleat

Longleat is proud to support various conservation projects locally and globally. They focus on the UK and three world regions where they work with partner organisations. They concentrate efforts on particular species in these areas. In Asia, they help with the conservation of red pandas and elephants. In Australia, they assist with bushfire recovery work and focus on the southern koala. In Africa, they support a broader range of species across different countries, all in partnership with TUSK.

Longleat House

The 8th Marquess and Marchioness of Bath’s residence, Longleat House, is a stunning example of Elizabethan architecture and houses one of the most important private collections in the UK.

Longleat has been home to the Thynne family for sixteen generations, and their private collection is one of the most significant in Britain. The house’s walls were adorned with hundreds of paintings, including depictions of famous historical figures and members of the Thynne family dating back to the house’s construction by Sir John Thynne in the late 16th century.

The Great Hall features massive hunting scenes painted by John Wootton in the 1730s, while other rooms showcase exquisite tapestries, hand-painted Chinese wallpaper, and ornate Venetian-style ceilings.

Longleat also boasts a wealth of incredible furniture and thousands of historical documents, including around 44,000 books in seven libraries. Visitors can also see items used by the Thynne family, such as 19th-century christening robes and a lead-lined, cooper-built bath that was in use until 1946.

Walking through the vast halls and lavish chambers is like stepping back in time. Once you’ve finished admiring the house’s significance, explore the gorgeous gardens and Capability Brown-designed grounds that envelop it.

You can add a tour to your day ticket or membership for a nominal fee.

Can I take my dog to Longleat Safari Park?

Please be advised that Longleat Grounds do not allow dogs or other pets except in their kennelling facilities. This policy applies to Longleat House and associated courtyards, the formal grounds and car parks, and the Longleat Safari Park animal areas and attractions.

If you plan to bring your dog, you may use the kennelling facilities at the entrance to the safari drive-through for the day, subject to availability. Please note that advanced booking is not possible. The kennels at the entrance are basic, so you may bring food, water, blankets, or something that reminds your dog of home. Please be aware that the dogs are not supervised while in the kennels and are left at your own risk. However, a padlock will be provided upon request. Please note that this policy does not apply to Service Dogs, although restrictions apply.

Our top tips for visiting Longleat Safari Park to get the most for your money!

Arrive early

We always have difficulty fitting everything into one day at Longleat because there is so much to see and do. That’s why we have visited over and over again. Unfortunately, some attractions close earlier than others. Getting there early is best, especially if you are visiting in Winter.

Plan your visit in advance

Longleat Safari Park is a popular attraction, so planning your visit is a good idea. Check the park’s website for opening times, ticket prices, and any special events that may be taking place. You might even find discounts online. 

Pack a picnic

We always pack a picnic to save money; many picnic areas are in the park. Enjoy lunch in the beautiful surroundings or the car on your way around the safari drive-through.

How does Longleat Safari Park compare to other safari parks?

Longleat Safari Park is considered one of the top safari parks in the UK, and if we are truthful, it’s our favourite, and we will travel specifically to visit it. What makes Longleat Safari Park different from other safari parks is that it is not only a safari park but also a stately home with beautiful gardens and a range of other attractions.

Other popular safari parks in the UK include Woburn Safari Park, Knowsley Safari Park , and West Midland Safari Park. Ultimately, the best safari park for you will depend on your personal preferences and interests.

Where to stay nearby

Retreat to one of seven beautifully renovated self-catering cottages. Enjoy your very own self-catered Longleat Cottage, boasting views out over the Safari Park’s East African Reserve, the sprawling lawns of Longleat House or the picturesque woodland of the Longleat Estate.

Keepers House

We highly recommend the Keeper’s House for a luxury experience. This property is immersed within the safari on the east side of the Estate. You overlook the East African Reserve, the home of Longleat’s herd of Grant’s zebras and Rothschild’s giraffes. The Keeper’s House comprises two bedrooms, one equipped with a super king bed, while the other features twin beds that can be combined to form a double bed upon request.

A house has been at this location since 1804; it was initially built for the Longleat deer keeper. In 1890, the original building was almost entirely demolished and rebuilt by local builder John Vallis of Frome, based on the designs of Longleat’s Clerk of Works, William Buckenham. Following the opening of ‘The Lions of Longleat’ in 1966 as the first safari park outside of Africa, the house was converted into two separate cottages for animal keepers.

Center Parks Longleat Forest holiday breaks

Nestled within Longleat Forest, this spacious village offers a variety of activities, restaurants, and lodging options. You can even gaze up at Giant Redwoods, some of the tallest trees in Europe! For those seeking adventure, themed golf and escape rooms are available. And if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, spend quality time with loved ones in aqua sana. Learn more here.

Whitbourne Farm

Whitbourne Farm is in Corsley, just 5.1 km from Longleat Safari Park. With a beautiful garden and access to a patio, this holiday home offers free private parking and full-day security. The home boasts a hot tub, a terrace with stunning garden views, and a cosy living room. Guests can enjoy the outdoor dining area or the warmth of the fireplace on colder days—a great option if you are visiting the safari park and want to stay nearby.

Find further information here.

Nearby attractions 

If you’re staying nearby, why not visit Stonehenge ? This natural wonder is less than 20 miles away and provides plenty of open space to explore and learn. And if you’re interested in castles, several in the area, including Old Wardour Castle , are just a 30-minute drive away.

Longleat Safari Park is a fantastic destination that offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. The park’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare is evident throughout. With many attractions and activities, Longleat Safari Park is perfect for a day or even a weekend.

MORE CONTENT LIKE THIS

Related posts.

Trentham Monkey Forest Review

July 1, 2023

5 of the Best Safari Parks in the UK

April 25, 2022

West Midland Safari Park Review | A Great Family Day Out

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Explore our Site

Products we love

© 2023 | Have Fun Outdoors | Owned and operated by Web Expressions Ltd

Privacy Policy | Sitemap

Top choice in Wiltshire

Half ancestral mansion, half wildlife park, Longleat was transformed into Britain's first safari park in 1966, turning Capability Brown's landscaped grounds into an amazing drive-through zoo populated by a menagerie of animals more at home in the African wilderness than the fields of Wiltshire. There's a throng of attractions, too: the historic house, animatronic dinosaur exhibits, narrow-gauge railway, mazes, pets' corner, butterfly garden and bat cave.

It's just off the A362, 3 miles from Frome. Save around 10% by booking tickets online.

Longleat was the first English stately home to open its doors to the public. That decision was prompted by finance: heavy taxes and mounting post-WWII bills meant the house had to earn its keep.

The house itself contains fine tapestries, furniture and decorated ceilings, as well as seven libraries containing around 40,000 tomes. The highlight, though, is an extraordinary series of paintings and psychedelic murals by the present-day marquess, who was an art student in the ̓60s and upholds the long-standing tradition of eccentricity among the English aristocracy – check out his website (www.lordbath.co.uk).

Longleat is open until 7pm on many summer weekends.

near Warminster

Get In Touch

01985-844400

https://​www​.longleat​.co​.uk​/

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Roman Baths

Welcome to one of Northern Europe's most significant Roman sites. Today more than a million visitors a year come to see its historic finds, atmospheric…

Salisbury Cathedral

22.47 MILES

England is endowed with countless stunning churches, but few can hold a candle to the grandeur and sheer spectacle of 13th-century Salisbury Cathedral…

Glastonbury Tor

18.61 MILES

Topped by the ruined medieval Chapel of St Michael, the iconic hump of Glastonbury Tor is visible for miles around, and provides Somerset with one of its…

Magna Carta

22.49 MILES

Magna Carta on display in Salisbury Cathedral's Chapter House is one of only four surviving original copies. A historic agreement made in 1215 between…

19.55 MILES

An ultramodern makeover at ancient Stonehenge has brought an impressive visitor centre and the closure of an intrusive road (now restored to grassland)…

Avebury Stone Circle

24.73 MILES

With a diameter of 348m, Avebury is the largest stone circle in the world. It's also one of the oldest, dating from 2500 to 2200 BC. Today, more than 30…

Brunel's SS Great Britain

23.13 MILES

This mighty, innovative steamship was designed by engineering genius Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1843. You get to wander the galley, surgeon's quarters and…

Kingston Lacy

Dorset's must-see stately home looks every inch the setting for a period drama. It overflows with rich decor, most famously in the Spanish Room, which is…

Nearby Wiltshire attractions

1 . Stourhead

Overflowing with vistas, temples and follies, Stourhead is landscape gardening at its finest. The Palladian house has some fine Chippendale furniture and…

2 . King Alfred's Tower

A 50m-high folly with wonderful views. It's part of the National Trust property Stourhead, some 8 miles south of Frome.

3 . Tithe Barn

10.86 MILES

This vast 14th-century stone structure originally belonged to monks from Shaftesbury Abbey, and was used to store tithes (a 10% produce tax) during the…

4 . Prior Park

12.71 MILES

Partly designed by the landscape architect Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, the grounds of this 18th-century estate on Bath's southern fringe feature…

5 . Gold Hill

13.02 MILES

The often-photographed, painfully steep, quaint cobbled slope, lined by chocolate-box cottages, that starred in a famous TV advert for Hovis bread.

6 . Shaftesbury Abbey

These hilltop ruins mark the site of what was England's largest and richest nunnery. It was founded in 888 by King Alfred the Great, and his daughter,…

7 . American Museum in Britain

13.09 MILES

Britain's largest collection of American folk art, including First Nations textiles, patchwork quilts and historic maps, is housed in a fine mansion a…

8 . Old Wardour Castle

13.23 MILES

Six-sided Old Wardour Castle was built around 1393 and suffered severe damage during the English Civil War, leaving these imposing remains. The views from…

Close Encounters: A Visit to Longleat Safari Park

If there is any place in the UK that truly is a family attraction, it is Longleat Safari Park . This was my second visit to this fantastic place and each trip has been a totally unique experience.

What are the attractions?

Longleat is built around a stately home, the residence of the Marquesses of Bath. You may have seen Longleat on the popular BBC series ‘Animal Park’ a programme which filmed the day-to-day mechanisms of the park. Visitors can enter the home, a marvel in itself, however arguably the most popular attraction is the safari park. The grounds also house a menagerie which offers a truly unique close-up encounter with many of its inhabitants; this it seems is the ethos of the attraction.

The Safari Park

We began our day at Longleat in the safari park. It soon became apparent that this is how everyone starts the day. After speaking with the staff later in the day they suggested on our next visit we should leave this activity until later in the day as it is much quieter. The first stop actually involved getting out of the car and exploring the African Village and Walking Safari. Giraffes and zebras can be watched from the viewing platform.

They did get pretty close to us. For a small price (£1-£5) visitors can feed the giraffes (although customers were having little success as the animals were rather full). My toddler particularly enjoyed walking through the Lemur enclosure. There is also a large gift shop and a spacious café. An ideal place to grab a coffee before you begin to drive through the safari park.

The animals encountered on the safari were spectacular.

We avoided the monkeys. If you value your car – I would highly recommend this – we saw cars exit the monkey enclosure with wing mirrors and wiper blades hanging off.

The deer can be fed for £1.

The route taken builds up the momentum and excitement for the top predators at the end.

Surprisingly we spotted a tiger hidden in the grass.

And then a pride of lions lying in the sun.

I was extremely excited to see my favourite animal, the wolf.

It was tremendously busy the day we visited and although the safari was excellent, the traffic was extremely slow-moving and we were in the car for around two and a half hours. Next time I will be leaving this part of the trip until the end of the day!

The Main Square

Leaving the safari, we parked up and began to explore the main square. Our first stop was the Jungle Kingdom which offers among other things a walk through Meerkat enclosure.

By far my favourite part of the day was Penguin Island. We were fortunate enough to stand next to penguins.

The children also experienced sting rays close up in the ‘Ray Bay’. Visitors can put their hands in the water and make tiny waves until these amazing creatures come close.

My toddler loved the Adventure Castle playground and honestly, we could have spent half a day in there – it is huge and suitable for big and small kids!

We entered the hedge maze expecting to be lost for hours! We let our toddler lead the way and were out within 10 minutes!

Without doubt, the highlight of my husband’s day was the boat trip. Throughout the day the queues here were enormous. A member of staff told us to try for the last boat at 6 pm – we were the only ones on the boat, it was like having a private tour and we were encouraged to move around the boat freely! We saw hippos.

…and fed the sea lions

A perfect end to a perfect day!

There is so much more to do at Longleat; such as taking a walk around the house and gardens, feeding the Lorikeets and exploring the Monkey Temple, unfortunately, we only purchased day tickets. Next time we will certainly be opting for the two-day ticket. Even on an exceedingly busy day, it was hard to complain, Longleat is so impressively huge and there are many and varied activities going on throughout the day.

Importantly all of the animals are extremely well cared for – all the enclosures and habitats were extremely clean and put many other zoos to shame. Longleat Safari Park is definitely my family’s all-time favourite place and we are planning another trip in the summer.

Overall Ratings

Cost:  Book at least 2 days in advance online to receive 15% off. 1-day ticket: Adults £28.85; Children £21.62 (concessionary rates are available – a paying disabled person can bring a carer for free). It is well worth the entry fee!

For Adults : Plenty of activities for adults.

For Kids : Children will be continuously entertained throughout the day.

Time Spent there : From opening until closing (9 hours).

Disabled Access : Wheelchair friendly throughout. For those with limited mobility, there are plenty of benches and seating areas – there is a lot of walking involved around the Main Square.

Dogs : Permitted only in certain places (check the website for an up-to-date list). Longleat does provide a kennel service (the facilities are basic and unattended so please bring a water bowl, food blanket etc).

Parking : Free and ample spaces.

On-site Café : A good number of cafés, restaurants and food stands are located throughout and reasonably priced.

Shop : A few well-stocked gift shops throughout with some lovely products.

Toilets : Ample toilet facilities throughout Longleat.

