Witness One of the Biggest Astronomical Events in a Generation at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
On Wednesday 12th August 2026, the skies above Kent will host one of the most spectacular astronomical events seen in the UK for almost three decades.
A partial solar eclipse will see up to 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon across southern England, making it the best solar eclipse visible from the UK since the famous eclipse of 1999. Better still, guests staying at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve will enjoy one of the finest vantage points in Kent to experience it.
Perched high on the Lympne escarpment, surrounded by 600 acres of open countryside and far from the glare of busy towns and cities, Port Lympne offers spectacular panoramic views across Romney Marsh and towards the English Channel. It's the perfect setting to watch this rare celestial event unfold before settling back to enjoy an unforgettable safari stay.
Why Port Lympne Is One of the Best Places in Kent to Watch the Solar Eclipse
Location matters when watching an eclipse.
Because the eclipse will take place during the evening as the Sun begins to sink towards the western horizon, you'll want somewhere with uninterrupted views and as little light pollution as possible.
Port Lympne ticks every box.
Our elevated position on the historic Lympne escarpment provides sweeping views across the Kent countryside, while the reserve's peaceful rural setting offers wide-open skies that make it ideal for watching the eclipse from start to finish.
And when you're not gazing upwards, you'll be surrounded by one of the UK's most extraordinary wildlife destinations.
Watch giraffes roaming across the savannah, listen for the distant roar of lions, spot rhinos grazing the grasslands and admire hundreds of endangered animals spread across our 600-acre reserve. It's a day where nature and the cosmos come together in spectacular fashion.
When Is the Partial Solar Eclipse?
The eclipse takes place on Wednesday 12th August 2026.
Approximate timings for southern England are:
6:17pm
The Moon begins to move across the Sun.
7:13pm
Maximum eclipse, with around 90% of the Sun covered.
8:06pm
The eclipse comes to an end as the Sun sets.
Timings may vary slightly depending on your exact location.
What Is a Partial Solar Eclipse?
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking some or all of the Sun's light.
From Kent, we'll experience a partial solar eclipse, meaning the Moon won't completely cover the Sun. Even so, around 90% of the Sun will disappear, making this one of the most dramatic eclipses visible from the UK in recent history.
At its peak, you may notice the light becoming softer, temperatures dropping slightly and the landscape taking on an almost magical twilight glow.
A Rare Opportunity
Events like this don't come around very often.
The August 2026 eclipse will be the closest the UK has come to a total solar eclipse since 1999, and after this, eclipse enthusiasts will face a very long wait.
The next total solar eclipse visible from the UK won't happen until 2090, making this a truly special opportunity to witness one of nature's greatest spectacles.
While parts of Spain, Iceland and Greenland will experience a total eclipse, Kent will enjoy one of the very best partial views anywhere in the country.
Make a short break of it
Turn your eclipse adventure into an unforgettable countryside escape with an overnight stay at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve.
Choose from luxury lodges overlooking lions, immersive tiger accommodation, romantic bubbles beneath the stars or the elegant Mansion Hotel, each offering a completely unique way to experience the reserve.
AMAZING ASTRONOMY ABOVE THE SAVANNAH
Giraffe Lodge
SLEEPS 2
Few places in the UK combine luxury wildlife experiences with sky views quite like Giraffe Lodge.
Perched on the edge of the African Experience, this extraordinary lodge offers panoramic views across the reserve. After day visiting hours, the surrounding landscape becomes calm and quiet, creating the perfect atmosphere to look skyward.
Includes:
- Welcome drink
- Ranger-guided safari
- Dinner & breakfast cooked on the open firepit by your expert chef
- Unforgettable photo opportunities
With minimal nearby lighting and wide horizons, Giraffe Lodge guests can enjoy clear views of the sky while giraffes wander below - a truly unforgettable combination of wildlife and astronomy.
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A MAGICAL NIGHT BENEATH THE CANOPY
The Treetop Bubble
SLEEPS 2
Tucked away in the tree canopy at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, The Treetop Bubble offers one of the most enchanting astronomy stays in Kent. Elevated among the trees, the transparent domes give guests the feeling of sleeping outdoors while still enjoying all the comforts of a luxury retreat.
As the reserve closes to day visitors and the surrounding woodland grows quiet, simply lie back in bed and watch through the bubble’s panoramic roof as the sun and the moon begin their celestial dance. With minimal light pollution and wide views of the sky, it’s the perfect setting for watching the partial eclipse and enjoying the stillness of a clear summer evening.
Includes:
- Welcome drink
- Personal golf buggy for exploring the reserve
- Breakfast included
- Unforgettable photo opportunities
The elevated position creates an especially magical atmosphere, where the treetops frame the view above and the sky feel almost close enough to touch.
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SKYGAZING WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS
The Lookout Bubble
SLEEPS 2
For guests seeking dramatic sky views, The Lookout Bubble is a truly unforgettable place to stay. Nestled in its own secluded corner of the reserve, surrounded by nature, this bubble suite offers an incredible vantage point for watching the sky after the day visitors have left.
The transparent dome design allows guests to enjoy uninterrupted views of the skyline from the comfort of their bed. On clear nights, constellations slowly emerge above the horizon while distant landscapes fade into darkness, creating a peaceful and immersive experience.
