Pandas are taking over Longleat

More than 50 cute panda statues have taken over the Wiltshire estate Credit: Longleat

Dozens of hand-painted pandas are taking over Longleat as part of an eccentric new art trail which officially opens over the May Bank Holiday Weekend.

More than 50 cute panda statues have taken over the Wiltshire estate, with some even popping up within the Safari Park.

The pandas have been specially created for Longleat by artists in China.

Each of the pop-up sculptures has its own unique design incorporating everything from English seasonal events and clothing traditions to the different artistic styles and elements of Chinese culture.

Visitors will be able to spot the pandas throughout their visit including inside the Monkey Drive-through, from the Longleat Railway, inside Animal Adventure, in the Sun Maze and within the formal gardens, set against the backdrop of Longleat House.

Longleat is also enlisting the help of staff members along with a number of local artists to create their own panda designs which will also go on public display later this year.