A vast wildlife reserve in Kent, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve has always been the gold standard of what an animal sanctuary should be. With conservation at the heart of its mission, it’s a magical place for both the animals who live there and for those who visit.
My history with Port Lympne goes back a long way. I grew up in a village not far from its sprawling location, and during my early years at university, worked in the children’s gift shop during the holidays. It was a great place to work – lunch breaks spent while watching the rhinos have theirs too, and a commute that included a stroll past the monkey enclosure. Younger guests would arrive at the gift shop – the final pitstop before the exit – giddy with the excitement of a day spent exploring Kent’s version of the Serengeti. Nearly 20 years on, I ventured back with my husband, our toddler, my parents, plus my best friend and her two young children.
I’ve been lucky enough to travel extensively through my work as a journalist, including multiple safari trips in Uganda, Zambia and Sri Lanka, and Port Lympne is the real deal – a unique experience your family will never forget; Kenya in Kent. We often think that unforgettable trips take place in faraway places, but sometimes we stumble across somewhere closer to home that delivers that rare alchemy of otherworldliness, wonder and excitement. Whether you go for the day, or stay overnight, this is a visit to remember.
What is Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve?
Its mission is to identify endangered species, breed them and rehome them back in their respective natural habitats. During their time on British soil, they are given the sabbatical of their lives – enclosures are spacious and designed as much as possible to look like their motherland. They are given nutritional food and friends to play with. They are cared for by leading animal experts, most of which have worked at the park for decades. The reserve is home to over 900 animals and 73 species, from tigers and lions to giraffes, bears and gorillas, all spread out over 600 acres. It is the closest you’ll get to an African safari in the UK (and the only one which also overlooks the Kent coastline). A day ticket will give you access to the whole park, which is easily explored by foot (and largely accessible with a buggy, with the exception of a few steep staircases clearly outlined on the reserve’s map which you’ll be given at reception).
If you and your children do get tired, regular safari trucks offer collection at the furthest point of the park with drop offs half-way and at the entrance. Tickets all include a group safari truck ride in a specialist safari vehicle, during which you’ll get closer to seeing the animals. There are multiple places to eat, from relaxed cafes to sit-down restaurants. For the ultimate staycation with children, book a stay at one of the park’s unique, award-winning accommodation options, which vary from four-star lodges overlooking the tigers to luxury glamping next to the bear enclosure.
What makes it so special?
Port Lympne feels like an oasis, the African Savannah but with sea views. There is so much to see that, even if the lions are resting and out of sight, there are still countless other animals to gaze at. The spacious enclosures also mean that you never feel as if the animals are being crowded by visitors; there are always ample options for them to hide away. Unlike most zoos (Port Lympne is keen to distance itself from that word), the park is very green which makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a different, bucolic world where the only thing that matters is who you’re with – and the animals that steal the show. If you want to know more about the animals, ask any of the staff who are deeply knowledgable and passionate about their work. If you feel uneasy about zoos, this is a place where your mind will be put at rest. While the ticket price falls on the side of expensive, this is a proper day out – if you arrive at opening time at 9.30am there will be enough to keep families entertained until 5pm when the park closes. Guests can upgrade their animal experiences to an Ultimate, Giraffe or Rhino where they can handfeed the animals, or there’s an array of add-on animal scatter feeds and encounters, including Meet The Great Apes, Brown Bear Scatter Feeds and Baboon feeds. Port Lympne is incredibly well set up for children – there are the animals of course, but also multiple play areas, picnic spots, bathrooms, dining options, and a zone called the Dinosaur Forest, where life-size model dinosaurs are dotted among the woodland.
The Accommodation
The Lion Lodge
We stayed at the Bear Lodge, one of 19 glamping tents positioned high on a hill overlooking the bear habitat. The space featured four, compact bedrooms – two doubles and two with bunkbeds – so perfect for families, and a fully-functioning, spacious bathroom with power shower. Each ‘tent’ has a living room (with a wood burner for cooler evenings), and a veranda from which to soak up the sea views and to enjoy a glass of wine once the kids are in bed. We needed a travel cot last minute, which the on-site concierge found for us within 10 minutes. In the absence of air pollution, the stars are nothing short of spectacular. The children were spellbound. We went to bed listening to the lions roaring in the distance, and woke up to see a bear, ‘Paddington’ as my toddler named him, taking his morning stroll.
