A unique family adventure like no other!
Get ready to see over 700 rare and endangered animals, go on safari, see Kent’s only giraffe, spectacled bears the UK’s largest dinosaur collection and MUCH MUCH more…
Home to the UK's original and authentic safari experiences, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve offers a unique family adventure like no other zoo! Set in over 600 acres, you will be transported to the plains of Africa and Asia to see animals roaming freely, then explore on foot to see big cats, small cats, primates, gorillas and many more animals before discovering life sized prehistoric creatures in, Dinosaur Forest - all included in the price of your entry ticket!
**M20 closures between Junctions 9 and 11 coastbound and Junctions 11 and 10 London bound**
Please note that Highways England have advised that they will be closing the M20 in both directions between Junctions 9 and 11 coast bound and Junctions 11 and 10 London bound. The closures will be in place from Friday 25th January from 10pm until Monday 28th January at 6am.
Road closure signage and diversions will be in place on the M20, M25 and M26. For further information, please contact Highways England Customer Contact Centre on 0300 123 5000
The BIG day out
Babydoll's Wood Fired Pizza
Set in beautiful landscaped gardens, at the heart of Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, the NEW Babydoll’s Wood Fired Pizza is sure to delight lovers of authentic Italian cuisine.
The stylish and modern restaurant, has been named after the much loved gorilla, Babydoll, who at the grand old age of 55, is the last surviving original Howletts gorilla. She was brought up from an infant in the cottage at Howletts and is adored by the Aspinall family and her dedicated keepers.
Open to day visitors and overnight guests from 12.00pm until 10.00pm daily, you can begin your Italian experience outside, surrounded by beautiful olive trees and flowers, or relax on the comfy sofas or armchairs on the veranda with a glass of prosecco and 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.
MenuMeet the animals
We’re home to over 700 animals, including the largest herd of black rhino in the UK, western lowland gorillas, the only giraffe in Kent, 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 free safari to some Kentish woodland walks, there are 600 acres of Port Lympne to keep you entertained throughout your day.
Buy your ticketsYour day out
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 and dinosaur talks.
Basecamp
Your safari adventure starts here! Enjoy a coffee and a snack at Basecamp Cafe, then jump on board one of our safari trucks and journey out to the South American, Asian and African Experiences. Later you'll continue your adventure to Carnivore Territory, home to mighty dinosaurs, big cats, small cats and more.
NEW 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. See if you can catch a glimpse of our coatimundi as they scurry about!
African Experience
Jump on our authentic safari trucks and 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!
Asian Experience
Your safari journey continues into the Asian Experience where water buffalo wallow and herds of deer roam the plains.
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! Become a palaeontologist and dig for your very own fossils.
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.
Port Lympne Restaurant
Port Lympne Restaurant offers an intimate venue for dining, set against a dramatic backdrop of animal murals which decorate the entire dining room. With an extensive range of fine wines, alongside a delicious a la carte menu designed by our executive chef, the restaurant features dishes using locally sourced Kentish produce.
What's on
How to get here
Port Lympne Reserve, Nr. Ashford, Kent, CT21 4PD
