Kent village that's hard to pronounce with a zoo and castle owned by Real Housewives star

This hard-to-pronounce village has plenty do during a day trip
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto/clubfoto)


Across Kent, we’ve got more than our fair share of hard-to-pronounce place names that trip up visitors time and time again. Take for example the scenic village of Lympne - you’re almost guaranteed to get this one wrong on your first attempt because half the letters are silent.

Essentially ignore everything after the first three letters, because the village is actually pronounced simply as ‘lim’. Isn’t the English language fun! Now that you know how to actually say it, you’re ready for a visit to this charming settlement just above Romney Marsh which offers plenty to do on a day out.

Characterised by its distinct L-shape, Lympne is home to a massively popular zoo, as well as a fascinating historic castle. Port Lympne Animal park has been a hit with families ever since it first opened its doors all the way back in 1976 after it was purchased by John Aspinall to house the ever growing wild animal population at Howletts.

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Port Lympne Wild Animal Park houses a huge variety of wildlife including lions, tigers, gorillas, giraffes and much more
Port Lympne Wild Animal Park houses a huge variety of wildlife including lions, tigers, gorillas, giraffes and much more -Credit:Getty Images/Jim Cook

Now in the hands of the Aspinall Foundation, the park is a sanctuary of rare and endangered animals featuring everything from giraffes and gorillas to elephants and rhinos. Perhaps one of its most unique features is the safari, giving visitors a taste of life in the Savanna right here in the Garden of England.

You can even go a step further and sleep amongst the animals (sort of), as Port Lympne offers a range of unique overnight accommodation. This includes boutique hotel rooms, panoramic bubble pods and the Tiger Lodge where you can wake up with a mighty big cat at your window.

Possibly the village’s other best known landmark is Lympne Castle, a striking piece of history that dates back to the late 13th century. Notably, the castle has recently come into the possession of a new owner, and the new queen of this castle is likely someone you would not expect.

None other than former Real Housewives of Toronto star Ann Kaplan Mulholland purchased the 700 year-old stronghold along with her husband Stephen at the start of 2023. The mediaeval castle continues to serve as a very popular wedding venue, with the Grade I-listed establishment promising a ‘fairytale’ setting for the big day.

Lympne Castle is full of fascinating history
Lympne Castle is full of fascinating history -Credit:Chris Clarke/Wikimedia Commons

In all, the castle spans a staggering 27,000 sq ft, features 20 bedrooms, fortified towers, a grand Great Hall, its own restaurant, four cottages, gardens and more. Ann bought the landmark for the not-so-little price of £5.5 million and, despite initially planning to use it solely as her UK home, decided to keep it in operation as a wedding venue.

Speaking to the Daily Mail recently, Ann said: “We may have money, but we don't throw away every dime. It comes from being in business for so long, and running finances. If we do 80 weddings per year, that will cover the cost of running the castle. I've always been strange, and I've always loved to throw parties. So why not throw a perpetual party?”

Former Real Housewives of Toronto stare Ann Kaplan Mulholland bought Lympne Castle in 2023
Former Real Housewives of Toronto stare Ann Kaplan Mulholland bought Lympne Castle in 2023 -Credit:Getty Images for CAFA/George Pimentel

Beyond the castle, history can be found at every turn throughout Lympne, with other notable landmarks including St. Stephen's Church, the Church of England parish church of Lympne, which is listed in the highest category of listed buildings. In terms of its amenities, Lympne is quaint in what it offers, featuring a village hall, a grocery shop and a hairdresser.

There was also The County Members Pub, which though a popular feature of the village and highly rated, having held four stars out of five on TripAdvisor, suddenly closed last year in April. Taking to Facebook, the venue shared "We regret to inform you that The County Members Pub has closed for business with immediate effect,” which was met with an outpour of sadness from locals and patrons.

If you’re a keen walker, then this village is certainly a must-visit as it also features the Lympne Loop walk which offers something truly special. This 4km rural loop passes the historic Lympne Castle and the Port Lympne Reserve’s extensive grounds.

As some of the trail borders on the animal enclosures, you may be able spot giraffes, zebras or even ostriches wandering about. The lesser-known route is free and makes a perfect walk all year round - but be sure to bring your wellies on a rainy day as the paths turn to slush.

St. Stephen's Church is another of the village's several historic landmarks
St. Stephen's Church is another of the village's several historic landmarks -Credit:Getty Images/clubfoto

A brilliant zoo and a historic castle are not the only claims to fame Lympne has, as the village also boasts some very unique literary connections. Most prominently, it plays a role H.G Wells’ classic 1901 novel First Men in the Moon, when English narrator Bedford lands his anti gravity sphere in Lympne following the moon expedition. It was also the setting of the 1945 David Lean's film production of Noël Coward's play Blithe Spirit, while Lympne Hill appears in the Doctor Syn stories from Russell Thorndike.

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