A SLICE OF AFRICA IN KENT
Giraffe, antelope and ostriches roaming free are not what you’d normally expect from a trip to Kent… but a trip to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve offers these plus a whole load more!
A safe and happy home to many of the world’s most endangered species, the reserve is a haven of animal life and conservation, with some great restaurants and accommodation on offer too.
The Aspinall Foundation’s ultimate aim is the rewilding of animals into their protected natural habitats around the world. In the meantime, the Port Lympne Reserve plays host to day trips, overnight and longer stays in a wealth of accommodation with something for everyone.
DAY TRIPPER
A day pass allows you to discover rare and endangered animals along the wooded walkways and spacious paddocks, visit a land that time forgot at Dinosaur Forest and wander the 14 acres of landscaped gardens surrounding the historic hotel. Visit the South American, African and Asian Experiences when you board a Safari Truck to see free roaming animals against the stunning backdrop of the Kent countryside and views out to sea.
Time to refuel? Depending on your preference and your budget, you can dine in style in the Garden Room Restaurant, enjoy a classic afternoon tea in the Port Lympne Hotel or on the Western Terrace, grab a G&T and snacks in the Mansion Bar, or go Italian at Babydoll’s for authentic Italian cooking in an informal family-friendly setting.
If you’re looking for something on the hoof, then perfect pitstops around the Reserve include Pinewood Café, Basecamp Café and Lookout Café and BBQ.
Be warned – flat shoes are a must because you’ll do a lot of walking, but a nice sit down on the Safari Truck will help!
THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA…
Well, not exactly – but a stay in Tiger Lodge or Lion Lodge means you’ll be sleeping within a whisker of these beauties, with huge plate glass windows to catch them up close and personal.
At Wolf Lodge, a fully renovated historic cottage, the wolves roam free in their wooded garden enclosure next door – and you can watch them from a bespoke treetop viewing pod, accessible via a bridge over their wooded habitat.
In the heart of reserve, Rhino Lodge offers a taste of Africa in a charmingly restored cottage. Wake up to a rhino at the bottom of your private garden or watch these majestic creatures into the evening as you unwind by the open fire pit.
Other amazing experiences come in the form of Treehouses, Lookout Bubble, Treetop Bubble, Hog Deer Creek, Leopard Creek, Pinewood, Bear Lodge, Giraffe Cottage and Giraffe Lodge.
Port Lympne’s award winning short breaks range from luxurious 4* boutique hotel stays to a romantic night under the stars in a 180-degree, panoramic bubble pod.
Profits from the park and short breaks also support the Aspinall Foundation’s animal conservation charity work which takes place around the world.
ANIMALS AT THE HEART
Port Lympne Reserve is not a zoo – it’s a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals and wherever possible they aim to send animals born here to protected areas of their natural habitat where they can live free – just as they should.
The animals come first, from enclosure design to diet no expense is spared. Vegetables and herbs are grown on site, and meat sourced from trustworthy suppliers.
Enclosures are designed with the animals in mind, so there’s lots of natural foliage and furniture to provide shelter and camouflage. Animals are never locked into viewing areas, so, just like in the wild, it may take some time to spot some of them.
PRACTICALITIES
For more information about what to see and for booking tickets, restaurants and accommodation, visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne.
Port Lympne Reserve is wheelchair, mobility scooter and buggy accessible, although with some steep gradients. The Safari Trucks are accessible, as are toilets, restaurants and gift shops, assistance dogs are permitted and there is disabled parking.
Port Lympne Reserve, Lympne (Nr Hythe), Kent, United Kingdom, CT21 4PD