Port Lympne Reserve
A 600-acre wildlife reserve and hotel in Kent, offering unique stays next to lions and tigers, plus a safari truck experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
Port Lympne Reserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better animal viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 600-acre wildlife reserve and hotel in Kent, offering unique stays next to lions and tigers, plus a safari truck experience.
"This place is outstanding. I’d give this 6 stars out of 5 if I could."
🚗 Golf Buggy Essential
The park is hilly! Rent a golf buggy to easily navigate and save your energy for animal spotting. :oncoming_automobile:
🦁 Unique Stays Book Fast
Lion Lodges & Treehouses are popular. Book your overnight adventure well in advance! :bed:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lion Lodge Experience
Lion Lodge accommodation
Sleep just a 'whisker away' from majestic lions in a unique lodge. An unforgettable, close-up wildlife encounter.
Tiger Lodge Stay
Tiger Lodge accommodation
Wake up to the sight of tigers! This 'wild' experience offers incredible views and a thrilling overnight stay.
Truck Safari Adventure
Safari truck route
Explore the vast parkland and spot rhinos, giraffes, and other incredible animals from the comfort of a safari truck.
Treehouse Retreat
Treehouse accommodation
Escape to the treetops in a stylish treehouse with sweeping views and self-catering facilities. Pure magic!
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Unique Stay in Advance
Embrace the Hills for the Animals
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Golf Buggy Essential
The park is hilly! Rent a golf buggy to easily navigate and save your energy for animal spotting. :oncoming_automobile:
🦁 Unique Stays Book Fast
Lion Lodges & Treehouses are popular. Book your overnight adventure well in advance!
💰 Look for Discounts
Check for special offers, especially on weekdays or during off-peak seasons. :moneybag:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Golf Buggy Essential
The park is hilly! Rent a golf buggy to easily navigate and save your energy for animal spotting. :oncoming_automobile:
🦁 Unique Stays Book Fast
Lion Lodges & Treehouses are popular. Book your overnight adventure well in advance!
💰 Look for Discounts
Check for special offers, especially on weekdays or during off-peak seasons. :moneybag:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
The park offers stunning landscapes and incredible animal encounters. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Port Lympne for its stunning grounds, commitment to conservation, and unique accommodation options like the Lion and Tiger Lodges. The truck safari is a highlight, offering great animal viewing. While the hilly terrain can be challenging, many find the experience well worth it, especially when opting for a special overnight stay. Some note that full-price day tickets can be steep, and animal visibility can vary due to the focus on natural habitats.
"We had quite a good day out as a group of 6, with my friend, her two children and mine. I drove about 65 miles from the outskirts of north London. I had no expectations as I had not heard of Port Lympne Safari Park before. My first impression was the very impressive entrance leading to the grassed parking area. We then had a 5-10 minute undulating walk to the main entrance. We attend the safari ride on a truck which was quite good and we saw animals such as rhinos, giraffes, and tigers etc although it often felt like there was more of the grounds to see as opposed to animals. The grounds themselves were beautiful and I could understand why you would pay to stay on the grounds to immerse yourself fully in nature. The park accommodated well for children with two play areas that we utilised, as well as a cafe, providing jacket potatoes, paninis, hot drinks and cakes. We visited on a Friday where there was a discount offer which was great as I would not pay full price to attend with our children’s age group. Overall a very pleasant day out. I would recommend if you live closer."
Mimi
"This place is outstanding. I’d give this 6 stars out of 5 if I could.
From the moment we arrived (it’s a beautiful location!!!) we were impressed.
The garden room & the hotel/bar area is stunning, the drinks were great & the staff could not have done more to go out their way to provide a positive experience. (Coral, you made the start of our little trip even better!).
Staff couldn’t have been more helpful when it came to making sure we knew where to go, there is a site map so its impossible to get lost.
The wildlife park is amazing - if you’re going to get stressed out that you dont see the animals its important to remember that this place does an amazing job of making sure the animals have a great habitat & that sometimes means they wont be as visible - it is what it is when animals are well looked after.
It might not be the easiest place to navigate if you have children, sure, but some hills are the price to pay for the amazing location.
We had an amazing safari experience (Richard, you’re the man - thank you so much) & then the rooms, the food, everything were 10/10.)
Thank you to every one that made the tip so great (Evie, Ava, Laura, Amanda, Olivia & loads of others whose names I dont know)
Can’t wait to come back."
Daniel Ball
"We stayed in the wolf accomodation which is stunning. The house is so beautiful. And having the extra view of the wolves is great. They will come up the the window. Having the buggy is a must as it's very hilly. Breakfast was lovely as well. The park itself is great, lots to see. Only thing that was annoying was the lack of seating by the cafe by the safari pick up. If you can head right down to the bottom of the park where there are more picnic benches"
Emma Gibson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Port Lympne Reserve is located in Kent, England. It's accessible by car via the M20 motorway. For public transport, you can take a train to Ashford International or Folkestone Central and then a taxi to the reserve.
