Hog Deer Creek Shepherd Huts at Port Lympne – A Review

We visited Port Lympne for 1 night and 2 days at the very end of December 2023. Unfortunately we timed our visit with a storm, so it wasn’t quite as relaxing as we’d hoped – however, it was really nice to snuggle up in the hut with the roaring fire going. This article will be all about the Hog Deer Creek Shepherd Huts at Port Lympne – A Review.

What is Port Lympne?

Port Lympne is Kent’s largest Safari Park set in over 600 Acres of land. Port Lympne Reserve is a breeding sanctuary for rare and endangered animals and wherever possible they aim to send animals born there to protected areas of their natural habitat where they can live free – just as they should be. It’s a wonderful thing to witness and you can see from their excellent facilities just how cared for the animals are.

Where did we stay?

We chose to stay in Hog Deer Creek which is a selection of Shepherds Huts near the watering hole in the reserve. We chose this as it was a bit of luxury but also a more reasonable price (for us) than some of the other accommodations. There is a broad range of accommodation – from Glamping Pods (from £199 a night), PineWood Shepherds Huts (£299 a night), Treehouses (from £790 a night) or the really exclusive options such as the Lion Lodge in the Lions Enclosure (from £1850 per night).

Our accommodation in Hogs Deer Creek was £414 for the 4 of us for 1 night. Whilst expensive this was our 40th Birthday present to each other so felt ok for a treat! For this reason, I was a bit disappointed that the weather was so bad…if I had to choose again I’d go in Spring when you’re more likely to get decent, but not boiling, weather.

What was our accommodation like?

Our Shepherds Hut could sleep up to 4 people in a double bunk bed. The bottom bunk was a double bed and the top bunk was two singles next to each other (with a divider in between). There were gates provided to block off the stairs to the top bunks. There was some storage spaces next to the bed.

The hut was open plan so next to the beds was the sofa (a two seater), a single seat and a coffee table. Next to these was the log burner (which we used almost constantly, and it was so lovely). There was ample wood provided outside.

There was an area that had a Nespresso coffee machine, cups etc, marshmallows, hot chocolate, and a kettle. Above this was a large smart TV.

Then there was the ensuite bathroom which was surprisingly spacious for the size of the cabin. It had a toilet, sink, and lovely rainfall shower.

Outside there was parking for our golf buggy (more on that later) and a deck with a chimnea and seats. Our hut was the only one with a deck, which would be nice in the better weather but not essential – the other huts had outdoor seating and a chimnea, just without the deck.

What about food?

There as no meals included in our stay. We booked an evening meal at the onsite Italian which was delicious and the restaurant itself was nice. Again, it would be lovely in better weather as there was really nice outside seating.

I had taken plenty of snacks and drinks which I’m pleased I did as there wasn’t anywhere to buy them in the park. We did stop off at the cafe on site for a hot chocolate before we checked in and it was delicious.

What other perks?

Hog Deer Creek is one of the accommodations that include a Golf Buggy. This was a real highlight for us. Due to the size of Port Lympne, we’d have struggled to see it all without the buggy, and it was a fun way to get around. They’re easy to use and speed-limited so providing you have a driving license you are good to go.

We also had a Safari included in the stay which lasted for just under 2 hours. This was great, and the driver was knowledgeable and fun. To maximise our time at Port Lympne we booked this safari for Saturday at 12.30 pm to do it before we checked in at 3 pm. Check-in for Hog Deer Creek is strictly at 3 pm as you drive down to the Shepherds Huts together.

Conclusion

Thank you for coming to read Hog Deer Creek Shepherd Huts at Port Lympne – A Review. We really enjoyed our weekend here and would love to return (in better weather!) to try out some of the other accommodation and experiences.