If you've ever dreamed of dining with a giraffe, or being woken up one sticking their inquisitive head through your bedroom window, then luxury hotel Giraffe Hall in Port Lympne could be your ideal staycation.
The Grade II listed Wealdan Hall House — which dates back to the 15th and 16 century — is a luxury 10-bedroomed hotel, with five additional luxury cabins, offering views of Kent's largest wild animal park, Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve.
The huge 600-acre site is home to more than 900 animals including the largest herd of black rhino in the UK, western lowland gorillas, monkeys, tigers, lions, leopards and much more.
Giraffe Hall is closest to the giraffe habitat, which will offer visitors the chance to be neighbours with these graceful and majestic animals - and possibly feed them if they if they get close enough. It is expected to open in 2021, and due to popular demand, has just launched its waiting list.
The gardens are also undergoing improvements which will include a route for the giraffes to wander the grounds and a cabana style treat, where visitors can sit and enjoy a drink.
Port Lympne is believed to be the first of its kind in the western hemisphere, and this particular experience is said to "offer a luxury safari feel while incorporating the comforts and décor of an English stately home". The rooms have been designed by conservationist and interior designer Victoria Aspinall.
Proceeds of the tickets to Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve help fund the care of the animals, as well as supporting their projects oversees. In conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation, they have released more than 70 gorillas into the wild, and transferred 8 black rhino from their Kent parks to Africa.
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The best solar water features for a calming outdoor space this spring
This contemporary water feature is ideal for balconies and terraces, as its reflective design will help to bounce light into dark corners, giving the illusion of a bigger space.
Surround it with lush greenery to create a striking contrast between the sleek, metallic surface and the natural foliage.
Cox and Cox Light Up Solar Water Feature
From Cox and Cox’s new spring collection, this industrial-style water feature will suit any space, whether that’s a quiet corner or at the centre of a rockery.
Made from glass-reinforced concrete, it’s durable yet lightweight, so it can be moved if it needs more sunlight.
Elegant and timeless, this Pagoda fountain is ideal for an East Asian-inspired Zen garden. We’d suggest surrounding it with bamboo and ornamental rocks to evoke a sense of harmony and calmness.
Made from moisture- and UV-resistant resin, it’s also a low-maintenance option that should last for years to come.
Streetwize Solar Water Feature
Argos has a great outdoor range this season, including a generous selection of solar water features.
This sleek design, with its curved silhouette and glazed finish, is the epitome of contemporary style — surround it with pebbles and oversized stones to complement its modern aesthetic.
Gainsborough Solar Fairy Water Feature
This ethereal water feature will help create a fairytale woodland aesthetic in your garden. We’d suggest placing it among your flowerbeds or as a standalone feature on the edge of the lawn.
Promadino Wood Solar Fountain
This fountain is a statement piece — we’re sure it’ll impress any party guests! Three benches frame the inner fountain, providing a shaded spot for you to sit and catch up with friends or enjoy a morning cup of tea.
It's made from thick, weatherproof pine, so it should withstand the elements throughout the year.
Smart Solar Duck Family Water Feature
This sweet fountain will instantly fill you with joy, thanks to its wholesome scene of a mother duck and her fluffy chicks taking shelter under an umbrella.
It also has a wide water bowl so birds can enjoy a dip during the warmer months. Note that it’s not frost-resistant though, so ensure it’s stored inside during winter.
Argos Home Terracotta Garden Water Feature
Argos' cascading water feature will help you create a Mediterranean-inspired display, looking at home nestled among large terracotta plant pots. We think it will make for an eye-catching piece whether the water is running or not.
Coopers of Stortford Blue Pot Water Feature
This bold, blue water feature will complement lush green foliage and work with both neutral and more colourful garden schemes.
If you don't have bushes and trees in your garden, surround it with some potted plants to add layers of texture and colour.
Streetwize Cascading Water Feature
The natural look of this solar water feature means it can blend in seamlessly into a border. It doubles up as a decorative planter with two small spaces to grow herbs and flowers — pop in your chosen seeds and watch them flourish.
Coopers of Stortford Solar Water Feature Elephant
This joyful elephant will add some whimsical charm to any outdoor space. The symbolism behind its design is interesting too — some Asian cultures believe that elephants with raised trucks bring good luck and fortune.
This multi-tiered, stone-effect fountain looks like something from the grounds of a stately home. Place it in the centre of your lawn or patio for a regal, Bridgerton-style look.
It’ll also provide a restful spot for birds to enjoy, so you can do your bit to support local wildlife.
Tranquility Frog Solar Water Feature
The small size of this frog fountain makes it a good choice for smaller balconies or patios. Place on a wall or in your rockery to provide a peaceful spot for winged friends to take a dip or stop by for a drink.
Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.
