If you’re looking for a place that will excite both kids and adults alike, Port Lympne Safari Park - with over 900 rare and endangered species - in Kent is just the ticket. With sweeping views over the English Channel, a variety of wildlife experiences, and loads of space for the little ones to run free, it’s an adventure worth every penny. Port Lympne (and it's pronounced "Port Lim" not - as I thought for the last year - "Port Limp-knee"), is not your typical zoo.
It’s a sprawling 600-acre wildlife reserve where animals roam in naturalistic enclosures and you can feel like you’re on a mini African safari – all without leaving the UK. Located just outside Hythe, Port Lympne is home to over 900 animals, including giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and gorillas. If your kids are mad about animals, they’ll be in absolute heaven here.
Okay, so tickets are not the cheapest, with adult prices starting at around £32 and children’s tickets at £28. However, under 3s go free, which is a bonus for families with toddlers. You can save a bit by booking online in advance, and they do offer family ticket bundles, which are worth looking into.
For what you get – a full day’s worth of experiences, from the safari to the dinosaurs to the chance to see some incredible animals up close – I think it’s absolutely worth the price. If you want to make the most of your visit, consider upgrading to a giraffe safari or even staying overnight in one of their luxury lodges (hello, glamping.