insideKENT Magazine Issue 26 - May 2014 | Page 108

COVERSTORY

THE ENDLESS CHARM OF

Port Lympne
EXCITING DEVELOPMENTS ARE AFOOT THIS YEAR THAT WILL ESTABLISH
PORT LYMPNE AS THE UK’S MOST UNIQUE SAFARI RESORT THAT TRULY
HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
There are many reasons why Port Lympne Wild
Animal Park may already be a household name
for you. You may be a regular visitor to the 600acre wild animal park, heard of the conservation
work of The Aspinall Foundation, enjoyed one of
the many animal encounters or stayed at the
award-winning glamping and Short Breaks
accommodation. Whatever your experience,
developments taking place at Port Lympne in
2014 provide even more reason to visit this
stunning and unique destination in Kent.
Uppermost in the expansion of the Port Lympne
portfolio is the stunning renovation of the living
area of the mansion house, transforming it into
a lavish boutique hotel that will open in June this
year. The opening of the Port Lympne Mansion
Hotel returns this unique and elegant Edwardian
building to its original purpose – luxurious
relaxation, fine dining and accommodation.
The history of the Mansion is steeped in prestige
and glamour. Situated within one of the most
picturesque locations in Kent, Port Lympne was

originally commissioned as the private residence
of Sir Philip Sassoon who charmingly entertained
guests of distinction such as Sir Winston Churchill,
Prince Edward and Mrs Simpson, Lawrence of
Arabia and Charlie Chaplin.
Following the outbreak of war in 1939, Port
Lympne remained empty for many years until the
visionary John Aspinall, captivated by its charm,
purchased the Mansion and gardens in the 1970s.
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