Company Registration No. 00789512 (England and Wales)
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Annual report and financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2025
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Company information
Directors
Ceawlin Thynn
Albemarle Cator
Janie Schaffer
Simon Franks
(Appointed 1 January 2025)
Company number
00789512
Registered office
Longleat Estate Office
Longleat
Warminster
Wiltshire
BA12 7NW
Independent auditor
Saffery LLP
St Catherine's Court
Berkeley Place
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 1BQ
Tax advisors
S&W Partners LLP
Old Library Chambers
21 Chipper Lane
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 1BG
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Contents
Page
Strategic report
1 - 2
Directors' report
3 - 6
Independent auditor's report
7 - 10
Statement of comprehensive income
11
Statement of financial position
12
Statement of changes in equity
13
Statement of cash flows
14
Notes to the financial statements
15 - 29
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Strategic report
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1
The Directors of Longleat Enterprises Limited (“Longleat” or “LEL”) present their Strategic Report for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Review of the business
LEL recorded a loss before taxation of £0.3m in 2025, due to adverse weather impacting a key event during the year along with the challenging headwinds and above inflation cost base increases.
LEL continued to invest in the development and long-term success of Longleat and Cheddar's infrastructure with £3.6m of fixed asset investment in 2025. Most notable was the opening of the new Hippo Facility at Longleat, part of our commitment to conservation efforts with our inclusion of the breeding program.
The Festival of Light winter offering once again proved successful, with the Aardman providing a very strong IP partner for the themed event, bringing Wallace and Gromit into lantern form. The Santa train and Christmas grotto experience remains popular, as do Festive Tours of Longleat House. The whole event continued to receive excellent feedback.
Longleat's animal collection continued to delight and amaze visitors. The management of Longleat continued to look to enhance the visitor experience through 2025 and beyond. The year included over 90 births and introduction of eight new species to the collection. We are proud to house numerous endangered species at the park, and are continuously looking at ways to increase our conservation efforts in the future.
The Executive Chairman of Longleat Enterprises Limited, Ceawlin Thynn, commented:
"2025 proved to be another successful year at Longleat and Cheddar, demonstrating the ongoing appeal of our attractions. We remain committed to long term investment at both attractions and have invested substantially in our Hippo facility allowing us to welcome four Hippos as part of the European Breeding program. In addition, 2025 saw the reopening of the Cafe at Shearwater Lake under Longleat's management, which has been a really positive addition to our offering. We are continuously looking at investment opportunities to enhance the guest experience across the entire estate."
Principal risks and uncertainties
The business faces similar risks to any which rely on discretionary leisure spend and in addition, the responsibility for stewardship of national historic buildings and visitor, staff and animal welfare. The board assesses these risks on an ongoing basis and takes action to mitigate.
Credit risk
The business reviews credit risk on an ongoing basis to minimise risk.
Liquidity
The Board manages liquidity prudently with long term projections taking into account economic and trading conditions and maintains strong relationships with financial partners.
Interest rate risk
LEL ensures that, where possible, external financing has a fixed interest rate to protect against adverse fluctuations.
Key performance indicators
The Board reviews key performance indicators weekly and monthly in addition to daily reports on the visitor experience. These include visitor numbers, revenue, revenue per visitor, margin, profitability, visitor satisfaction score.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Strategic report (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
2
Section 172 statement
The Directors have carefully considered their duties under section 172. The business has invested in its human resources as well as the infrastructure and visitor components of the site itself in order to ensure that stability is maintained whilst creating opportunities for future growth. Certain constraints due to the historic nature of the site are always carefully considered so that Longleat maintains a strong reputation within the heritage management and local business community. The Directors are satisfied that all section 172 matters are given appropriate and effective consideration with the necessary structures, policies and processes in place to promote a successful company.
Ceawlin Thynn
Director
17 June 2026
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Directors' report
For the year ended 31 December 2025
3
The directors present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Principal activities
The principal activity of the company continued to be that of the management of cave exhibiting at Cheddar Gorge, tourist attractions at Longleat and associated business activities at both sites.
