We are closed
Coronavirus update: 4th January 2021 - In light of the recent government announcement placing the UK under alert level 5 and the reinstatement of a nationwide lockdown, we have closed Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park to the public. We are awaiting further government guidance and will work to reopen the both parks to guests as soon as it is appropriate to do so. We will be contacting guests with upcoming bookings to advise them on next steps.
As a charity, we appreciate your support and understanding. This is an unprecedented situation and during these incredibly challenging times we ask you to consider donating to our Animal Support Fund and contribute towards the feeding and care of our animals.
Donate to our animal support fundWhat will you see first?
There's so much to see and do at Port Lympne Reserve, we recommend around 3-5 hours to experience everything the 600 acre reserve has to offer from endangered animals, walks with stunning views and historic landscaped gardens to good food and even a little retail therapy in our Gatehouse Gift Shop (don't forget your face mask)!
Don't miss a thing!
Over 900 animals live in the 600 acre reserve so you'll want to make sure you don't miss a thing! Check out our reserve map to find everything you need to make your day out run smoothly, including all your favourite animals, play areas, restaurants and toilet facilities. Don't forget to check the talk boards when you arrive for times of our fun, fact filled animal talks and feeds throughout the day.
Download map
Step back in time!
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! Take a step back in time and come face-to-face with some of the most fearsome creatures to ever walk the Earth – all included in your admission ticket!
Gardens and hedge maze
Explore the 15 acres of landscaped gardens surrounding the Hotel to discover tranquil ponds, secluded nooks and historic statuary. The terraces with their floral borders offer the perfect spot for a picnic with a view and the little ones will love finding their way through the hedge maze - we don't mind if you cheat and shout out directions from the terrace above!
Restaurants
Take a break from exploring and enjoy tasty dishes with local wines and Kentish brews at our restaurants or grab a quick snack and a delicious coffee at our seasonal kiosks.
Face masks are not required in any of our sit down restaurants.
The Garden Room
Laid-back, unpretentious British plates packed full of flavour and quality ingredients
Restaurants
rainy day guarantee
Wet weather? No problem!
Port Lympne Reserve is an outdoor experience, but we don't let a little rain stop play. We recommend getting wrapped up in your waterproofs and fanciest wellies and finding the biggest puddles to splash in!
Shelter in the forest
As well as shelter from the worst of the Great British weather under the trees of Dinosaur Forest, you'll also find some of the fiercest creatures that ever roamed the earth lurking amongst the undergrowth. Spinosaurus makes a great umbrella while the kids explore the rest of the 3 acre woodland!
Warm up
Once you've spotted the animals that love the rain (top tip: rhinos LOVE a mud bath!), you'll be ready for a steaming coffee or hot chocolate and a tasty treat at one of our restaurants. The hotel bar is a cosy place to sit with a warming drink to watch the raindrops splashing in the ornamental pond or marvel at the thunderstorms across the English Channel beyond the reserve.
If the weather really has dampened your spirits, our Rainy Day Guarantee for all day visitors who have booked in advance means that you can return to the Park free of charge within 30 days of your original booking. Rainy Day tickets must be claimed from the Gatehouse before you exit the Park on the day of your original booking.
What's on
Here's our guide to what's on at Port Lympne
Opening Times
We are open every day except Christmas Day!
Winter (29 October - 31 March)
WE ARE CLOSED 4TH - 31ST JANUARY 2021 DUE TO TIER 4 RESTRICTIONS
Usual opening hours from 9:30am to 5pm.
On Christmas Eve we're open from 9:30am to 2pm. Last admission 1:30pm.
On Boxing Day we're open 10:30 to 5pm. Last admission 3pm.
Summer (1 April - 28 October)
We're open from 9:30am to 6:30pm.
Getting here
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is located in the South East of England in Kent, and is within easy reach of the home counties of London, Surrey, Sussex, and Essex. You can reach us by road, rail and bus. Unlike many attractions, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is open all year, including Bank Holidays, with the sole exception of Christmas Day.
By Car
By Public Transport
By Car
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve lies on the B2067, and is just past Ashford, Kent, 5 minutes from J11 of the M20. It is a short distance from Canterbury, Folkestone and the southeast coast of England.
If you are travelling via car and prefer to use a Sat Nav please use the post code CT21 4LR.
By Public Transport
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is approximately 60 minutes from St Pancras International, London, on the high speed service or a 90 minute train journey from Charing Cross or Victoria railway station in London (Please see Southeastern website for details).
Take the train to Ashford International station, and from here take a bus journey or taxi from the domestic station side.
The Stagecoach East Kent number 10 bus runs between Ashford and Folkestone via the reserve. For bus times please visit the stagecoach website.
If you prefer to travel to us by Coach, find your nearest service to Ashford International before connecting with the Stagecoach bus service.
Park accessibility
We have endeavoured to ensure we can consistently deliver an inclusive environment for our visitors, providing an experience that can be used by everyone, regardless of age, gender or disability. Throughout the development of the reserve we have sought ways to break down any unnecessary physical barriers and continue to listen to the needs of our customers.
- The park is a combination of hilly and flat terrain that can sometimes be steep and uneven.
- Entrance to the park is via a ramped footbridge
- Designated disabled parking is available at the base of the footbridge on hard standing
- The majority of the park is accessible via ramped or level access
- A number of safari trucks can accommodate a single wheelchair or mobility scooter
- Wheelchairs are available for hire at the Gatehouse
- Free pushchairs are available for use throughout the park
- Disabled toilets and baby changing facilities are available throughout the park
- Assistance dogs are not permitted in the park.
