Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

Port Lympne Safari Park lies just north of Hythe in Kent, positioned on sweeping heathland with wide views over Romney Marsh and the coastline beyond. Surrounded by 600 acres of wildlife and wild grasslands, it offers an immersive setting far from the ordinary. The Gardens stretch out in every direction, with fig orchards, rose-lined paths, vineyards and layered terraces. Though deeply rural in character, the estate is less than a mile from Lympne village and only 7 miles from Folkestone. Excellent access to the M20, Channel Tunnel and Ashford International makes it remarkably well-connected, yet entirely removed from the everyday.

There are several distinctive spaces available for your ceremony, each offering its own unique atmosphere and setting. The Orangery is a grand, private space, ideal for larger parties of up to 160 guests. Surrounded by nature and sheltered by lawns, it creates a secluded atmosphere for vows and celebration.

The rose-draped Pergola sits quietly within the walled garden and is licensed for civil ceremonies of up to 110.

The Mansion provides an elegant backdrop for intimate gatherings of up to 50, featuring refined drawing rooms and stunning sea-view terraces.

For the smallest and most secluded ceremonies, the Moroccan Courtyard hosts up to 20 guests. Blush-pink walls, marble flooring, and a central fountain lend a rich, atmospheric charm, complemented by curated furnishings that evoke the spirit of North Africa.

Reception spaces at Port Lympne are adaptable to different scales and moods. The Orangery, set in nature, comfortably accommodates up to 160 for a formal sit-down meal.

For medium-sized celebrations, both the Pergola and Mansion offer warmth and spectacle-one framed by terraces, the other by elegant interiors and expansive sea views.

Smaller parties might favour the Moroccan Courtyard, with its pink blooms and floral-filled bathtub, ideal for up to 20.

All spaces offer a seamless indoor-outdoor flow and scenic outlooks. From soft white draping to themed wildlife styling, the décor can be tailored to suit. Couples may also choose to split their celebration into stages, with ceremonies, drinks, dining and dancing flowing between connected spaces. Evening safaris can also be arranged after dinner.

Port Lympne offers overnight stays that go far beyond the ordinary. With fifteen luxury options, from regal suites to wilderness lodges, there’s space for every guest to rest and reconnect.

Lion and Tiger Lodges feature panoramic glass walls and front-row views of the animals, allowing guests to wake up in the heart of the safari. The award-winning Treehouses perch above the Reserve, surrounded by nature on all sides. Cottages bring the wild to the garden fence, while cosy cabins, tucked in quiet corners, open to views of the Amur leopards and the Kent coast beyond.

These are more than just places to sleep-they’re immersive wildlife experiences that turn your celebration into a complete experience.

Port Lympne’s in-house team provides tailored food and drink, built around seasonal produce and local suppliers.

Couples can choose between multi-course meals, buffet spreads or more interactive food experiences. Grazing tables, food stations and Kentish ingredients feature prominently, from charcuterie boards to wild-foraged sweets. The kitchen caters to all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergen-specific needs. Bars inside both the Orangery and Mansion serve Kentish beers, sparkling English wines, signature cocktails and more.

With both food and drink managed on-site, couples enjoy a streamlined and personalised experience from start to finish.

Sustainability runs through the heart of Port Lympne’s operations.

The estate avoids single-use plastics and works with Kent-based producers to reduce food miles.

Reusable serving ware is standard, while landscaping choices support local biodiversity and reduce water use.

Eco-conscious travel is encouraged through shuttle options and detailed public transport guidance.

By choosing Port Lympne, couples contribute to conservation-focused weddings that have a real-world impact.

The surrounding region offers a wealth of things to explore.

Nearby coastal towns, such as Littlestone, St Mary’s Bay, and Hythe, combine beaches with seafront pubs and boutique shops.

Lympne village is within walking distance, with a historic church and a traditional green.

Ashford is home to an international shopping outlet and spa facilities, while Folkestone’s creative quarter brings art, sea air and local dining.

Guests looking to unwind can walk along the cliff paths at Samphire Hoe or Dover, visit local golf courses, or explore the area’s sailing spots.

Getting to Port Lympne is straightforward.

By road, it lies just off the M20 (Junction 11), with London about an hour away and Dover around 30 minutes.

It’s 7 miles from the Channel Tunnel at Folkestone and 8 miles from the ferry port at Dover. Ashford International Station is 15 minutes by car, offering high-speed trains to London, Paris, Brussels and Lille.

Coach and taxi drop-offs are supported, and trusted local transport can be arranged. For air travel, Gatwick is around 90 minutes away by road; Heathrow, about two hours.