Spotlight on: Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve
Where the wild things network.
Set across 600 acres of private parkland with over 900 rare and endangered animals, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve is not your average function venue: this historic estate delivers immersive experiences that spark connection, inspire creativity, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re hosting a team retreat, product launch, or leadership offsite, Port Lympne invites you to break free from boardroom beige and embrace something far more extraordinary.
From the elegant terraces of the Mansion with sweeping sea views to the hidden Orangery tucked among landscaped gardens, this venue blends the refined with the untamed, offering flexibility, originality, and the chance to truly escape the everyday.
We caught up with Stephanie Betts, Event Sales Manager at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, to discover what sets this one-of-a-kind venue apart in the corporate events space.
Q. If your venue had a personality, how would you describe it in three words?
A. Adventurous, wild-hearted & unforgettable.
Q. What’s one feature or space in your venue that always wows corporate clients?
A. Our historic Mansion terraces with stunning sea views are always a big wow for both wedding and corporate guests.
Q. What’s your dream corporate event to host, and why?
A. Our dream corporate event is a team away day that strikes the perfect balance between productivity and adventure. The morning is dedicated to focused meetings or workshops in one of our unique event spaces, followed by a private safari or animal encounter and plenty of free time for guests to unwind and explore the Reserve.
Q. What sets your venue apart from others in the corporate world?
A. Port Lympne offers a corporate experience like no other—where business meets the wild. Set within 600 acres of private parkland and home to over 900 rare and endangered animals. It’s not just a venue—it’s an escape from the ordinary, designed to spark creativity, strengthen teams and leave lasting memories.
Q. What’s your “hidden gem” feature that people might overlook?
A. Our Orangery, hidden in the landscaped gardens adjoining the Mansion, is always a wonderful surprise when we take guests on a venue tour. Guests love the huge amount of flexible space on offer and the intimate, tucked away feeling. Of course, we also have to mention our iconic truck safari, where else in the UK can you come face-to-face with a giraffe after your meeting?
Q. How does your team make every event extra special?
A. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s a team away day, product launch or celebration, our team works closely with each client to bring their vision to life, with a wild twist. From private safaris and outdoor drinks receptions on our stunning terraces, we’re all about creating unforgettable moments in a setting that feels miles away from the everyday.
Q. How does your team ensure every corporate event runs smoothly?
A. It all comes down to planning and a team that genuinely cares. From the first call to the final guest departure, our events team is hands-on: coordinating every detail, staying flexible on the day and making sure everything runs like clockwork. We know the venue inside out and always have a backup plan (just in case). So our clients can relax, enjoy the experience and focus on what matters.
Q. What type of corporate events does your venue attract most?
A. We pride ourselves on our flexibility, so we attract a huge range of different types and sizes of event. The one thing which they have in common is that the organisers are seeking something a little bit different to engage their teams and provide the sort of extra-special event that has a real impact.
Q. What corporate event trends are you noticing, and how is your venue adapting to them?
A. Corporate events are evolving beyond traditional meetings. There’s a growing demand for experiences that promote wellness. At Port Lympne, we’ve embraced this with our tailored Wellness Packages, featuring outdoor yoga sessions, mindfulness walks through the Reserve and locally sourced menus that nourish both body and mind.
There’s also a big appetite for team-building with a purpose. Here we offer engaging, hands-on activities, like habitat restoration and animal enrichment. These activities not only foster collaboration and communication but also give teams a sense of real impact.
Q. Finally, what’s your go-to song for hyping up before a big event?
A. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Ready to elevate your next corporate event?
Break free from the ordinary and infuse your next corporate gathering with adventure and purpose. Check with our Venue Crew Specialists to see if your desired date is available for you to host your next function at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve. Together, let’s make your next event truly unforgettable.
