HYTHE, KENT – The Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, Kent’s largest wildlife park, will open its first-ever Christmas light trail this winter, transforming its 600-acre site into a festive wonderland.
Entitled ‘Port Lympne Illuminated,’ the attraction is a fantasy-inspired night-time adventure through the reserve’s gardens and woodland, featuring various mesmerising light installations, a vintage funfair with carnival rides, and a fairy disco. The event will run from Friday, 28th November 2025 until Saturday, 3rd January 2026, offering a unique after-dark experience for families and friends.
Tickets for the event are now on sale and can be booked in advance to secure a preferred date and time. Adult tickets start from £21 and child tickets for ages 3 to 15 from £10, with parking being complimentary. A reserve spokesperson has confirmed that tickets are popular and expected to sell out quickly.
An After-Dark Encounter
The initial light trail is a collaborative effort with renowned light trail producers and is designed to light up the natural environment with minimal disturbance to the rare and endangered wildlife that inhabits the reserve. The light trail is a 1.3km circuit running through the Reserve’s gardens, with displays discretely integrated into the natural pathways.
As night descends, forest fairies at the reserve are said to “transform woodland walks and gardens,” creating a glittering festival for their animal companions. The 13 vibrant art installations along the trail combine light, water, and even holograms to create narratives that blur the boundaries between the real and imaginary worlds. Visitors can expect to wander through illuminated pathways, explore stunning woodland landscapes, and catch glimpses of hyper-realistic holographic tigers stalking in the shadows.
More Than Just Lights
Port Lympne Illuminated is about more than just a light show. To complement the sparkling displays, there is a complete sensory experience with a retro-style funfair, a ‘Fairy Disco’ at the Orangery with lively tunes, and the “Fairy Kitchen” with hot food and drinks to suit all tastes. The festival has been tailored as an immersive and interactive experience for all ages.
For those who want to extend their festive break, Port Lympne offers “Nightlights Packages” for an unforgettable overnight stay. These completely inclusive packages offer accommodation in unique settings like Bear Lodge, Treehouses, or Pinewood Pods, providing a wild alternative to a traditional winter break. The overnight stays come with access to the light trail and to the entire 600-acre reserve and its wildlife.
Accessibility and Community Inclusion
To make the event as accessible as possible, Port Lympne is organising a Special Educational Needs (SEN) night on Monday, 1st December 2025. This night is strictly for visitors with special needs or families with young children who may prefer a quieter and less crowded night out. On SEN night, the sound levels are set to remain lower, and guest attendance will be restricted so everyone can have a calmer experience. A free carer ticket is also provided to all paying visitors with access requirements by request.
The route itself is wheelchair and buggy accessible, although some areas with natural terrain are cited by the reserve as being difficult and can be especially slippery when wet. This attention and forethought is a testament to the reserve’s efforts to make the experience convenient for everyone.
A New Era for a Historic Preserve
Port Lympne has a nearly one hundred-year history of conservation and has welcomed countless visitors. The new Port Lympne Illuminated is a new chapter, combining cutting-edge storytelling with the reserve’s core mission to conserve wildlife. The attraction was conceived to be “not only stunning to see, but it benefits the animals we care for directly as well,” said Tony Kelly, Managing Director at Port Lympne, adding that each ticket sold benefits the crucial conservation work of the Aspinall Foundation.
Key Information for Visitors
- Dates: 28th November 2025 – 3rd January 2026.
- Tickets: Start at £21 for adults and £10 per child. Free parking is provided.
- What’s Included: Access to the light trail, funfair, fairy disco, and food and drink areas.
- Daytime Access: Your ticket also allows you to access the reserve from 2 pm on the day so you can see the animals before the light trail starts.
- Where to Find Information: For bookings, FAQs, and more details, go to the official Port Lympne Illuminated website.
The experience is set to be a key winter highlight in Kent and promises to provide a magical and worthwhile day out. Visitors are advised to book early to secure their preferred date and to avoid any possible disappointment. The trail runs regardless of weather, with cancellation being possible only if there is a safety risk involved.