Results and dividends
The results for the year are set out on page 11.
The directors recommend that no dividend be paid for the year (2024: £nil).
The company made a net loss for the year of £653,941 (2024: profit of £988,160).
Directors
The directors who held office during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were as follows:
Ceawlin Thynn
Albemarle Cator
Janie Schaffer
Simon Franks
(Appointed 1 January 2025)
Qualifying third party indemnity provisions
The company has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its directors during the year. These provisions remain in force at the reporting date.
Disabled persons
Applications for employment by disabled persons are always fully considered, bearing in mind the aptitudes of the applicant concerned. In the event of members of staff becoming disabled, every effort is made to ensure that their employment within the group continues and that the appropriate training is arranged. It is the policy of the group that the training, career development and promotion of disabled persons should, as far as possible, be identical to that of other employees.
Employee involvement
The company's policy is to consult and discuss with employees, through staff councils and at meetings, matters likely to affect employees' interests.
Information on matters of concern to employees is given through information bulletins and reports which seek to achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial and economic factors affecting the company's performance.
Auditor
Saffery LLP have expressed their willingness to remain in office as auditor of the company.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Directors' report (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
4
Energy and carbon report
This report presents the results of Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) for Longleat Enterprises Limited (Longleat). Data has been assessed and the report provided by Sustainable Advantage.
The Companies (Directors' Report) and Limited Liability Partnerships (Energy and Carbon Report) Regulations 2018 implement the government's latest policy on SECR. SECR replaced the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) in April 2019. This new framework aims to simplify carbon and energy reporting requirements while still ensuring that companies have the information required to understand and reduce their emissions and energy costs.
The UK Government's environmental reporting guidance on how to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions been used, along with the provided greenhouse gas reporting figures for the relevant year. The financial control approach has been used to define the scope boundary.
The reporting period is 1 January 2025 - 31 December 2025, aligning with the company's financial year.
A base year of 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2024 has been used, as this is the latest year for which reliable data was recorded and measured. The base year is used as the benchmark for emission data and consumption changes, and the changes between this reporting period and the base year have been recorded and detailed. The recalculation policy is to recalculate the base year emissions only for relevant significant changes which meet the threshold of affecting 5% of base year emissions.
Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions have been included within this report. Longleat occupied 45 buildings during this period, where electricity, gas and oil are the primary and only utilities used. Longleat owned company vehicles and had staff mileage claims. All activities are based within the UK.
Scope 1 emissions consist of fuel from company owned vehicles, gas and oil
Scope 2 consist of electricity usage within the building.
Scope 3 emissions consisting of grey fleet have been included
The table below shows the breakdown of carbon emissions, in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), by scope and specific area, with comparison to 2024.
2025
2024
Energy consumption
kWh
kWh
Aggregate of energy consumption in the year
- Gas combustion
1,195,843
1,510,778
- Electricity purchased
3,516,302
3,557,854
- Fuel consumed for transport
866,873
1,148,443
5,579,018
6,217,075
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Directors' report (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
5
2025
2024
Emissions of CO2 equivalent
metric tonnes
metric tonnes
Scope 1 - direct emissions
- Gas combustion
285.87
391.40
- Fuel consumed for owned transport
221.31
274.00
507.18
665.40
Scope 2 - indirect emissions
- Electricity purchased
622.39
736.70
Scope 3 - other indirect emissions
- Fuel consumed for transport not owned by the company
2.25
5.30
Total gross emissions
1,131.82
1,407.40
Intensity ratio
Tonnes CO2e per visitor
0.0012
0.0015
Intensity measurement
An overall intensity ratio of gross Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions per number of visitors has been calculated. This will allow comparison and benchmarking with similar sites and organisations and still drives energy reduction goals.
The previous reduction target was to reduce gross Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 5% from FY 2024 to FY 2025. The chosen emissions reduction target for this financial year is to reduce the overall business intensity ratio by 5% from FY 2025 to FY 2026. The target is based upon the intensity ratio to improve performance, rather than allow for spurious improvements due to changes in operations. If the number of visitors theoretically remains the same across the current and upcoming reporting periods, predicted gross emissions (location based) are 1,085.86 tCO2e. The table above shows the intensity ratio of 968,000 visitors with comparison to 2024.
