Cheryl Tweedy has created a memorable festive experience for her young son, Bear, as the pair navigate their second Christmas without his father, the late One Direction star Liam Payne.
A "Once in a Lifetime" Safari Experience
The Girls Aloud singer, alongside her mother Joan and younger brother Garry, took eight-year-old Bear for a three-night stay at the Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve in Kent. The special trip, described as a "once in a lifetime" experience, allowed the family to sleep in a glass-sided lodge with close-up views of lions, tigers, leopards, and rhinos.
Bear, who shares his late father's love of animals, was reportedly "thrilled" during the visit. The highlights included staying in a luxury "tiger lodge," where nightly rates can reach £3,000, and embarking on a two-hour "ultimate safari tour" in an open-sided Land Rover, costing £110 per person.
Bear Meets Bears: A Paddington Connection
In a poignant moment, the youngster saw real-life spectacled bears, the species that inspired the beloved character Paddington Bear. Native to South America, these bears are recognised by the light-coloured markings around their eyes, which resemble spectacles.
The festive getaway comes 15 months after Liam Payne's tragic death in October 2024. The singer died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Cheryl has since credited her mother and brother with being her "rock" as she and Bear adjust to life without Liam.
Creating New Family Traditions
According to onlookers speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Bear was captivated by the experience, particularly in the African section of the park. One guest noted, "They all looked genuinely mesmerised, especially Bear... He doesn't have a daddy around at Christmas, so it was lovely to see Cheryl doing the best she can."
During their stay, the family also enjoyed a winter wonderland light trail, visited Santa's grotto, experienced a vintage funfair, and attended the park's first fairy disco. A visit to the dinosaur section held special significance, as it was a shared passion between Bear and his father.
Liam Payne was known to adore dinosaurs, reportedly purchasing three statues from eBay which he placed in the garden of his Buckinghamshire mansion. He had bought the property to be close to Bear, who lives nearby with Cheryl.
The former couple first met in 2008 on The X Factor, later rekindling their connection and welcoming son Bear in March 2017. They separated in 2018 but vowed to co-parent amicably. Cheryl has since stated she is "done" with dating, focusing her energy on raising her son.