Includes:
- Welcome drink
- Personal golf buggy for exploring the reserve
- Breakfast included
- Situated a short walk from the lion pride
The Lookout Bubble offers a unique way to experience the partial eclipse during your stay at Port Lympne.
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A SAFARI STAY UNDER BIG SKIES
Bear Lodge
SLEEPS UP TO 8
Inspired by African safari camps, Bear Lodge combines luxury tents with spectacular views across the reserve.
Private verandas and open skies make it an excellent location for this astronomical event. Wrap up in a blanket, step outside your tent and enjoy the peaceful surroundings as the sun briefly disappears above the Kent countryside.
Includes:
- Play area
- Communal firepit
- On-site restaurant
- Stunning views over the spectacled bear habitat
The sense of remoteness here makes it easy to forget you’re still in the UK.
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FAMILY ADVENTURES
Hog Deer Creek
SLEEPS UP TO 4
(2 ADULTS & 2 CHILDREN)
Families looking for a fun glamping experience with spectacular sky views will love Hog Deer Creek.
These quaint shepherd's huts offer a cosy outdoor space perfect for gathering for the most significant solar eclipse for 3 decades. Children especially will enjoy spotting shooting stars as the Perseid meteor shower also peaks on 12th August 2026 - turning stargazing into a memorable part of the holiday.
Includes:
- Log-burner
- HD TV
- Personal golf buggy to explore the reserve
- Stunning views over the watering hole
After the sun sets following the partial eclipse, snuggle up in a blanket, switch off the lights and let your eyes adjust to reveal more and more stars.
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SPACIOUS LODGES FOR NIGHT SKY VIEWS
Leopard Creek
SLEEPS UP TO 4
(2 ADULTS & 2 CHILDREN)
Modern and stylish, Leopard Creek Cubs, Cabins and Wigwams overlook the reserve’s landscapes.
The secluded position means guests can enjoy wide, uninterrupted views of the sky - ideal for watching the partial eclipse or relaxing with a drink as the stars appear.
Includes:
- Welcome drink
- HD TV
- Log burner
- Personal golf buggy to explore the reserve
- 24 hour concierge
- Breakfast (included with Wigwam stays only)
Leopard Creek Cub
The two Leopard Creek Cubs, sleeping up to two guests, include bespoke king-sized beds and luxurious shower rooms. Throw open the double doors to enjoy the sweeping views of an expansive sky across the reserve or relax in the outdoor seating area. The Cubs include all the basic amenities as well as rustic finishing touches. The accommodation includes a 24-hour concierge and a complimentary buggy to explore the Reserve.
Book Leopard Creek Cub
Leopard Creek Cabin
Three cosy Cabins, which can accommodate up to four guests (2 adults and 2 children under 8 years old), offer stunning views and outdoor seating to sit and watch the partial eclipse. The Cabins include bespoke king-sized beds and luxurious shower rooms with rustic-luxe interiors. The accommodation includes a 24-hour concierge and a complimentary buggy to explore the Reserve.
Book Leopard Creek Cabin
Leopard Creek Wigwams
The two wigwams sleep up to four guests (2 adults & 2 children under 8 years old) . The large panoramic windows with spectacular views of the sky over the reserve and the distant coastline are perfect for skygazing from the comfort of your king-sized bed. A large outside leopard viewing area provides a chance to see the rare Sri Lankan leopards - a sight very few have seen. The Wigwam includes all the basic necessities as well as bespoke finishing touches including a monsoon shower, a complimentary buggy to explore the reserve and breakfast.
Book Leopard Creek Wigwam
JOIN THE MOON IN THE SKY
The Treehouses
SLEEPS UP TO 4
Hidden among the tree canopy, the beautiful Port Lympne Treehouses offer a magical setting for this astronomic spectacle.
Private balconies and towering trees create a peaceful environment for evening sky-watching. With the rustle of leaves and distant wildlife sounds, it’s a wonderfully atmospheric place to observe the heavens.
Includes:
- Arrival drink
- Private balcony
- Breakfast included
- Full kitchen for self-catering or enjoy our on-site restaurants
- Personal golf buggy to explore the reserve
After the partiel eclipse, wander down to the Clubhouse bar below for a glass of something special and toast marshmallows over the firepit while you wait for darkness to fall and the celestial show of the Perseid metoer shower to begin...
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Experience Wildlife and Wonder Together
There aren't many places where you can watch one of the greatest astronomical events of the decade before returning to a luxury lodge overlooking lions or enjoying a sunset across the Kentish savannah.
At Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, that's exactly what awaits.
With its elevated position, open skies, extraordinary wildlife and award-winning accommodation, there's no better place in Kent to experience the 2026 partial solar eclipse.
Book Your Summer Escape
Whether you're planning a family adventure, a romantic getaway or a unique overnight stay, make Wednesday 12th August 2026 one to remember.
Join us at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and experience one of the UK's most remarkable natural spectacles from one of Kent's most spectacular locations.
How to Watch the Solar Eclipse Safely
Although a solar eclipse is incredible to witness, you should never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection.
To enjoy the event safely:
- Wear certified solar eclipse glasses (look for ISO 12312-2 certification).
- Make a simple pinhole projector using two pieces of card.
- Never use ordinary sunglasses, binoculars or telescopes without approved solar filters.
Protecting your eyesight means you'll be able to enjoy this once-in-a-generation event safely.