Measures taken to improve energy efficiency
Longleat purchased fully clean renewable electricity contracts to offset some of their total emissions. Longleat are required to comply with ESOS Phase 3, and their energy efficiency initiatives have been detailed within this report.
Statement of directors' responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Strategic report
The company has chosen in accordance with Companies Act 2006, s. 414C(11) to set out in the company's strategic report information required by Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, Sch. 7 to be contained in the directors' report. It has done so in respect of financial risk management.
Statement of disclosure to auditor
So far as each person who was a director at the date of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditor is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to make themselves aware of all relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditor is aware of that information.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Directors' report (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
6
Statement on business relationships
The directors regularly work to foster strong relationships with their suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. The impact of this can be seen through the review of the business summarised in the Strategic Report.
On behalf of the board
Ceawlin Thynn
Director
17 June 2026
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of Longleat Enterprises Limited
7
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Longleat Enterprises Limited (the 'company') for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of financial position, the statement of changes in equity, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the company's affairs as at 31 December 2025 and of its loss for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of Longleat Enterprises Limited (continued)
8
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
the information given in the strategic report and the directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
the strategic report and the directors' report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the strategic report or the directors' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of Longleat Enterprises Limited (continued)
9
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud are detailed below.
Identifying and assessing risks related to irregularities:
We assessed the susceptibility of the company’s financial statements to material misstatement and how fraud might occur, including through discussions with the directors, discussions within our audit team planning meeting, updating our record of internal controls and ensuring these controls operated as intended. We evaluated possible incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements. We identified laws and regulations that are of significance in the context of the company by discussions with directors and by updating our understanding of the sector in which the company operates.
Laws and regulations of direct significance in the context of the company include The Companies Act 2006 and UK Tax legislation.
Audit response to risks identified
We considered the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items including a review of financial statement disclosures. We reviewed the company's records of breaches of laws and regulations, minutes of meetings and correspondence with relevant authorities to identify potential material misstatements arising. We discussed the company's policies and procedures for compliance with laws and regulations with members of management responsible for compliance.
During the planning meeting with the audit team, the engagement partner drew attention to the key areas which might involve non-compliance with laws and regulations or fraud. We enquired of management whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations or knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud. We addressed the risk of fraud through management override of controls by testing the appropriateness of journal entries and identifying any significant transactions that were unusual or outside the normal course of business. We assessed whether judgements made in making accounting estimates gave rise to a possible indication of management bias. At the completion stage of the audit, the engagement partner’s review included ensuring that the team had approached their work with appropriate professional scepticism and thus the capacity to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Independent auditor's report
To the members of Longleat Enterprises Limited (continued)
10
This report is made solely to the company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Neil Davies (Senior Statutory Auditor)
For and on behalf of Saffery LLP
Statutory Auditors
St Catherine's Court
Berkeley Place
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 1BQ
17 June 2026
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Statement of comprehensive income
For the year ended 31 December 2025
11
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Turnover
3
33,338,474
32,437,240
Cost of sales
(13,036,299)
(12,181,460)
Gross profit
20,302,175
20,255,780
Administrative expenses
(22,073,112)
(20,050,260)
Other operating income
3
828,122
777,679
Exceptional items
4
(55,432)
Operating (loss)/profit
5
(942,815)
927,767
Interest receivable and similar income
9
254,693
273,693
Interest payable and similar expenses
10
(68,620)
(69,841)
Other gains and losses
11
450,000
-
(Loss)/profit before taxation
(306,742)
1,131,619
Tax on (loss)/profit
12
(347,199)
(143,459)
(Loss)/profit for the financial year
(653,941)
988,160
The income statement has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Statement of financial position
As at 31 December 2025
12
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
12,342,042
