Port Lympne Reserve in Hythe has over 800 rare animals at the reserve. Set in over 600 acres, you'll see big cats, small cats, primates, gorillas and many more animals before discovering life-sized prehistoric creatures in Dinosaur Forest! Visitors can go on safari and see Kent’s only giraffe, spectacled bears, Brazilian tapirs, water buffaloes, deer, and lots, lots more. With regular animal births and new species coming in every year, there’s always something different to see. Plus, daily talks and feeding sessions, dig for fossils, enjoy play parks, a maze, and lots more. They also host festive and seasonal experiences - see the events button under the main image for current listings.
Port Lympne Reserve is a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals that aims, when possible, to send animals bred there to go back to their natural habitat. Port Lympne also has a sister park at Howletts, another great animal attraction in Kent.

Overnight Stays
You can also experience short breaks at their boutique hotel to a romantic night under the stars in 180 degrees panoramic bubble pod.

Explore Hythe
Discover attractions and events with our Hythe Area Guide for local information, or visit our What's On and Things to Do sections, filter by location, for current events and more attractions and activities in Kent. 🐅 For more Animal Attractions in Kent, see under our See Kent Kids category. For more animal stays, see our guide to Top Unique Animal-Themed Stays in Kent.

Opening Hours
4th January to 13th February 2026
Daily: 9.30am to 4pm
14th to 22nd February 2026
Daily: 9.30am to 5pm
23rd February to 27th March 2026
Daily: 9.30am to 4pm
28th March to 19th April 2026
Daily: 9.30am to 6pm
20th April 2026 to 3rd November
Daily: 9.30am to 5pm.

Price
Adult: £36
Adult concession: £34
Child - 3-15 years: £29
Child concession - 3-15 years: £26
Child - 0-2 years: Free
Carer: Free
Animal Experiences & guided safaris: From £30
Membership, season ticket, and dual tickets with Howletts available
Concession - 60 years + and disability or mobility issues.

Truck Safair
When booking online, you can select your safari time.

Top Ticket Tip
Have seasonal offers  - so check their website for details.

Additional Notes
Dinosaur Forest is closed to the public until Spring 2026.

Accessibility
The park features a mix of hilly and flat terrain, with some steep and uneven areas. However, throughout the reserve's development, efforts have been made to eliminate unnecessary physical barriers. Wheelchairs are available to hire; several safari checks can accommodate a single wheelchair or mobility scooter.

Bus
No 10 - runs between Folkestone and Ashford.

Facilities
Cafe • Picnic Area • Toilets • Disabled Toilets • Baby Changing Facilities • Free Parking

Picture Credit: © The Aspinall Foundation.

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