UK staycations on the wild side!

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Kent staycations for families, groups and couples

With dozens of flights being cancelled every week this summer, a UK staycation at Port Lympne is the best way to experience an authentic safari without the hassle and uncertainty of international travel. Join us on our stunning Kentish savannah and enjoy a magical getaway with award-winning accommodation, exotic wildlife, good food and spectacular views, right on your doorstep! 

With 14 different ways to stay including glamping under the stars and relaxing in exclusive luxury lodges with wild neighbours, a staycation at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is the ideal holiday destination for families, couples or groups. 

Explore the 600 acre reserve to discover the 900 rare and endangered animals or make your staycation extra special by booking one of our VIP ranger safaris, animal encounters or wildlife photography courses.  With our restaurants showcasing seasonal menus, foodies will not be left disappointed. 

Where to find us

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the South East of England, just 5 minutes from J11 of the M20 in Kent.  The reserve is easily reachable by train, just an hour from London St Pancras International on the high speed service to Ashford International.  The Eurotunnel terminal Folkestone is a short 6 minute drive away or a 20 minutes from the Port of Dover. 

Glamping staycations

The perfect staycation idea for adventurers of all ages!  Spend a wild night under canvas in an authentic safari tent, or experience a little rustic charm in a shepherd’s hut, glamping pod or cosy cabin.

Luxury Lodges

Where else in the UK can you wake up with a lion or tiger at your window?  Our portfolio of luxury lodges allow you to get even closer to the wonderful wildlife at Port Lympne Reserve without even needing to leave the lodge!  A stay at one of immersive lodges or our collection of historic former gatehouses and keeper’s cottages includes your own private golf buggy to explore the reserve at your leisure (excludes Giraffe Cottage). 

Best staycations for families

Create special memories with your family at our fun and affordable glamping accommodations. Bear Lodge, Pinewood and Hog Deer Creek are a fantastic choice for a family staycation, with bears, lions and tigers or cheeky hog deer as your neighbours!

Best staycations for couples

Relax and reconnect with your loved one on a romantic break at the UK’s first conservation hotel & reserve. Once the opulent country estate of Sir Philip Sassoon, Port Lympne’s 600 acres of private parkland are perfect for strolling hand in hand with your loved one before sipping champagne and watching the wildlife from your cosy accommodation.

Best staycations for groups

Gather your tribe for a staycation they’ll never forget!  Your nearest and dearest will have the time of their lives with a glamping adventure at Bear Lodge or an exclusive stay at Giraffe Cottage with a private chef and spectacular views of the free roaming giraffes, rhinos, wildebeest and more!

Where to eat

From family favourites and authentic Italian cuisine to fine dining and traditional roasts, you’ll find something for everyone at our variety of on-site restaurants.  We use only the finest, locally sourced ingredients accompanied by local wines and Kentish brews.

What to do

Access to Port Lympne Reserve is included in your staycation, so you’re free to roam all day as well as before and after visitor opening hours, either on foot or on your private golf buggy (included with most of our accommodations.  Excludes Pinewood, Bear Lodge, Giraffe Lodge and Giraffe Cottage). 

Explore the many pathways to discover over 900 animals, wander the landscaped gardens and take in the stunning panoramic views.  Don’t forget to take a trip back in time when you enter Dinosaur Forest.  Encounter life sized prehistoric creatures, lurking amongst the undergrowth in the 3 acre woodland!  Free admission to Howletts Wild Animal Park, just a short drive away is also included for the duration of your stay.

Upgrade your staycation

Get even closer to your favourite animals with our range of animal experiences for all ages, including keeper experience days, special feeds and animal encounters where you could even get to hand feed the animals!  For a more relaxing experience, book a safari with our expert rangers who will guide you to the very best spots to view the more elusive species and get a closer look at some of your favourite animals!   

Your stay means more

As well as reducing your travel time, costs and carbon footprint, your UK staycation supports real conservation work.  Port Lympne Reserve supports The Aspinall Foundation and together we fund the protection, breeding, and rewilding of rare & endangered species. Since 1984 over 320 animals have successfully been returned to the wild including 70 gorillas, 8 rhinos, 180 Javan primates, 11 European bison and 2 cheetahs. By spending the night with us, you are actively helping to ensure the future of these endangered species.