Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve has launched its winter sale, offering visitors significant discounts on luxury overnight stays and close-up animal experiences throughout the start of the new year.
The wildlife park, located near Hythe in Kent, is reducing prices across a range of its most popular accommodation and activities. The promotion aims to encourage winter tourism and support the site’s ongoing conservation efforts during the traditionally quieter post-Christmas period.
Tiered savings on luxury accommodation
Guests looking for a winter getaway can access a variety of discounts across the reserve’s 600-acre site. The sale operates on a tiered system, with different levels of savings depending on the type of lodge or retreat selected.
Big cat lodges and mansion stays
A 15% discount has been applied to several of the reserve’s most sought-after signature lodges. This includes the famous Lion Lodge and Tiger Lodge, where guests are separated from the animals only by large glass windows. Other properties included in this bracket are:
- Wolf Lodge
- Giraffe Cottage
- Bear Lodge
- Rhino Lodge
- The Port Lympne Mansion Hotel
Unique stays and leopard views
For those seeking more unconventional accommodation, the reserve is offering 25% off its “unique stays.” These include the panoramic Treetop and Lookout Bubbles, which are transparent domes designed to offer 180-degree views of the starlit sky and the reserve.
A 20% discount is available for the Leopard Creek development. This area overlooks the Amur leopard enclosure and includes a variety of units such as the “cubs,” cabins, and wigwams.
Significant glamping reductions
The largest savings are found within the park’s glamping and woodland offerings. Visitors can save up to 40% on stays at the Pinewood Pods or the luxury Treehouses. These discounts typically apply to mid-week stays and exclude Saturday nights, following the park’s standard seasonal pricing structures.
Discounts on animal encounters
Beyond accommodation, Port Lympne has confirmed that various interactive experiences are included in the winter promotion.
Close-up experiences
Selected animal encounters are being offered at reduced rates, allowing visitors to get closer to some of the world’s most endangered species. These experiences often include the opportunity to feed the animals or accompany expert keepers to restricted, behind-the-scenes areas of the park.
Guided safaris
The reserve is also offering 10% off its specialised Ranger Safaris (AAA, Gold, or Platinum levels). While a standard truck safari is included with all day tickets and overnight stays, these private tours allow for a more in-depth exploration of the Kentish savannah with a dedicated guide.
Supporting global conservation
Port Lympne operates as a profit-for-purpose organisation. All proceeds from the park and its short breaks support the work of The Aspinall Foundation, an internationally renowned conservation charity.
The charity is known for its “Back to the Wild” initiative, which focuses on the reintroduction of captive-bred animals into protected wilderness areas. To date, the foundation’s efforts have resulted in the release of:
- More than 75 gorillas
- 125 Javan ebony langurs
- 12 European bison
- 8 black rhinos
By offering these seasonal discounts, the park maintains a steady stream of funding for these global rewilding projects during the winter months.
Booking and availability
The sale covers stay dates throughout January and into the early spring. However, park officials have noted that availability is limited, particularly for the high-demand big cat lodges which often sell out months in advance.
Visitors are encouraged to book via the official Port Lympne website to secure the promotional rates. Most stay packages also include entry to the sister site, Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury, as well as access to the reserve’s walking routes and the 600-acre grounds.
Practical information for visitors
Port Lympne remains open throughout the winter, although some walking routes and outdoor exhibits may be subject to weather conditions.
The park’s various restaurants, including Babydoll’s Wood Fired Pizza and The Garden Room, remain operational for guests. For those not staying overnight, day tickets continue to offer access to the truck safari and the Dinosaur Forest, which features over 100 life-sized prehistoric models.
