NEWS insideSTORY
© Hollie Whitehead
PORT LYMPNE HOTEL & RESERVE’ S ROARING ACCOMMODATION PLANS
The UK’ s leading safari staycation destination, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, has proudly unveiled plans for‘ Lion Lookout’, a stunning new overnight experience offering guests the opportunity to stay alongside Europe’ s largest lion enclosure.
Comprising 12 all-weather luxury tents perched on raised verandas, Lion Lookout will offer uninterrupted views of the lion habitat, bringing guests closer than ever to the reserve’ s striking lion pride.
PENSHURST PLACE TOY MUSEUM REOPENS TO MARK 55TH ANNIVERSARY
The Toy Museum at Penshurst Place & Gardens, one of Kent’ s most enchanting heritage attractions, has officially reopened following a major reimagination and conservation project to celebrate its 55th anniversary.
This transformation, made possible by a £ 100,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, now features four themed zones- Dolls & Bears, Games & Pastimes, Building Blocks and World of Imagination- offering visitors a chance to explore more than 2,000 historic and contemporary toys. These include family favourites such as the fragile Victorian paper Peep Show, and Moggie, an 18th-century Queen Anne doll complete with her original handmade silk garments.
The site has been carefully designed to respect and preserve the natural surroundings, with a newly constructed raised walkway connecting each accommodation providing seamless access while minimising disturbance to the park’ s delicate ecology.
“ I’ m incredibly proud to unveil our Lion Lookout plans,” said Tony Kelly, MD at Howletts & Port Lympne Estates.“ This unique stay will offer guests an extraordinary opportunity to experience the majesty of these incredible animals up close, all while enjoying world class comfort and design. Once planning is granted, we look forward to welcoming future guests to what will undoubtedly be a truly unforgettable experience.”
The launch of Lion Lookout will mark another milestone in Port Lympne’ s mission to offer immersive, ethical wildlife experiences while championing conservation and maintaining Port Lympne’ s position at the forefront of unique wildlife experiences in the UK. The build is currently planned to start in late 2026.
First opened in 1970 by William Sideny, 1st Viscount De L’ Isle, the Toy Museum is housed in a converted 19th-century carpenters’ workshop within the Stable Yard at Penshurst Place.
“ This reimagination has allowed us to give the collection the care it deserves, improve how we tell its stories and create a more engaging experience for everyone who visits,” said museum curator, Nicky Stitchman.“ The Toy Museum has been a source of joy for generations of visitors. It’ s also an important record of the way toys reflect social history- from craftsmanship and materials through to storytelling and imaginative play.”
© Chris Floyd
ACTRESS AND AUTHOR CELIA IMRIE TO HEADLINE 2025 MAIDSTONE LITFEST
Celebrated actress, author and star of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Celia Imrie is set to headline Maidstone LitFest. Now in its third year, the festival has become a key date in Kent’ s cultural calendar- taking place from 4- 11 October 2025.
Appearing alongside co-author Fidelis Morgan, Celia will take to the Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone, on October 5 for a captivating discussion about their latest novel, Meet Me at Rainbow Corner, revealing the inspiration behind the book, their creative processes and their shared passion for storytelling rooted in history. The uplifting wartime story draws on true events from WWII and explores themes of courage, camaraderie and romance.
This year’ s LitFest delivers a vibrant and varied programme designed to entertain, inspire and provoke conversation. With memoir-writing workshops, poetry, open mic and standup comedy performances taking place throughout the festival, as well as both Harriet Evans- bestselling author of contemporary fiction- and Bishop Rose Hudson- Wilkin- the Church of England’ s first black female bishop- taking the stage to share their novels and stories, this year’ s lineup is set to be the most exciting yet.
Festival co-director Becky Grace, said:“ Our passion for engaging young readers continues to drive the festival’ s vision. Thanks to generous funding from the William and Edith Oldham Charitable Trust, our children’ s school programmes will reach classrooms across Maidstone, bringing young people face to face with authors and helping to spark a lifelong love of books.”
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