10,780,378
Investment property
14
3,809,403
3,359,403
Investments
15
23,001
23,101
16,174,446
14,162,882
Current assets
Stocks
16
786,473
766,534
Debtors
18
2,170,114
2,016,885
Investments
17
1,873,739
1,792,955
Cash at bank and in hand
12,287,378
13,215,626
17,117,704
17,792,000
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
19
(9,509,290)
(7,630,580)
Net current assets
7,608,414
10,161,420
Total assets less current liabilities
23,782,860
24,324,302
Provisions for liabilities
Deferred tax liability
21
593,717
481,218
(593,717)
(481,218)
Net assets
23,189,143
23,843,084
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
22
10,000
10,000
Revaluation reserve
2,396,956
2,396,956
Capital redemption reserve
9,700,000
9,700,000
Profit and loss reserves
11,082,187
11,736,128
Total equity
23,189,143
23,843,084
The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 17 June 2026 and are signed on its behalf by:
Ceawlin Thynn
Director
Company Registration No. 00789512
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Statement of changes in equity
For the year ended 31 December 2025
13
Share capital
Revaluation reserve
Capital redemption reserve
Profit and loss reserves
Total
£
£
£
£
£
Balance at 1 January 2024
10,000
2,396,956
9,700,000
10,747,968
22,854,924
Year ended 31 December 2024:
Profit and total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
988,160
988,160
Balance at 31 December 2024
10,000
2,396,956
9,700,000
11,736,128
23,843,084
Year ended 31 December 2025:
Loss and total comprehensive income for the year
-
-
-
(653,941)
(653,941)
Balance at 31 December 2025
10,000
2,396,956
9,700,000
11,082,187
23,189,143
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2025
14
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
£
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
27
2,579,970
1,852,282
Interest received
173,909
180,862
Interest paid
(68,620)
(69,841)
Income taxes paid
(786,839)
Net cash inflow from operating activities
2,685,259
1,176,464
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(3,646,072)
(2,069,299)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets
32,565
504
Net cash used in investing activities
(3,613,507)
(2,068,795)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(928,248)
(892,331)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
13,215,626
14,107,957
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
12,287,378
13,215,626
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 December 2025
15
1
Accounting policies
Company information
Longleat Enterprises Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Longleat Estate Office, Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW.
1.1
Accounting convention
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include investment properties at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2
Going concern
Atruet the time of approving the financial statements, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3
Turnover
Revenue from retail sales is recognised at the date of sale, net of VAT. Revenue from annual passes is recognised over the period that the customer receives the benefit.
Rental income received under operating leases is recognised in the profit and loss account over the
term of the underlying lease.
1.4
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Land and buildings freehold
2 - 20% on cost
Land and buildings leasehold
2 - 14% on cost
Plant and machinery
10 - 20% on cost
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
5 - 33.3% on cost
Motor vehicles
10 - 20% on cost
Animals
10% on cost
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is credited or charged to profit or loss.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1
Accounting policies (continued)
16
The directors have reviewed the assets held by Longleat Enterprises Limited and are of the opinion that the works of art and similar assets are not maintained principally for their contribution to knowledge and culture, but do further the commercial and enterprise of the company. For this reason they are accounted for as tangible fixed assets under section 17 of FRS 102.
Natural mazes are depreciated over 20 years from the date they are brought into use.
When land and buildings meet the definition of investment property they are reclassified at their fair value. Any gain or loss on revaluation prior to transfer, with the related tax movement, is treated in accordance with section 17 of FRS 102 and recognised in the statement of other comprehensive income.
1.5
Investment properties
Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is recognised in the profit or loss.
1.6
Fixed asset investments
Interests in subsidiaries and unlisted investments are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. The investments are assessed for impairment at each reporting date and any impairment losses or reversals of impairment losses are recognised immediately in profit or loss.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the company. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
1.7
Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting date fixed assets are reviewed to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If there is an indication of possible impairment, the recoverable amount of any affected asset is estimated and compared with its carrying amount. If estimated recoverable amount is lower, the carrying amount is reduced to its estimated recoverable amount, and an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.
If an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carry amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but not in excess of the amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.
1.8
Stocks
Stocks are largely merchandise held at various retail outlets, both at Longleat Safari Park and Cheddar Caves, which are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. The value is derived using the weighted average method.