Port Lympne is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from London, making it a feasible day trip or weekend getaway.
There is a large grassed parking area available for visitors. The entrance to the park is a short walk from the parking lot.
While there are walking paths, the park is extensive and hilly. Renting a golf buggy is highly recommended for easier navigation within the reserve.
Yes, Port Lympne can be enjoyed as a day trip, especially if you focus on the truck safari and key animal enclosures. However, an overnight stay offers a more immersive experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day tickets typically start around £32 per person, which includes entry and the truck safari. Prices can vary, and discounts are sometimes available, especially on weekdays.
Yes, discounts are often available, particularly for weekday visits or during specific promotional periods. Checking their website or social media for offers is recommended.
A standard day ticket usually includes access to the park and the truck safari experience, allowing you to see many of the animals.
While it's possible to buy tickets on the day, booking in advance is recommended, especially for unique accommodations or during peak times, to guarantee entry and availability.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Port Lympne website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times for your planned visit.
🎫 🦁 Onsite Experience
Port Lympne is home to over 900 animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos, wolves, bears, and many more rare and endangered species.
Yes, a popular truck safari is included with day tickets, offering a guided tour through the park's vast enclosures to see a variety of animals.
Yes, the park has play areas that are great for children to enjoy during their visit.
The reserve is set on hilly terrain, which is beneficial for the animals but can be challenging for visitors. Renting a golf buggy is advised for easier exploration.
Yes, Port Lympne features the UK's largest dinosaur exhibition, adding another exciting dimension to your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are cafes and restaurants on-site, offering options like jacket potatoes, paninis, hot drinks, and cakes. Some accommodations also include dining experiences.
Visitors are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks. There are picnic benches available in some areas of the park.
While specific menus can change, most park cafes offer a range of options that typically include vegetarian choices. It's advisable to check on the day for vegan availability.
Overnight stays often include dining options, such as breakfast at Bear Lodge Restaurant or dinner at the Garden Room Restaurant, depending on your chosen accommodation.
Yes, there is a hotel and bar area where you can enjoy drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
The vast savannah landscapes, unique animal enclosures, and the stunning architecture of the lodges and treehouses offer fantastic photo opportunities.
While you can't enter enclosures, the design of the park and the truck safari allow for excellent viewing and photography opportunities of animals like lions and tigers. +1
Photography is generally permitted throughout the park for personal use. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or staff instructions.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing distant animals, but a standard zoom lens will work well for closer encounters and landscape shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted at wildlife parks to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to check Port Lympne's specific policy before visiting with a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Given the hilly terrain, a golf buggy rental can be a lifesaver for families with little ones, making it easier to get around without constant carrying or tired legs.
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 Alternatively, the Leopard Creek cabins provide a lovely, intimate setting with great views and a unique animal encounter. The beautiful grounds and the thrill of being close to wildlife create a memorable backdrop for a romantic getaway. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unique Overnight Stays
+1 These unique stays often include park entry for your arrival and departure days, and some even come with a personal golf buggy for exploring the extensive grounds. +1Staying overnight allows for a deeper connection with the animals and the reserve's conservation mission. Imagine drifting off to the sounds of the wild or waking up to the sight of a giraffe outside your window.
It's an experience that goes far beyond a typical zoo visit, offering a chance to be part of the park's nocturnal life and appreciate the dedication to animal welfare. +1When booking, remember that these unique accommodations are highly sought after and tend to book up months in advance, especially during peak seasons. Planning ahead is key to securing your spot for these unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Conservation and Animal Welfare
+1 The park plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, with a strong focus on re-wilding and ensuring animals born there have the opportunity to live in protected natural habitats. +1 This commitment means that the animals' welfare and natural behaviors are prioritized, which is reflected in the design of their spacious enclosures. Visitors often note that the animals' comfort is paramount, and while this might mean they aren't always as visible as in a traditional zoo, it's a testament to their well-being.
This ethical approach to animal care makes Port Lympne a place where you can enjoy incredible wildlife encounters while supporting important conservation work. It's a destination that educates and inspires, highlighting the importance of protecting biodiversity for future generations.
+1Navigating the Hilly Terrain
To make exploring the vast 600-acre reserve more manageable and enjoyable, renting a golf buggy is highly recommended.
Even without a buggy, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Plan your route, perhaps focusing on specific areas each day if you're staying overnight, and be prepared for some uphill climbs. The rewarding views and the chance to see rare animals are well worth the effort.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit