A Wild Stay: Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve Review

15th April 2026

My Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve Review By Rachel Ducker

Over Easter, my family and I visited Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, and it was a trip we will not forget in a hurry.

From the moment we arrived, it felt special.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, the award-winning wildlife reserve set within 600 acres of stunning countryside, continues to redefine the UK short-break market with one of the most diverse and experiential accommodation portfolios in the country.

It is so much more than just a place to see animals – it’s a whole experience. The setting is really beautiful, with amazing views and a great atmosphere. And the animals, of course, are just incredible. But what really makes it special is that you can actually stay inside the reserve, which makes the whole thing feel much more real and immersive than just visiting a regular zoo.

You get to be right in the middle of it all, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the animals, in the most beautiful setting.

Our time there was just amazing, with so many special moments that really made our stay unforgettable. It’s one of those unique places where every little detail seems to be carefully thought out to help create lifelong memories, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.

A Truly Immersive Wildlife Stay

Imagine waking up in a luxury treehouse, high up in the forest, with breathtaking views of the surrounding reserve and even the English Channel. You can choose from these amazing family treehouses, which are perfect for a special getaway. That’s what I got.

If you’re looking for something really unique at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, you can stay in one of the ultra-premium lodges – like the Lion, Tiger, Rhino, or Wolf Lodge – where you’ll be right in the middle of the animal habitats. Each of these lodges has its own private terrace and viewing area, so you can watch the animals up close. These experiences are the first of their kind worldwide, where you can wake up with an animal at your window. What’s really special about Port Lympne is that it’s a place where you can stay right in the middle of a wildlife reserve that’s still working and taking care of animals.

For a romantic escape, you might prefer the Lookout Bubble or the Treetop Bubble, which are designed for stargazing and surrounded by nature – it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s fun for the whole family, you should check out Leopard Creek Cabins and Wigwams. They’re really comfortable, and you can have some amazing adventures.

Or, if you want something a bit easier, Pinewood Pods and Forest Hideaway are great options too – they’re like glamping, but still really nice and cosy, and they’re tucked away in the woods near the lions.

If you prefer something a bit more traditional, the Mansion Hotel is a great choice. It’s like a big country house, and it’s really historic.

If you want to feel like you’re on a safari, Bear Lodge is the way to go. It’s got its own restaurant, so you can have breakfast and dinner there, and it’s right overlooking the spectacled bears, which is just amazing.

As a guest, being in the park after the zoo closes feels truly special. Once the daytime visitors leave, everything feels quieter, more exclusive and even more magical. It gives you a completely different perspective on the reserve and its animals.

Having a buggy to get around was a great bonus during our trip – you get one with the accommodation, it really made a big difference and added to the excitement of exploring new places, especially when you’ve got kids with you, it’s like a whole new level of freedom and adventure.

I’ve had the chance to stay in some really amazing places, but there was something special about this one – it had a certain charm that’s tough to find elsewhere.

Dinner at the Garden Room Restaurant

The Garden Room Restaurant was really a lovely part of our stay. It was a great place to eat and relax, and we enjoyed it a lot. You will find it nestled within 15 acres of landscaped gardens, the former stable yard of the original Sassoon estate.

The atmosphere was really laid back and trendy at the same time, making it a great spot to unwind after a long day of checking out the reserve. They had a pretty cool menu too, with lots of tasty options to choose from, so everyone could find something they liked.

We decided to go with some beef roasts, burgers, a bit of caviar, and some delicious chocolate brownies.

It was a really nice way to end the night, you know, with a big family dinner that felt cosy and welcoming. Everything about it was just right, and it was great to have that time together before we all headed back out into the wild.

The Highlight of Our Trip

The highlight of our trip was truly special.

We headed back to our place after having dinner via our buggy to making our way through the reserve. As we were driving along, the sound of wolves howling filled the air as we passed their enclosure, it was really something. The wolves were loud and it was cool to hear them like that, we just kept going, taking it all in.

There were three of them, all named Wolf, but in different languages.

That moment was really something special – my kids were completely crazy about those wolves, and to hear them howling like that was just incredible. It was like a rush of emotions all at once, you know, wild and exciting, but also really touching. It’s a memory that’s stuck with me, and I can still feel the excitement of it all.

That single moment was all it took to make the whole stay feel really special.

Animal Highlights We Loved

There were so many animal highlights across our visit.

It was great to see the monkeys playing and fighting with each other, they were really entertaining. The kids thought they were amazing and had a blast watching them, it was so much fun to see their little faces light up with excitement as they watched the monkeys swing and jump around.

Seeing the gorillas was really amazing. They’re so strong and emotional, it’s incredible to see them up close. For us, they were definitely a highlight of the trip, something that really stood out.

We also saw three really cool camels that the kids had a blast trying to find while we were there.

Everywhere we turned, there was something new to see.

Our Giraffe Feeding Experience

One of the most memorable parts of the stay was our giraffe feeding experience.

It was a real treat for us to be involved, and what a fantastic way to wrap up our journey.

We had a really great time with Gary, the giraffe – he was so nice and handsome. My husband, the kids, and I, even our little one who’s just one year old, got to give him leaves and other green things to eat. It was really funny and amazing to see his long tongue come out, it looked kind of like a slug, and it was great to watch him eat.

Luxury With Purpose

Another thing that makes Port Lympne feel so worthwhile is its conservation focus.

Staying here does more than just provide a beautiful place to rest. Every visit actually helps support the important work of The Aspinall Foundation, which includes taking care of animals and conservation efforts that go beyond the local community. This gives your stay a deeper meaning, making it a place with a real sense of purpose, not just a pretty face.

As a parent, I really appreciated that.

New for 2026

Port Lympne is also looking ahead with exciting new additions for 2026. From August, guests will be able to book The Explorer, described as the world’s only super-premium luxury safari truck accommodation. This unique stay includes a private safari around the 600-acre site before the vehicle connects to a vast trailer featuring a lounge, bathroom and two bedrooms.

From June, Port Lympne will also launch a Golden Anniversary package to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Available with selected premium lodges including Lion, Tiger, Wolf, Rhino and Explorer, the package will include behind-the-scenes experiences, private safaris, canapés on arrival, champagne breakfast, wine flights and more.

Why Port Lympne Is Worth Visiting

Port Lympne is one of the most wonderful places you could visit.

It’s perfect for a romantic getaway, a fun trip with friends, or a family vacation filled with amazing experiences. What makes it really special is how it brings together exciting adventures, stunning wildlife, cozy comfort, and luxurious touches in a way that feels truly one-of-a-kind.

You should definitely go if you have the opportunity, it’s really worth it.

It’s a feeling that’s hard to find anywhere else, the kind of memories that really stick with you.