At each reporting date, an assessment is made for impairment. Any excess of the carrying amount of stocks over its estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell is recognised as an impairment loss in profit or loss. Reversals of impairment losses are also recognised in profit or loss.
1.9
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand are basic financial assets and include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1
Accounting policies (continued)
17
1.10
Financial instruments
The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the company's statement of financial position when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include debtors, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through profit and loss, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting end date.
Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected. If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss.
If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in profit or loss.
Derecognition of financial assets
Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the company transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.
Classification of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the company after deducting all of its liabilities.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1
Accounting policies (continued)
18
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
1.11
Equity instruments
Equity instruments issued by the company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of transaction costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the company.
1.12
Taxation
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
Current tax
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The company’s liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting end date.
Deferred tax
Deferred taxation is provided in full in respect of taxation deferred by timing differences between the treatment of certain items for taxation and accounting purposes. The deferred tax balance has not been discounted.
1.13
Employee benefits
The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
1.14
Retirement benefits
The company operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. Contributions payable are charged to the profit and loss account in the year they are payable.
1.15
Leases
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease except where another more systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leases asset are consumed.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
1
Accounting policies (continued)
19
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account as they are incurred.
1.16
Grants
The company applies the accruals model for grants receivable. Grants towards capital expenditure are released to the profit and loss account over the expected useful life of the assets. Grants towards revenue expenditure are released to the profit and loss account as the related expenditure is incurred.
2
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
In preparing these financial statements the directors have made the following significant judgements and estimates:
FRS 102 requires investment property to be valued at its fair value at each reporting date. Management acknowledge the uncertainty of the valuation as in the direct local area sales are less frequent than in normal areas making a determination of market value more difficult. Management usually use the prior year value and compares this to movements in house prices in the local area as a basis for the fair value where no external valuation has been made in the period.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
20
3
Turnover and other revenue
An analysis of the company's turnover is as follows:
2025
2024
£
£
Turnover analysed by class of business
Goods
9,746,694
9,128,750
Services
23,591,780
23,308,490
33,338,474
32,437,240
2025
2024
£
£
Other significant revenue
Grants received
59,390
76,459
Rental income
149,955
184,474
Management fees
268,045
285,593
Sundry income
350,732
231,153
828,122
777,679
During the year, the company received government grants of £59,390 (2024: £76,459) in relation to the Rural basic payment scheme.
All turnover is generated from UK activities.
4
Exceptional item
2025
2024
£
£
Expenditure
Restructure costs
-
55,432
During the prior year, the company incurred costs of £27,774 for the wetlands project. A further £27,658 relates to other projects no longer going ahead.
No exceptional items were noted in the current year.
5
Operating (loss)/profit
2025
2024
Operating (loss)/profit for the year is stated after charging/(crediting):
£
£
Government grants
(59,390)
(76,459)
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
2,029,545
1,763,966
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
22,298
39,425
Operating lease charges
3,299,256
3,672,263
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
21
6
Auditor's remuneration
2025
2024
Fees payable to the company's auditor and associates:
£
£
For audit services
Audit of the financial statements of the company
41,750
40,150
7
Employees
The average monthly number of persons (including directors) employed by the company during the year was:
2025
2024
Number
Number
In trading activities
540
523
In administration
44
43
Total
584
566
Their aggregate remuneration comprised:
2025
2024
£
£
Wages and salaries
11,589,490
10,885,784
Social security costs
1,109,603
810,427
Pension costs
425,360
398,081
13,124,453
12,094,292
Redundancy payments made or committed
48,830
121,847
8
Directors' remuneration
2025
2024
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
281,765
254,459
Remuneration disclosed above include the following amounts paid to the highest paid director:
2025
2024
£
£
Remuneration for qualifying services
176,765
204,459
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
22
9
Interest receivable and similar income
2025
2024
£
£
Interest income
Interest on bank deposits
173,909
180,862
Interest on short term investments
80,784
92,831
Total income
254,693
273,693
10
Interest payable and similar expenses
2025
2024
£
£
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
68,620
69,841
11
Other gains and losses
2025
2024
£
£
Changes in the fair value of investment properties
450,000
-
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
23
12
Taxation
2025
2024
£
£
Current tax
UK corporation tax on profits for the current period
478,117
Adjustments in respect of prior periods
(184,997)
(365,023)
Total current tax
(184,997)
113,094
Deferred tax
Origination and reversal of timing differences
391,386
162,264
Adjustment in respect of prior periods
140,810
(131,899)
Total deferred tax
532,196
30,365
Total tax charge
347,199
143,459
The applicable tax rate has been updated in line with changes in UK legislation. The actual charge for the year can be reconciled to the expected (credit)/charge for the year based on the profit or loss and the standard rate of tax as follows:
2025
2024
£
£
(Loss)/profit before taxation
(306,742)
1,131,619
Expected tax (credit)/charge based on the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 25.00% (2024: 25.00%)
(76,686)
282,905
Tax effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable profit
13,671
22,609
Tax effect of income not taxable in determining taxable profit
(112,500)
Tax effect of utilisation of tax losses not previously recognised
74,812
Adjustments in respect of prior years
(184,997)
(496,922)
Permanent capital allowances in excess of depreciation
375,639
334,867
Other permanent differences
3,950
Deferred tax adjustments in respect of prior years
140,810
Chargeable gains
112,500
Taxation charge for the year
347,199
143,459
The company has carried forward capital losses of £180,100 (2024: £180,000).
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
24
13
Tangible fixed assets
Land and buildings freehold
Land and buildings leasehold
Plant and machinery
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
Motor vehicles
Animals
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2025
2,590,756
25,869,809
7,102,077
5,085,135
2,120,566
300,659
43,069,002
Additions
200,708
2,418,850
231,315
738,137
57,062
3,646,072
Disposals
(58,029)
(182,895)
(240,924)
At 31 December 2025
2,791,464
28,288,659
7,275,363
5,823,272
1,994,733
300,659
46,474,150
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2025
1,304,783
17,946,726
6,340,209
4,680,849
1,715,398
300,659
32,288,624
Depreciation charged in the year
14,127
1,488,429
229,649
219,774
77,566
2,029,545
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(58,029)
(128,032)
(186,061)
At 31 December 2025
1,318,910
19,435,155
6,511,829
4,900,623
1,664,932
300,659
34,132,108
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025
1,472,554
8,853,504
763,534
922,649
329,801
12,342,042
At 31 December 2024
1,285,973
7,923,083
761,868
404,286
405,168
10,780,378
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
25
14
Investment property
2025
£
Fair value
At 1 January 2025
3,359,403
Net gains or losses through fair value adjustments
450,000
At 31 December 2025
3,809,403
The most recent external valuation was undertaken in September 2022 by Savills UK which supported there being no material movement since the prior financial year end. The Directors carried out a further valuation as at 31 December 2025 and adjusted the fair value of the properties as appropriate.
If held at historical cost, the assets would be recognised at a cost value of £936,054 (2024: £936,054) and have a net book value totalling £435,499 (2024: £452,558).
15
Fixed asset investments
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Investments in subsidiaries
100
Unlisted investments
23,001
23,001
23,001
23,101
Movements in fixed asset investments
Shares in group undertakings
Other investments other than loans
Total
£
£
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2025 & 31 December 2025
100
23,001
23,101
Impairment
At 1 January 2025
-
-
-
Impairment losses
100
-
100
At 31 December 2025
100
-
100
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025
-
23,001
23,001
At 31 December 2024
100
23,001
23,101
The company had a 100% holding in Longleat Bath Arms Limited until the company voluntarily struck off the register in January 2026. Therefore, at the year-end date, the recoverable amount of the investment was deemed to be £nil (2024: £100).