Overall Rating: 5/5

For a similar post, see Top 10 Places to Visit in England with Children.

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

You may also enjoy:

Glamping essentials, accessible, dog-friendly beaches around newquay, park dean, st minver holiday park, cornwall, walks with the dogs in winter: gawthorpe …, leave a reply cancel reply, follow me on social media.

• 73,704 hits

Where to next?

Top 10 places to visit …, planning a trip to …, our english heritage membership, a visit to canterbury …, 10 things to do around …, rochdale town hall, celebrating the summer solstice …, fun places to visit …, the village of portmeirion, things to do in …, a visit to the …, family fun at beeston …, essential items for a …, our wigwam glamping experiences, cirque surreal – circus at ….

Longleat Safari Park

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

LONGLEAT SAFARI PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Electrostal History and Art Museum

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Electrostal History and Art Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Follow Puck Worlds online:

• Follow Puck Worlds on Twitter

Site search

Filed under:

• Kontinental Hockey League

Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

Share this story.

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on Twitter
• Share this on Reddit
• Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: Gagarin Cup Preview: Atlant vs. Salavat Yulaev

Gagarin cup (khl) finals:  atlant moscow oblast vs. salavat yulaev ufa.

Much like the Elitserien Finals, we have a bit of an offense vs. defense match-up in this league Final.  While Ufa let their star top line of Alexander Radulov, Patrick Thoresen and Igor Grigorenko loose on the KHL's Western Conference, Mytischi played a more conservative style, relying on veterans such as former NHLers Jan Bulis, Oleg Petrov, and Jaroslav Obsut.  Just reaching the Finals is a testament to Atlant's disciplined style of play, as they had to knock off much more high profile teams from Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg to do so.  But while they did finish 8th in the league in points, they haven't seen the likes of Ufa, who finished 2nd. 

This series will be a challenge for the underdog, because unlike some of the other KHL teams, Ufa's top players are generally younger and in their prime.  Only Proshkin amongst regular blueliners is over 30, with the work being shared by Kirill Koltsov (28), Andrei Kuteikin (26), Miroslav Blatak (28), Maxim Kondratiev (28) and Dmitri Kalinin (30).  Oleg Tverdovsky hasn't played a lot in the playoffs to date.  Up front, while led by a fairly young top line (24-27), Ufa does have a lot of veterans in support roles:  Vyacheslav Kozlov , Viktor Kozlov , Vladimir Antipov, Sergei Zinovyev and Petr Schastlivy are all over 30.  In fact, the names of all their forwards are familiar to international and NHL fans:  Robert Nilsson , Alexander Svitov, Oleg Saprykin and Jakub Klepis round out the group, all former NHL players.

For Atlant, their veteran roster, with only one of their top six D under the age of 30 (and no top forwards under 30, either), this might be their one shot at a championship.  The team has never won either a Russian Superleague title or the Gagarin Cup, and for players like former NHLer Oleg Petrov, this is probably the last shot at the KHL's top prize.  The team got three extra days rest by winning their Conference Final in six games, and they probably needed to use it.  Atlant does have younger regulars on their roster, but they generally only play a few shifts per game, if that. 

The low event style of game for Atlant probably suits them well, but I don't know how they can manage to keep up against Ufa's speed, skill, and depth.  There is no advantage to be seen in goal, with Erik Ersberg and Konstantin Barulin posting almost identical numbers, and even in terms of recent playoff experience Ufa has them beat.  Luckily for Atlant, Ufa isn't that far away from the Moscow region, so travel shouldn't play a major role. 

I'm predicting that Ufa, winners of the last Superleague title back in 2008, will become the second team to win the Gagarin Cup, and will prevail in five games.  They have a seriously well built team that would honestly compete in the NHL.  They represent the potential of the league, while Atlant represents closer to the reality, as a team full of players who played themselves out of the NHL. 

• Atlant @ Ufa, Friday Apr 8 (3:00 PM CET/10:00 PM EST)
• Atlant @ Ufa, Sunday Apr 10 (1:00 PM CET/8:00 AM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Tuesday Apr 12 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)
• Ufa @ Atlant, Thursday Apr 14 (5:30 PM CET/12:30 PM EST)

Games 5-7 are as yet unscheduled, but every second day is the KHL standard, so expect Game 5 to be on Saturday, like an early start. 

Loading comments...

• Yekaterinburg
• Novosibirsk
• Vladivostok

• Tours to Russia
• Practicalities
• Russia in Lists

Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

Plan your next trip to Russia

Ready-to-book tours.

Your holiday in Russia starts here. Choose and book your tour to Russia.

REQUEST A CUSTOMISED TRIP

Looking for something unique? Create the trip of your dreams with the help of our experts.