A unique family adventure like no other!
Get ready to see over 900 rare and endangered animals, go on safari to see our free-roaming giraffes, see Kent’s only spectacled bears, the UK’s largest dinosaur collection and MUCH MUCH more…
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve offers a unique family adventure like no other zoo! Set in over 600 acres, you'll see big cats, small cats, primates, gorillas and many more animals before discovering life sized prehistoric creatures in Dinosaur Forest!
Day visitor safaris are available to add on to your walking route ticket for £6pp. Simply choose your one day tickets and add the safari tickets to your basket when prompted when booking online or on arrival at the reserve.
Please note that the South American, African and Asian Experiences are only accessible via safari truck, therefore some animals will not visible from the walking routes of the main park.
The BIG day out
Babydoll's Wood Fired Pizza
Set in beautiful landscaped gardens, at the heart of Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Babydoll’s Wood Fired Pizza is sure to delight lovers of authentic Italian cuisine.
The stylish and modern restaurant, was named after the much loved gorilla, Babydoll, who at the grand old age of 57, was the last surviving original Howletts gorilla before she sadly passed away in 2018. She was brought up from an infant in the cottage at Howletts and was adored by the Aspinall family and her dedicated keepers.
Open from 12pm daily, you can enjoy a selection of antipasti, before tucking in to a freshly prepared and baked wood fired oven pizza or a satisfying bowl of pasta. All our seasonal vegetables and herbs used at Babydoll’s are sourced directly from our own kitchen garden and we also offer gluten friendly pizzas too. A selection of fine wines and prosecco, alongside non alcoholic and hot drinks is also available.
Sample MenuMeet the animals
We’re home to over 900 animals, including the largest herd of black rhino in the UK, western lowland gorillas, giraffes, tigers, lions, leopards, bears and so much more! With regular animal births and new species coming in every year, there’s always something different to see. Meet all of our lovely animals here.
There's lots to explore on your day out
From a safari ride to some Kentish woodland walks, there are 600 acres of Port Lympne to keep you entertained throughout your day. As well as all the amazing animals, you'll find play parks, our BIG attraction Dinosaur Forest, the Port Lympne Hotel gardens with maze and more. You can also join in our FREE animal talks.
The weather won’t ruin your visit to Howletts Wild Animal Park or Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve: We offer a rainy day guarantee at both Parks for all day visitors who have booked in advance!
Buy your ticketsBasecamp
Enjoy a coffee and a snack at Basecamp Café, then jump on board one of our safari trucks and journey out to the South American, Asian and African Experiences, or take a stroll between the rhino paddocks to begin your walking route. Later you'll continue your adventure to Carnivore Territory, home to mighty dinosaurs, big cats, small cats and more.
Please note that day visitor safaris tickets can be booked for an additional charge of £6pp either in advance online or on arrival.
South American Experience
Journey to South America on our safari trucks to see Brazilian tapirs, Tommy and Che. Spot capybara as they graze with the vicugna and look out for Kent’s only spectacled bear pair – Oberon and Rina, as they scale the heights of their grassy home to get a better view.
Please note that day visitor safaris tickets can be booked for an additional charge of £6pp either in advance online or on arrival.
African Experience
Continue your safari truck journey through the stunning Kent countryside and prepare yourself to encounter free roaming herds of Africa’s most iconic wildlife. You will be amazed at how close you get to the animals!
Please note that day visitor safaris tickets can be booked for an additional charge of £6pp either in advance online or on arrival.
Asian Experience
Your safari journey continues into the Asian Experience where water buffalo wallow and herds of deer roam the plains.
Please note that day visitor safaris tickets can be booked for an additional charge of £6pp either in advance online or on arrival.
Carnivore Territory
Steel your nerves as you enter Carnivore Territory and come face to face with majestic big cats and elusive small cats. Curl up on the comfy sofas and armchairs on the veranda at Babydoll's Wood Fired Pizza with a glass of prosecco and a selection of antipasti, before tucking in to a freshly prepared wood fired pizza or pasta dish. Now you're prepared to enter Dinosaur Forest...
Dinosaur Forest
Step into a Jurassic world when you visit Dinosaur Forest, the largest collection of life size dinosaurs in Europe at Kent’s biggest wild animal park! Marvel at the tremendous T- Rex, stare at the stegosaurus, feel the terror of the pterodactyl and delight at the sheer size of the diplodocus!
Primate Trail
Explore the wooded pathways to discover many species of endangered primates and visit The Palace of the Apes, home to our family of Western lowland gorillas.
What's on
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Afternoon Tea22 May - 31 Aug
Enjoy a classic afternoon tea on the Mansion Terrace or Moroccan Courtyard at the heart of Port Lympne Reserve in Kent.
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Sunday Brunch30 May - 31 Aug
Choose a delicious selection of smoothies, savoury plates and sweet treats such as grilled halloumi with avocado, dressed crab and French toast to enjoy in the tranquil surroundings of The Garden Room Restaurant & Bar.
How to get here
Port Lympne Reserve, Lympne (Nr Hythe), Kent, United Kingdom, CT21 4PD