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
26
16
Stocks
2025
2024
£
£
Finished goods and goods for resale
786,473
766,534
17
Current asset investments
2025
2024
£
£
Short term deposits
1,873,739
1,792,955
18
Debtors
2025
2024
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Trade debtors
514,072
427,894
Corporation tax recoverable
249,022
64,025
Amounts owed by related parties
272,361
196,191
Other debtors
83,304
145,268
Prepayments and accrued income
854,343
566,798
1,973,102
1,400,176
Deferred tax asset (note 21)
197,012
616,709
2,170,114
2,016,885
19
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025
2024
£
£
Trade creditors
1,947,510
2,203,015
Taxation and social security
1,609,914
893,211
Other creditors
242,840
208,050
Accruals and deferred income
5,709,026
4,326,304
9,509,290
7,630,580
Barclays Bank plc have a standard letter of set off in place for a bank overdraft facility that was not in use at the period end date.
The company have access to a loan facility of £5,250,000 with HSBC Bank Plc. The facility is secured over the assets of the company and it attracts an interest rate of 1.225% for non-utilisation.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
27
20
Provisions for liabilities
2025
2024
Notes
£
£
Deferred tax liabilities
21
593,717
481,218
21
Deferred taxation
The following are the major deferred tax liabilities and assets recognised by the company and movements thereon:
Liabilities
Liabilities
Assets
Assets
2025
2024
2025
2024
Balances:
£
£
£
£
Accelerated capital allowances
-
-
186,917
579,889
Fair value increases on investment property
593,717
481,218
-
-
Short term timing differences
-
-
10,095
36,820
593,717
481,218
197,012
616,709
2025
Movements in the year:
£
Asset at 1 January 2025
(135,491)
Charge to profit or loss
532,196
Liability at 31 December 2025
396,705
The deferred tax balance is expected to reverse, however it is not possible to quantify the expected reversal due to the unknown timing of disposals in respect of certain fixed assets.
22
Share capital
2025
2024
2025
2024
Ordinary share capital
Number
Number
£
£
Issued and fully paid
Ordinary shares of £1 each
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
The ordinary shares rank pari passu and confer the right to vote, participate in dividends and other distributions upon a winding up.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
28
23
Retirement benefit schemes
2025
2024
Defined contribution schemes
£
£
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes
425,360
398,081
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.
24
Operating lease commitments
Lessee
At the reporting end date the company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
2025
2024
£
£
Within one year
2,904,842
2,850,000
Between two and five years
11,562,343
11,400,000
In over five years
7,125,000
9,975,000
21,592,185
24,225,000
25
Ultimate controlling party
The controlling parties are the trustees of Lord Bath’s Own Longleat Settlement - Ceawlin’s Fund.
26
Related party transactions
Transactions with related parties
A Director, and close family members, are beneficiaries of various trusts which share the same controlling parties with the Company. During the year the Company received income and recharges totalling 495,206 (2024: £615,732) and incurred costs totalling £2,994,935 (2024: £2,925,219). At the reporting date, amounts owed by these related trusts totalled £225,686 (2024: £153,209).
During the year the company received income totalling £nil (2024: £1,000) from the Longleat Charitable Trust. The company also incurred expenses with this charity totalling £nil (2024: £950). At the year end the company was owed £55,159 by the Longleat Charitable Trust (2024: £42,981).
As restated
Key management remuneration amounted to £510,131 (2024: £488,840). The key management personnel are all members of the Executive team at the company.
Longleat Enterprises Limited
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2025
29
27
Cash generated from operations
2025
2024
£
£
(Loss)/profit after taxation
(653,941)
988,160
Adjustments for:
Taxation charged
347,199
143,459
Finance costs
68,620
69,841
Interest on bank deposits
(173,909)
(180,862)
Interest on short term investments
(80,784)
(92,831)
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
22,298
39,425
Fair value gain on investment properties
(450,000)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
2,029,545
1,763,966
Impairment of investments
100
-
Movements in working capital:
Increase in stocks
(19,939)
(49,723)
Increase in debtors
(387,929)
(172,136)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
1,878,710
(657,017)
Cash generated from operations
2,579,970
1,852,282
28
Analysis of changes in net funds
1 January 2025
Cash flows
31 December 2025
£
£
£
Cash at bank and in hand
13,215,626
(928,248)
12,287,378
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