Port Lympne Wild Animal Park

The zoo’s history dates back to the early 20th century when Sir Philip Sassoon transformed the estate into a sanctuary for exotic animals. Over the years, the park has expanded and evolved under the guidance of the Aspinall Foundation, a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation. The foundation’s focus on breeding endangered species and reintroducing them into the wild has made Port Lympne a vital player in global conservation efforts.

What to see at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park

Visitors to Port Lympne Wild Animal Park can expect to see animals from around the world, although the focus is on African wildlife. The park is home to a diverse collection, including African elephants, giraffes, gorillas, tigers, zebras, and many more species. The animals live in spacious enclosures that aim to replicate their natural habitats.

The park is divided into two main visitor experiences. The network of paths where you can walk through the park and see the animals at your own pace and the drive-through area where you take a safari tour through the African and Asian habitats to see the larger, and more dangerous, wildlife that roam freely. This unique safari experience is led by knowledgeable rangers and these tours allow guests to observe animals up close while learning about their behaviour, conservation challenges, and the important work being done to protect them.

Port Lympne also offers a range of additional activities and attractions to enhance visitors’ experiences. The Dinosaur Forest takes guests back in time to encounter life-size animatronic dinosaurs, providing an educational and thrilling adventure. The park also features various play areas, including the popular Dinosaur Forest Maze, perfect for younger visitors to enjoy.

Visiting Port Lympne Wild Animal Park

Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is open throughout the year. It is a fairly expensive attraction; however, it is a half-day experience so the cost per hour is more reasonable than some other attractions that you can see in a much shorter time. It’s also important to note that your entry fees go towards funding the conservation of rare and endangered species.

If you live in Kent, or are a regular visitor, then you may want to consider the annual pass, which gives you unlimited entry to both Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Port Lympne Wild Animal Park including a 20% discount on food and drink across both parks. Annual passes cost £75 for adults and £65 for children.

Unlike Longleat, it is not possible to drive your own car through the animal reserve and you need to take one of the safari tours that take you through the African and Asian habitats at the Port Lympne. The safari tour is included in your entry ticket.

In addition to the standard visitor experience, Port Lympne Wild Animal Park also operate a number of animal encounters that allow you get closer to the animals, see behind the scenes and even experience a day as a keeper. Note that not every experience operates every day. Animal encounter experiences at Port Lympne include:

You won’t go hungry as the park’s dining options cover everything from afternoon tea to a Sunday roast. The park has several restaurants including the Garden Room restaurant and bar and the elegant Mansion Bar & Terrace and for a more casual dining experience, there are also three cafes on the property plus Babydoll’s Wood-fired Pizza.

The park also offers accommodation options, such as luxury lodges and glamping experiences, allowing visitors to extend their stay and immerse themselves in the park’s unique atmosphere.

Port Lympne is a large park that offers quite a lot to see and do so it is best to allow 3–5 hours for your visit.

If you enjoyed your visit to Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, you may also enjoy a visit to Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury, which is also operated by the Aspinall Foundation, as well as Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire.