Pinewood offers a stay on the wild side at Europe’s first animal park resort.
Port Lympne Reserve’s latest accommodation promises to put the fun back into camping without the need to pitch a tent, whilst providing an immersive educational experience.
Port Lympne Reserve, is close to becoming Europe’s first wild animal focused holiday destination, as the popular Kent attraction announces the latest addition to their expanding accommodation portfolio, Pinewood – a development of ten contemporary camping pods, situated in close proximity to the reserve’s lion, Amur tiger and cheetah enclosures. Bob O’Connor, Managing Director said: ‘We’re delighted to announce that construction on Pinewood is now well underway. Once completed, we’ll be able to offer an exciting and flexible way to stay at the reserve. 
Guests will enjoy exclusive early access to the park, before we open to the public, and in the evening, just imagine listening to the lions, tigers and prowling cheetahs, whilst you’re snuggled up in your cosy pod!’ The site, built with funding from the ICAP Charity Day 2013, will cater for schools, groups and families on a budget, offering an immersive experience with a focus on nature and conservation. With construction close to completion, the development is expected to open at the beginning of March 2015. Bob added: ‘We were honoured to be one of ICAP 2013 chosen charities. Our new ICAP funded educational immersive experience will provide the opportunity for Pinewood guests to learn about our conservation work in a fun and engaging way that will both inspire and motivate.
’ The new development will operate all year round and can accommodate up to 44 guests at a time. Creating several new employment opportunities, Pinewood will enable the reserve to access new areas of the tourism arena, outside the traditional day visit market. Bob commented: ‘Pinewood is just one of several new developments for 2015 and beyond.
This year we will also see the launch of our stunning new Treehouse Hotel – 10 luxury glass fronted suites, set high in the tree line overlooking the reserve. The expansion of Port Lympne into a unique short break destination will not only strengthen our business, but more importantly ,will enable us to continue the valuable conservation work we do, both in the UK and overseas.’ Available for stays 365 days a year, Pinewood guests will enjoy free access to the reserve, whilst school and youth groups can opt to take part in fact filled educational activities and enrichment building, alongside animal talks and feeds. Bookings for Pinewood are being taken now.
For further information please visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/shortbreaks or call 0844 855 0274