Cheryl Tweedy created a poignant and memorable Christmas for her eight-year-old son Bear, as the pair navigated their second festive season without his father, the late One Direction star Liam Payne.
A Safari Adventure in Kent
The Girls Aloud singer, alongside her mother Joan and younger brother Garry, whisked Bear away for a three-night stay at the Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Kent. The trip was a deliberate and thoughtful choice, designed to tap into Bear's profound love of animals—a passion he shared with his father.
During their "once in a lifetime" experience, the family stayed in a luxurious glass-sided lodge, allowing them to observe lions, tigers, leopards, and rhinos from an incredibly close vantage point. Stays at the exclusive 'tiger lodge' can cost up to £3,000 per night.
Bear's Joyful Encounter with Wildlife
According to onlookers who spoke to The Mail on Sunday, young Bear was "thrilled" and completely mesmerised by the animals. The family also embarked on the reserve's £110 per person 'ultimate safari tour', a two-hour journey in an open-sided Land Rover.
In a touching connection to his own name, Bear was delighted to come face-to-face with spectacled bears—the very species that inspired the beloved character Paddington Bear. These bears, native to South America, are known for the distinctive light-coloured markings around their eyes.
Bear was said to be particularly captivated by the African section of the park, especially the giraffe enclosure, where he watched in amazement as the animals fed.
Honouring Liam Payne's Memory
The festive getaway comes 15 months after the tragic death of Liam Payne in October 2024. The singer died at the age of just 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
Since the tragedy, Cheryl has publicly credited her mother and brother as being her "rock" as she and Bear adjust to life without Liam. The safari trip included subtle nods to the late singer's interests, including a visit to the park's dinosaur section—something both father and son adored.
A friend revealed, "They both adored dinosaurs from when Bear was very little." Liam's affection for them was so strong that he reportedly bought three dinosaur statues on eBay, which he placed in the garden of his Buckinghamshire home.
The Christmas celebration also featured a winter wonderland light trail, a visit to Santa's grotto, rides at a vintage funfair, and the park's first-ever fairy disco, ensuring the holiday was filled with magic for Bear.
Cheryl and Liam, who was ten years her junior, first met in 2008 on *The X Factor*. They welcomed Bear in March 2017 but separated in 2018, vowing to co-parent amicably. Cheryl has since stated she is "done" with romantic relationships, focusing her energy on being a mother to Bear.
