Have you been to Bodiam Boating Station yet? It’s a brilliant river activity centre 6 miles from Rye and 8 miles from Cranbrook and a real Muddy favourite. Perfect for a family day out, group trip or adventure with your girlie mates – with every kind of boating you can imagine on offer. Just click here to see the many ways that you can enjoy your time on the water.

If you’re coming from further afield there’s camping and everyone will want to try the gorgeous, rustic, licensed restaurant. Did we mention the cocktail bar too?!

WHERE IS IT?

You’ll find Bodiam Boating Station smack bang on the border of Kent and Sussex near to the village of Robertsbridge, is not far from the A21 that runs from north Kent down to the coast.

From here you can paddle up to the National Trust’s Bodiam Castle, a stunning, riverside 14th century moated castle with a ruined interior offering a glimpse of medieval splendour from a bygone era and now a fantastic and fun-filled day out for the entire family.

WHO’S IT FOR?

The brilliant thing about this day out is that it appeals to grown ups, girls, boys, kids of all ages and even teens (well you know as animated as they ever get). It’s a great holiday activity for groups, kids, families and even grandparents.

Amble up the River Rother at your own leisure in one of the rowing boats, kayaks, tandem kayaks, Canadian Canoes or SUPs (Stand up Paddleboards – they are very much the in thing aren’t they?)

Alternatively, take it easy, and book onto the 45 minute ferry cruise to National Trust’s Bodiam Castle or even to Rye (this one might be ideal for grandparents to try too). The ferry trips are not running currently due to Covid restrictions. To read more about how they’re operating differently at this time, click here.

AGE RESTRICTIONS?

Pretty much suitable for all ages except for teeny babies. Children from 7 years can handle their own kayaks and stand up paddle boards (SUPs). But only if there’s an adult paddling with them within 10 metres.

Smaller kids can sit between the paddler’s legs on the Single Kayaks so it’s a great way to get toddlers onto the river. Anyone can book a lesson too.

KIT, COST & FACILITIES

A Single Kayak is £15 First Hour / £12 per subsequent hour; The Mirage Pedalboard is £25 half hour / £40 per hour; A Rowing Boat is £20 First hour / £15 per subsequent hour and Stand Up Paddleboard £15 First hour – £12 per subsequent hour.

You need to book your boating session over the phone or online before you go – and there’s the usual Health & Safety waivers to fill out.

They’ll provide life-jackets. Parking is free for anyone booked into the Boating.

ANYTHING ELSE?

If you’ve not yet discovered Lime Wharf Cafe, it’s a seriously gorgeous rustic restaurant, housed in a Scandinavian boathouse-inspired building at the Bodiam Boating Station.

Whether you’re meeting a friend for a post-dog-walk coffee and cake or planning a family day out there are a whole host of delicious treats on offer at this stunning café, which has become a destination in its own right.

There are plenty of picnic tables dotted around outside and if you’re booking as a group there are special paddle-plus-food deals that can be arranged for you.

Why not stay and camp? The small rural site is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty within the High Weald – making it the perfect place to unwind. There are 25 pitches (half with electric hook-up), catering for Motorhomes, Caravans and tents.

Sit back, relax and watch the Kent & East Sussex Railway steam trains as they chug by in the distance. For the Bear Grylls amongst us campfires are encouraged and the owners can provide fire pits, wood and even marshmallows (should you have forgotten your own).

MUDDY VERDICT: All the elements of a brilliant family activity day out – exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise, fab food and the great outdoors. Not surprisingly they get very booked up throughout the summer, so be quick and BOOK YOUR BOATING FUN NOW!

Paddles at the ready – summer-time fun, here we come!

Bodiam Boating Station, Riverside Cottage, Station Road, Northiam, RYE, TN31 6FE (Sat Nav may prefer TN18 5PP)