KENTSTAYCATION firepit in the colder months . Warmly greeted by Holly , we were soon sipping apple juice and prosecco and toasting marshmallows by the fire while getting the latest updates on the newest additions to the reserve - including a baby monkey , baby wallaby and new stud giraffe - to watch out for on our buggy adventures and upcoming safari and feeding experiences . There are even a heap of board games here should the call of 700 animals from over 90 different species to visit not be enough to quell any boredom whinges !
Extracting the smalls from another game of giant Connect 4 ( don ’ t worry I have maintained my undisputed champion status ) and yet another marshmallow , it was time for a quick buggy whizz around the park before dinner . Now , I know I said that the Treehouses are self catering , and they are , but there are of course some great dining options available for residents and day visitors to enjoy and the standout main restaurant is The Garden Room .
Combining a stunning location elevated above the reserve ’ s 600 acres , a beautiful relaxed-elegant dining space designed by Victoria Aspinall herself and an evident commitment to fresh local produce and modern British cookery , The Garden Room , led by executive chef Lee Edney really is quite lovely . The orangery-style high roof floods the space with natural light . There are swathes of greenery across the walls , while the original arched windows and doorways are echoed in curved mirrors on the walls , bouncing yet more light and reflecting greenery in every direction . Practical as well as stylish , the tiled floor opens into a perfectly spaced restaurant . Framed to the right by a sleek bar , it offers a mix of small and large farmhouse-style tables spaced currently to cater for intimate couples or small family groups , the latter made easier by ample banquette seating - it continues to be a pleasure to see a space where muddy boots fresh from an early spring day at the reserve were more than welcome alongside a menu which is a demonstration of refined plates and quality ingredients .
We soon devoured garden bites of fresh focaccia and olives alongside starters of oozing local Ashmore cheddar croquettes and divinely sticky sesame pork belly which offered the umami flavours of chilli caramel , chicory and coriander ; with the smalls equally happy with their ‘ wow they ’ re giant ’ garlic bread dough balls and tomato dip . Mains continued the bistro theme with the house beef burger , available with smoked local streaky bacon , Monterey Jack cheese , gherkins and house burger sauce with crispy fries , and a delicately marbled aged ribeye steak served with flat mushroom , plum tomato , fries and spicy hits of its pink peppercorn and brandy sauce , while the little ones devoured grilled chicken and fries . While desserts completed the satedwith-sophistication theme with chocolate brownie and cream sandwiched cookies and the must-choose crème brulèe complete with its own Aspinall-gorilla-logo-shaped lemon thyme shortbread .
Next morning , having relished a delicious Garden Room breakfast and copious coffees , we excitedly prepared for another day ’ s exploration - though this time with a ranger-guided difference ! As well as having access to your own golf buggy to navigate the park at your leisure , guests at The Treehouse also have a guided safari tour included in their stay , as well as the option of upgrading to a host of very special animal encounters .
In the face ( quite literally !) of horizontal driving rain , bumpy muddy puddles and slightly gale force winds , nothing could actually quell the excitement and enjoyment of our guided safari tour . Full of knowledgeable insights , animal facts - we now know that a rhino is closely related to a horse ! - and close encounters , it ’ s a great opportunity to see the park in an hour-or-so of sheer adventure .
Refuelled and warmed up with a hot chocolate and some cheeky Parmesan fries courtesy of the Mansion House ’ s bar , we reconvened at guest services to meet our guide , Casey , and embark on a once-in-alifetime ( or twice if you are a lucky editor !) experience : our very own giraffe encounter .
One of several up-close opportunities available that each support the muchneeded conservation efforts of The Aspinall Foundation , the giraffe encounter began with a short private safari around the park , learning more about the animals , their habitats , threats , conservation efforts and even the funny names that have been bestowed along the way ( buffalo named after cheese anyone ?) before we arrived at the giraffe hut .
Home to the park ’ s giraffe tower , the gentle giants are truly magnificent up close .
Here , we learned more about the fact that while a massive draw for visitors , these stunning mammals do not receive the same ( or much needed ) level of donations to support their upkeep and survival and how much more is needed to be done globally to establish rewilding programmes , breeding programmes and classify their species properly . And , in and amongst the very informative explanations and a side anecdote about why one giraffe only answers to the name Gary , we were able to meet each of the now resident eight giraffes and feed the rather beautiful Cillian - the fun uncle of the group ( a result of crossbreeding before the subspecies was properly identified which means he can ’ t be a breeding ‘ dad ’), the towering lover of ‘ all the snacks ’ gently bowed to work his way through handful after handful of silver birch leaves taken to a combination of giggles and ‘ wows ’ and some sloberry giraffe tongue tickles direct from our palms .
We were also able to see the new ( hopefully breeding ) male giraffe , the beautiful Zabuni , who arrived from Dublin Zoo last summer after a journey that took some 27 hours ! Preferring to lick the walls of the enclosure than venture for a silver birch treat , we were reassured that it ’ s because of the salty air straight from the Channel that clings to the metal that gives these lofty beasts a saline hit , not in fact an indication of his intelligence !
Once again , leaves licked , it was time to bid a reluctant farewell , not just to Cillian and his pals , but to our Treehouse abode and the park , too . As staycations go , this continues to be one of our ( tree !) top picks and should be top of your wishlist - you won ’ t regret it !
A stay at The Treehouse starts at £ 459 . Visit www . aspinallfoundation . org / port-lympne / short-breaks / treehouses or call 01303 234112 to book or for more information .
The Treehouse Port Lympne Reserve Nr . Ashford CT21 4LR
01303 802648 stay . aspinallfoundation . org / stay
www . instagram . com / portlympnepark
www . insidekent . co . uk • 77