Leopard Creek
We went for dinner at the Garden Room Restaurant, a stylish, family-friendly dining spot with an excellent menu made using locally sourced ingredients. The food was delicious, but it was the 15-minute walk from the restaurant to the tent that proved even more unforgettable. All overnight guests have access to the park after the crowds have left, and we were escorted back by a rhino taking his evening walk. In the morning, we had an excellent breakfast at ‘Bear Lodge Restaurant’, located in the centre of the site, with more than enough high chairs to go round. A play park outside entertained the children after they finished their sausages and beans. All overnight guests have complimentary access to its sister property, Howletts Wild Animal Park (a 30-minute drive away).
Who is Port Lympne for?
Image credit: Shelly Kettle
You’d struggle to find someone who won’t enjoy a day at Port Lympne, but it’s a very special experience for children. We were travelling with three under fours, but older children and teenagers would enjoy it too – it’s hard not to be won over by such an immersive wildlife exploration. Even those who protest they don’t care about seeing animals will have a change of heart once they arrive.
The Highlights
Where to start? If you can’t afford a trip to the jungle, then this is the next best thing. A day ticket to Port Lympne is still a treat, but if you can stay overnight do (it would make a perfect October half-term staycation). The chorus of the big cats roaring into the night and singsong of the monkeys at sunrise is truly unforgettable. The after hours access given to overnight guests is also a real highlight – who wouldn’t want to stroll round their own Serengeti as the sun goes down? How often do you and your children wake up to see a bear having a bath? This is an experience that your family will remember forever.
Any other reasons to visit?
The park has a few events coming up worth noting; on 28 November, it launches a light trail that promises to make after-dark visits very special. Port Lympne Illuminated (open until 3 January), will feature dazzling 3D projections transforming tree canopies, a high-energy disco held in the Orangery, and complete with synchronised light and sound, while immersive snow scenes will create a winter wonderland. The light trail has been carefully designed not to disturb the wildlife and to enhance the natural environment. As the festive season begins, guests will be able to step into Santa’s Grotto, where little ones can meet the big man himself, and explore a fairground and light tunnels. Overnight guests will be given complimentary access to the trail and the grotto.
Need to know
Adult day tickets are £31.82, children aged 3-15 start at £26.36 and children aged between 0-2 go free with a fully-paying adult. As Port Lympne is a charity, visitors pay a donation price (10% on top of the standard price) unless requested otherwise. Given that the park is largely outside, there is a wet weather policy – if it rains continuously for more than two hours, you can return to the park free of charge within 30 days of your original booking. Prices for an overnight stay at the Bear Lodge start at £399, but you can find more affordable options at either the Mansion Hotel in one of its four-star bedrooms (starting at £279 per night), or one of the Pinewood pods near the big cats enclosure (starting at £169 per night).
Where is Port Lympne?
Port Lympne is in Lympne near the coastal town of Hythe. It’s around an hour and a half drive from London (65 miles), and the nearest train station is Westenhanger, which is just under three-and-a-half miles from the park.
FAQs
What kind of animals can you see at Port Lympne?
The park is home to over 75 different species, including gorillas, giraffes, lions, tigers, black rhinos, spectacled bears, gibbons, tapirs, wildebeest, zebras, cheetahs, camels, water buffalos and lemurs.
What time of year is it open?
Port Lympne is open all year except Christmas Day. Opening and closing times vary slightly according to the time of year, so check the reserve’s website before planning your visit.
When is best to visit?
Any time of year is a good time to experience the park given its rainy-day guarantee and the number of cosy spots to hide away from a downpour. The glamping facilities are good enough that warm weather isn’t essential.
What should I wear/pack?
It’s a huge space, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes. This is not the time for wearing in new trainers; only dependable footwear will do. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, make sure to bring suncream, sunglasses and a hat, and in the winter, bring a coat and umbrella to ensure you’re covered for rain or cold.
Are there any additional costs?
There are multiple additional experiences to buy if you want to make your visit more special, such as private safari truck rides or animal encounters with small groups. You’ll find different on-site dining options to accommodate various price points, but visitors can bring in their food too.
Is it accessible?
The park aims to be as inclusive as possible, but it is a combination of hilly and flat terrain that can sometimes be steep and uneven. The majority of Port Lympne is accessible via ramps and it offers a number of safari trucks that accommodate a single wheelchair or mobility scooter. Wheelchairs are available for hire at the main reception and disabled toilets and baby changing facilities are available throughout the park.
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