LONGLEAT Safari Park has confirmed it will be re-opening to visitors on Monday.

As a gesture of thanks for their ongoing support, the first three days will be reserved for Annual Pass Holders only.

There will be a limit on daily capacity and all visitors to the Wiltshire wildlife attraction will need to pre-book online prior to arrival.

Places will be available on a first-come first-served basis and there will be a 50p booking fee, with all monies raised going to good causes.

In addition, Longleat will be adding a five-month extension to all original expiry dates for annual passes that expire on or after March 1 2020.

From Thursday, June 18 the drive-through Safari Park will be open to all visitors; however everyone will need to purchase tickets in advance of their visit.

Ceawlin Thynn, executive chairman of Longleat Enterprises, said: “Longleat is delighted to be able to welcome people back to the Safari Park.

“The entire team here has been working incredibly hard over the past few weeks to ensure we are able to re-open safely and provide visitors with a great experience.

“We have put in place a series of new guidelines, along with additional hygiene procedures in order to be able to fully comply with the latest social distancing guidelines,” he added.

A guidance video and full ticketing details will be made available on the Longleat website over the weekend.

The walk-through animal areas around Longleat House will remain closed until the June 25 and 26 when they will re-open to annual pass holders, and then the general public from June 27 onwards.

“It is important we take this phased approach to re-opening to ensure the safety of our guests, staff and animals,” said the new Marquess of Bath.

“We are anticipating more guidance from the government over the coming days and weeks and we will continue to follow their advice,” he added.

In order to comply with strict hygiene standards, all card payment pads will be disinfected after each transaction and cash will not be handled.

Toilet facilities within the Safari Park will be continuously staffed and disinfected, with additional hand washing and sanitising facilities available for guests.

In place of the usual food and beverage outlets, there will be a takeaway food and drink offering at the beginning of the safari experience.