Port Lympne Reserve is looking to attract the UK’s staycationers by installing low cost accommodation with its new Pinewood Camping Pods, cementing the zoo as one of Europe’s top animal park resorts.

The contemporary accommodation is comprised of 10 pods situated near to the zoo’s lion, tiger and cheetah enclosures. Guests staying at Port Lympne will be offered an immersive, educational experience, which will focus on the importance of conservation. Later this year, the zoo is also planning to add a Treehouse Hotel – a luxury treetop cabin that will be added to the reserve’s accommodation portfolio.

“The addition of Pinewood, our most affordable accommodation option, means that we can now offer another exciting product to the UK’s popular staycation market,” said Bob O’Connor, managing director of Port Lympne. Pinewood is aimed at schools, groups and families on a budget and offers guests the opportunity to sleep within roaring distance of our lions, tigers and cheetahs.”

The site, built with funding from the ICAP Charity Day 2013, will operate all year round and can accommodate up to 44 guests at a time. The glampers will enjoy exclusive access to parts of the reserve before it is open to the public, whilst school and youth groups can opt to take part in educational activities and enrichment building, alongside animal talks and feeds.

The low-cost option is available for a low as £79 per pod, per night. Each pod sleeps up to four people and includes twin beds and a double futon sofa bed.