Port Lympne Safari Park
Hythe, KentAbout Port Lympne Safari Park
Port Lympne Safari Park – Kent's Ultimate Wildlife Adventure
Looking for an unforgettable day out in Kent? Escape to the wild at Port Lympne Safari Park, the county’s largest wildlife park and home to the UK’s most authentic safari experience. Set in over 600 acres of stunning countryside near Ashford, Port Lympne lets you explore the animal kingdom like never before – all while supporting global conservation efforts.
New for Summer 2026: Wild Summer runs from 20 July to 31 August at Port Lympne Reserve, bringing a vintage-inspired summer celebration alongside the park’s wildlife trails, safari truck experience, Dinosaur Valley and daily animal talks.
Hundreds of animals across rare and endangered species live across the 600-acre reserve
Port Lympne Safari Park is not your average zoo – it’s a full-scale wildlife reserve where animals roam in expansive, naturalistic habitats. Come face to face with over 800 animals and more than 75 rare and endangered species. From majestic African elephants and powerful lions to playful gibbons and adorable red pandas, every corner of the park offers something amazing to discover.
Wander through beautifully landscaped pathways or board the safari truck to see free-roaming animals across the Kentish savannah. Spot zebras grazing, rhinos wallowing in the mud, and giraffes towering over the treetops. It's a true taste of the wild – right here in Kent.
Dinosaur Valley – Step Back in Time
Don’t miss the Dinosaur Valley, the largest of its kind in the UK. This immersive prehistoric trail brings you up close with life-sized dinosaurs including the terrifying T. rex, towering Diplodocus and many more. Perfect for dino-mad kids (and grown-ups!), it's one of the park’s most exciting and unique attractions.
Top Things to Do at Port Lympne Safari Park
Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or a loved one, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences to enjoy:
Safari Adventure – Board a safari truck and travel through open habitats filled with free-roaming animals.
Carnivore Territory – Get up close with African painted dogs, binturongs, and other rare carnivores.
Primate Trail – Follow the winding path to spot gorillas, langurs, and more.
VIP Experiences – Become a Keeper for a Day and get hands-on with daily animal care and feeding.
Luxury Short Breaks – Extend your adventure with a stay in one of our award-winning lodges, treehouses or glamping pods. From Lion Lodge to Wolf Lodge, there’s nowhere else in the UK you can sleep next to a tiger or hear a lion roar from your window.
Planning Your Visit – Top Tips
To make the most of your visit to Port Lympne Safari Park, here are some helpful tips:
- Book in Advance – Guarantee your safari slot and avoid disappointment, especially during school holidays
- Check the Weather – Much of the park is outdoors, so come prepared for the British climate
- Wear Comfortable Shoes – With hundreds of acres to explore, you'll be doing plenty of walking
- Bring Binoculars – Spot animals on the move during the safari drive
- Take a Camera – Capture magical memories of your wild day out
Why Choose Port Lympne Safari Park?
Port Lympne isn’t just a brilliant day out – it’s a chance to support wildlife conservation. The park is operated by The Aspinall Foundation, a leading conservation charity working to return animals born at the park back to the wild. Every visit helps fund vital rewilding programmes across the globe, from gorillas in Gabon to cheetahs in South Africa.
If you're searching for a top family attraction in Kent or an unforgettable wildlife experience near London, Port Lympne Safari Park should be at the top of your list. Book your tickets today and start your adventure!
Iconic Safari Experience
Our favourite activity at Port Lympne Safari Park has to be the iconic safari experience – the only one of its kind in Kent! Climb aboard a safari truck and journey across the Kentish savannah, spotting giraffes,rhinos and more. It’s a thrilling, authentic adventure you won’t find anywhere else in the county!
UK's Largest Dinosaur Valley!
