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Magnificent Kent lodge stay with big cat experiences – Fully refundable
The Big Cat Sanctuary, Kent
Property details
Hang out with some of the world's most endangered big cats from your luxury lodge base for up to two or four adults – includes a feeding experience, dinner and more. Fully refundable – book with confidence
- Unforgettable setting: Take a walk on the wild side with an animal-themed staycation at The Big Cat Sanctuary, run by a leading conservation charity in the Kent countryside. Home to over 50 cats spanning 15 different species (including Willow and Maya, famed for their BBC Two's Big Cats About the House appearance), this overnight stay will whisk you away to the exotic plains of Africa, China and beyond, without stepping foot outside the UK.
- Unique company: Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly with your afternoon tea, before enjoying an insightful guided tour of the sanctuary. Learn about the charity’s conservation projects both on site and overseas, and be introduced to all of its beautiful residents as you make your way around. You'll even have to opportunity to visit a Jaguar breeding centre, recently opened by HRH Princess Eugenie.
- Stunning lodge accommodation: Enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the conservatory and watch the antics of the African lion brothers, while the on-site chef prepares dinner. Your wild experience wouldn't be complete without an authentic lodge to call home, each consisting of a large double bedroom, living room and bathroom, all impeccably decorated in light and dark wood panelling, with plenty of animal-print accents.
- Exciting activities: Savour a full English breakfast and end your experience by meeting the rest of the feline residents, partaking in the most unforgettable highlight – hand-feeding one of the big cats. You'll leave with treasured memories and the knowledge that you've also supported the charity in its quest to protect some of the world’s most iconic species. The Big Cat Sanctuary scooped a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
How to get there
Watch this video to find out more:
This unique property sits in the Kent countryside between the villages of Headcorn and Smarden. If you're travelling from London, take the train from London Bridge station to Ashford station, which is a one-hour-and-30-minute journey, then get the a taxi journey from the station, which is roughly a 20-minute journey.
Good to know
Please be aware that this break is not suitable for children under the age of 14 (14 to 16-year-olds can stay in four-person lodge only, assessment for the child’s participation in activities will be made on an individual basis on the day).
Please arrive equipped with closed-toe, weather-appropriate footwear.
Please note that the itinerary is open to change depending on the cats, and meals may be taken in our Founders' Lodge overlooking the Tiger enclosure, depending on your booking date.
Maya and Willow, alongside the The Big Cat Sanctuary itself, were recently featured on the BBC Two documentary series Big Cats About the House. To watch the show, please visit the BBC's website.
Please be aware that this break is not suitable for children under the age of 14 (14 to 16-year-olds can stay in four-person lodge only, assessment for the child’s participation in activities will be made on an individual basis on the day).
Please arrive equipped with closed-toe, weather-appropriate footwear.
Please note that the itinerary is open to change depending on the cats, and meals may be taken in our Founders' Lodge overlooking the Tiger enclosure, depending on your booking date.
Maya and Willow, alongside the The Big Cat Sanctuary itself, were recently featured on the BBC Two documentary series Big Cats About the House. To watch the show, please visit the BBC's website.
Entry requirements
The passport, visa and health requirements at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements before you travel, including whether your passport must be machine readable or which visas/waivers may be required for entry, such as ESTA for USA travel and/or ETIAS for EU travel. Please also be sure to check the validity of your passport and allow up to 10 weeks for passport renewals.
- Unforgettable setting: Take a walk on the wild side with an animal-themed staycation at The Big Cat Sanctuary, run by a leading conservation charity in the Kent countryside. Home to over 50 cats spanning 15 different species (including Willow and Maya, famed for their BBC Two's Big Cats About the House appearance), this overnight stay will whisk you away to the exotic plains of Africa, China and beyond, without stepping foot outside the UK.
- Unique company: Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly with your afternoon tea, before enjoying an insightful guided tour of the sanctuary. Learn about the charity’s conservation projects both on site and overseas, and be introduced to all of its beautiful residents as you make your way around. You'll even have to opportunity to visit a Jaguar breeding centre, recently opened by HRH Princess Eugenie.
- Stunning lodge accommodation: Enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the conservatory and watch the antics of the African lion brothers, while the on-site chef prepares dinner. Your wild experience wouldn't be complete without an authentic lodge to call home, each consisting of a large double bedroom, living room and bathroom, all impeccably decorated in light and dark wood panelling, with plenty of animal-print accents.
- Exciting activities: Savour a full English breakfast and end your experience by meeting the rest of the feline residents, partaking in the most unforgettable highlight – hand-feeding one of the big cats. You'll leave with treasured memories and the knowledge that you've also supported the charity in its quest to protect some of the world’s most iconic species. The Big Cat Sanctuary scooped a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
How to get there
Watch this video to find out more:
This unique property sits in the Kent countryside between the villages of Headcorn and Smarden. If you're travelling from London, take the train from London Bridge station to Ashford station, which is a one-hour-and-30-minute journey, then get the a taxi journey from the station, which is roughly a 20-minute journey.
Good to know
Please be aware that this break is not suitable for children under the age of 14 (14 to 16-year-olds can stay in four-person lodge only, assessment for the child’s participation in activities will be made on an individual basis on the day).
Please arrive equipped with closed-toe, weather-appropriate footwear.
Please note that the itinerary is open to change depending on the cats, and meals may be taken in our Founders' Lodge overlooking the Tiger enclosure, depending on your booking date.
Maya and Willow, alongside the The Big Cat Sanctuary itself, were recently featured on the BBC Two documentary series Big Cats About the House. To watch the show, please visit the BBC's website.
Please be aware that this break is not suitable for children under the age of 14 (14 to 16-year-olds can stay in four-person lodge only, assessment for the child’s participation in activities will be made on an individual basis on the day).
Please arrive equipped with closed-toe, weather-appropriate footwear.
Please note that the itinerary is open to change depending on the cats, and meals may be taken in our Founders' Lodge overlooking the Tiger enclosure, depending on your booking date.
Maya and Willow, alongside the The Big Cat Sanctuary itself, were recently featured on the BBC Two documentary series Big Cats About the House. To watch the show, please visit the BBC's website.
Entry requirements
The passport, visa and health requirements at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements before you travel, including whether your passport must be machine readable or which visas/waivers may be required for entry, such as ESTA for USA travel and/or ETIAS for EU travel. Please also be sure to check the validity of your passport and allow up to 10 weeks for passport renewals.
Location and what's nearby
Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Headcorn Road, Smarden, Ashford, Kent TN27 8PJ
The Big Cat Sanctuary is set in the pretty Kentish village of Smarden and surrounded by the lovely English countryside. You'll be staying in a luxury lodge right on site, so you'll be able to see some of the world's rarest animals up close. The charity's work in Big Cat welfare, breeding, conservation and education will be benefited by your stay at the sanctuary and specialised experience, plus other kind donations.