Longleat has confirmed that chief executive David Bradley has resigned, just weeks after he was suspended from his role as the head of the safari and adventure park.

The Wiltshire Times was informed that Mr Bradley had been suspended and removed from the site at the end of September, with all locks to the Estate office and his office replaced.

Longleat confirmed that Mr Bradley had been temporarily suspended from his role pending an investigation, with Lord Bath’s son Ceawlin Thynn taking up the role of acting chief executive.

However, Mr Bradley has now resigned as CEO, with Ceawlin, Viscount Weymouth, continuing as acting chief executive.

A spokesman for Longleat said: “Longleat Enterprises Limited announces that David Bradley has resigned to move onto new challenges and the chairman, Ceawlin Thynn, has assumed the duties of acting chief executive.

“The company will be conducting a review of the future mix of attractions at Longleat to ensure that the business will continue to be at the forefront of the best visitor attractions in the UK. There have been no other changes in personnel.

“After a hugely successful summer season, the management team is looking forward to delivering spectacular Halloween, Fireworks and Christmas experiences for Longleat’s loyal customer base.”

Mr Bradley, formerly managing director of Legoland, was brought in by Ceawlin after his father Lord Bath retired in 2009, with the new CEO tasked with bringing the park into the 21st century.

Since his arrival, Longleat has embarked on an ambitious five-year programme of investment and development in new visitor attractions.

Mr Bradley has also driven Longleat’s recent acquisition of two luxury hotels in the Wiltshire and Bath areas, namely The Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa and Homewood Park Hotel and Spa.