One unmissable highlight at Port Lympne Safari Park is the awe-inspiring Dinosaur Valley – the largest of its kind in the UK. Step back in time as you stroll through ancient woodland, encountering life-sized, moving dinosaurs like T. rex and Triceratops. It’s a thrilling prehistoric adventure for the whole family!
Get Closer Than Ever with Animal Encounters at Port Lympne
Want to make your day truly unforgettable? Port Lympne Safari Park offers a huge variety of animal encounters you can upgrade to – perfect for wildlife lovers of all ages. Whether it’s hand-feeding a giraffe, or going behind the scenes with big cats, these intimate, up-close experiences bring you face to face with the animals like never before. Each encounter is led by our expert keepers and supports vital conservation work, making it an exciting and meaningful addition to your visit.
Facilities at Port Lympne Safari Park
Toilets
Free Wifi
Gift Shop
Onsite Parking
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Food Available
Wheelchair Friendly
Pushchair Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Wheelchair Hire
Opening times at Port Lympne Safari Park
- Monday, 09:30 - 17:00
- Tuesday, 09:30 - 17:00
- Wednesday, 09:30 - 17:00
- Thursday, 09:30 - 17:00
- Friday, 09:30 - 17:00
- Saturday, 09:30 - 17:00
- Sunday, 09:30 - 17:00
Open daily from 09:30. Standard closing is 17:00, with later 18:00 closing during school holidays and bank holidays. Always check your ticket date before travelling.
Pricing & Tickets at Port Lympne Safari Park
- Child (3-15) : £23.20
- Adult (16-18+) : £28.00
- Babies and Toddlers (0-2) : Free
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Port Lympne Safari Park by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 4 - 5 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options at Port Lympne Safari Park
Need to fill your roaring tummies? Don't fret, there's plenty of grub to munch on. Whether you grab some pizza at Babydolls Wood-Fired Pizza for Mediterranean flavours and authentic Italian cooking. The Garden Room Restaurant is perfect for celebrating special occasions or romantic evenings. Basecamp Cafe is the perfect spot for delicious sandwiches, light snacks and a quick coffee.
The adults can unwind in the Mansion Bar & Terrace as they sip on a couple of drinks. With a charming atmosphere and beautiful decor, it's truly luxurious. Or maybe you fancy a delicate afternoon tea? Right at the historic Port Lympne Hotel or at the heart of Port Lympne Reserve, right here in Kent!
FAQs
Parking at Port Lympne Safari Park
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink at Port Lympne Safari Park
Accessibility at Port Lympne Safari Park
Port Lympne Safari Park Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Aldington Road
Lympne
Hythe
Kent
CT21 4PD
England
Tel: 01303264647
Visit WebsiteHow To Get To Port Lympne Safari Park
By Bus:
If you’re travelling by bus, you can take the Stagecoach Bus Route 10/10A from Ashford or Folkestone, which stops near Westenhanger Station. Please note this is a limited bus route service that is approx 15 minute walk away from the entrance.
By Car:
From London: Take the M20 towards Folkestone and exit at Junction 11. Follow the signs for Hythe/A261, and then follow the brown tourist signs to Port Lympne Safari Park.
From Folkestone: Take the M20 and exit at Junction 11, then follow the signs for Hythe/A261 and continue on the A261, following the signs for the park.
Port Lympne lies on the B2067, around 5 minutes from Junction 11 of the M20. If using sat nav, the official site advises postcode CT21 4LR.
By Train:
The nearest train stations to Port Lympne Safari Park are Westenhanger and Ashford International.
From Westenhanger Station: It’s a 10-minute taxi ride to the park. Alternatively, you can catch a local bus from the station to the park.
From Ashford International: Ashford International connects to high-speed trains from London St Pancras, making it an ideal option for families travelling from the city. From Ashford, it’s a 20-minute taxi ride, or you can take a local bus service to Port Lympne.
Verification & Last Updated
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This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last Updated: 12:55 14/07/2026
Port Lympne Safari Park Reviews
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