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Family Adventure in Port Lympne: Safari Park Fun and Cozy Nights in Pinewood Pods

  • Writer: Admin
    Admin
  • Nov 18
  • 5 min read

Our recent family trip (Autumn Half Term 2025) to Port Lympne in Kent was a memorable mix of wildlife excitement and cosy comfort. With two young children aged 3 and 5, we wanted an experience that combined adventure with making family memories. Port Lympne delivered just that. We explored the safari park, stayed overnight in one of their Pinewood ensuite pods, and enjoyed some unique moments that made the trip special for all of us.


Child in a blue jacket watches a rhino on a grassy field under a cloudy sky. Trees and distant landscape in the background.
Safari jeep passing a Rhino at Port Lympne

Exploring the Safari Park


The safari park at Port Lympne offers a chance to see a wide variety of animals in large, naturalistic enclosures. We arrived on a rainy day, which meant some of the animals were less active or inside their shelters, so a few enclosures looked empty. As part of your entry to the park you get a 45 minute jeep safari, despite the weather, the kids were thrilled to spot giraffes, bears and rhinos from the safety of our vehicle.


The park is set on a fairly steep hill, so after the driving safari ended it was all on foot and there was a lot of walking up and down slopes. This added a bit of excitement but also meant we had to pace ourselves, especially with little legs, short attention spans and a husband with double knee surgery booked in a month. As a side point, a buggy for anyone under 5 is almost essential if you want to get anywhere as they will quickly tire. The park route is well-marked, and there are plenty of animals to stop and enjoy watching or take photos.


Some highlights included:


  • Watching the lions lounging in the morning right next to our camping area and their roars echoing through our room at dusk.

  • Spotting a family of giraffes nibbling leaves high in the trees.

  • Seeing the playful antics of the lemurs in their enclosure.


The experience felt immersive and educational, perfect for young children to learn about animals and conservation in a fun way.


Dinner at Baby Dolls Pizza Restaurant


After a day of exploring, we headed to Baby Dolls, the pizza restaurant on site. The food was tasty, with a good variety of pizzas that pleased both adults and kids. The crust was thin and crispy, and the toppings fresh. However, the prices were on the higher side, which is something to keep in mind if you’re budgeting.


One challenge was the distance between the restaurant and our Pinewood pods. It’s quite a walk, especially with young children and in winter it's pitch black, so we arranged for an onsite lift to take us back and forth. This service was convenient and made the evening much more manageable.


Staying Overnight in Pinewood Ensuite Pods


The highlight of our trip was staying overnight in one of the Pinewood ensuite pods. These wooden pods are nestled in the woods, offering a peaceful retreat with modern comforts. The ensuite bathroom was a big plus, especially with little ones and being winter no one wants to walk outside in the middle of the night to use the toilet.


At dusk, we could hear the nearby roars of tigers and lions, which added a thrilling touch to the experience. We gathered around the fire pit outside our pod to toast homemade marshmallows (these were easy to make than I thought and I knew all the ingredients that had gone into them). The kids loved this simple treat, and it was a perfect way to make some fun family memories after a busy day.


The pods are well insulated and cosy, making it easy to relax and enjoy the sounds of nature. We appreciated the balance of rustic charm and comfort, which suited our family perfectly. The kids loved the bunk beds and slept like logs after a day of fresh air.


Wooden Pinewood Pods with green roofs in a forest setting, surrounded by trees. Each has a small porch with chairs, creating a peaceful vibe.
The Pinewood pods are warmly lit with fairy lights in the evenings at Port Lympne

Tips for Families Visiting Port Lympne


If you’re planning a family trip to Port Lympne, here are some practical tips based on our experience:


  • Check the weather forecast and bring waterproof clothing. Rain can affect animal visibility but doesn’t ruin the experience.

  • Book the Pinewood pods early, as they are popular and offer a unique overnight stay, check out some of the other accommodation options too as some of the higher priced options also come with a gulf buggy you can use onsite.

  • Arrange transport if dining at Baby Dolls to avoid long walks with young children.

  • Bring snacks and drinks for the day, especially for little ones who may get hungry with all the fresh air and walking.

  • Plan for breaks during the to let kids run wild a bit, there is a dinosaur forest they can explore which is great.

  • Use the onsite map to navigate the park and find the best animal viewing spots.

  • Explore the sister park Howlett's When you stay over at Port Lympne it includes the day pass to Port Lympne and a day pass to Howlett's which is about 30 mins away and also well worth a visit, it also makes the overnight stay really good value for money.


Final Thoughts on Our Port Lympne Adventure


Our family trip to Port Lympne combined the thrill of a safari with the comfort of a cosy overnight stay. The children were fascinated by the animals, and the pods gave us a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the sounds of the wild at night. While the rainy weather limited some animal sightings and the restaurant was a bit pricey and distant, the overall experience was fantastic.


For families looking for a mix of adventure and comfort close to home, Port Lympne offers a memorable getaway, although I think if I were to go again I would aim for late Spring or early Summer as you can enjoy exploring the park even more once they have closed to the general public and the extra hours of light mean even more time to enjoy the animals. Whether you’re exploring the safari park or toasting marshmallows by the fire, it’s a place where both kids and adults can create lasting memories.

Two children in colorful jackets watch elephants in a fenced area. The sky is cloudy, and autumn leaves are scattered on the grass.
Mesmerised by the elephants at Howlett's

Packing list


Winter visits definitely call for warm layers, here's the bits we found really useful...

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