Whisper it: summer’s here! And the paddling pool just isn’t cutting it. If, like me, you can’t face the traffic jam to the coast, have no fear. Here’s the Muddy-approved lowdown on all the best local spots for cooling off, whether you’re a toddler, intrepid teen or grown-up water baby. Just make sure those bikini straps are firmly secured before you cannonball in, okay?

Whitemills Wake, Sandwich

Discover the ultimate family fun day experience at Kent’s newest Aqua & Wakeboarding Park. This purpose-built – and not to mention impressive – facility with two lakes offers a wide range of fun, water-based activities for all ages. Find world-class cable wakeboarding, a giant floating obstacle course, stand-up paddle boarding and open-water swimming just outside Sandwich. After all that fun, chill in the on-site rustic restaurant and bar which is the perfect place to relax and watch the action happening on the water.

St Andrew’s Lakes, Rochester

Referred to as the ‘Maldives of Kent’ this bright blue lake with beautiful clean waters is one of Kent’s best hidden gems. Escape the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy a fantastic range of water and land based activities for all ages. There’s so much on offer… Slip and slide at their Aqua Park, take on the Climbing Wall, open swim from their sandy beach, hire from their fleet of kayaks, pedalos and paddeboards, enjoy sailing courses or join a BYO SUP workshop. There’s even a Wellness Centre with luxury sauna and hot tubs complete with a day spa – don’t mind if we do!

Paddle Cabin, East Peckham

We love this watersport venture, offering Super-friendly SUP sessions for all levels, from their cute cabin in East Peckham. The River Medway is a hidden gem, offering a tranquil and wide waterway, passing through meadows, woods, and villages, offering a wide variety of birds and wildlife. They offer loads of options for paddleboarding lessons, coaching, experiences, and a community of local paddlers. Book a family session and have some fun!

Hever Castle, Hever

Hever Castle set in rural countryside, most famously – Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, it’s one of our favourite historic destinations with stunning gardens and lots of year-round events, there’s plenty to do here. We especially love the Water Maze which is now open for the summer and the perfect spot to cool down (don’t forget your towel)! It’s a maze with a difference that consists of a series of concentric stepping stone walkways sitting over water, at intervals, the stones tilt when stood on and hidden water jets spring into action to soak the unwary visitor. The aim is to reach the stone grotto in the centre without getting wet but few are successful! Can you do it?

Bewl Water, Lamberhurst

As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in the heart of the High Weald, Bewl Water is a beautiful place to visit. Plus their Aqua Park is loads of fun which is now open for the summer season, experience 3000sq meters of floating inflatable fun – consisting of two trampolines, monkey bars, flippers, slides, hurdles, springboards, overhang climbing frame, giant iceberg… You get the idea. The brilliant thing about this day out is that it appeals to girls, boys, kids of all ages, and even teens. It’s a great holiday activity for groups, families, and children from 6 years old (there are some sessions times/restrictions for younger children).

Bodiam Boating Station, Bodiam

Ok we’ll tell you about this lesser-known gem if we have to! Bodiam Boating Station is a brilliant river activity centre with every kind of boating you can imagine on offer. Amble up the River Rother at your own leisure in one of the rowing boats, kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes or SUPs. After all that work, you’ll want to stop by their seriously gorgeous rustic restaurant, where they offer a whole host of delicious treats on offer.

The Strand Lido & Leisure Park, Gillingham

The Strand Lido is the UK’s only saltwater, riverside outdoor pool and has been a favourite family attraction since 1896. There’s lots to do with river walks, a cafè and play park areas all on-site. Open 7 days a week during the summer holidays with 2 sessions, 10:30am – 1:30pm and 2:30 – 5:30pm. Let the fun begin!

Leybourne Lakes, Aylesford

The fun doesn’t just start in the summer! Open all year round, the centre’s professional and friendly team encourage families to enjoy the thrill of their chosen water activity on the balmy 30-acre freshwater lake in its idyllic setting. Exhilarating scuba dive training, dinghy sailing and mindful SUP sessions are only a few of the many activities unique to Leybourne Lakes. But fear not, all the usual activities like windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and open water swimming is on offer too.

Canterbury River Tours, Canterbury

Why not book a picturesque trip through the centre of beautiful, historic Canterbury? Canterbury Historic River Tours provide a range of multi-award-winning guided tours – fun for all the family! View the stunning architecture as you journey through the heart of Canterbury on the River Stour and discover parts of the city that are only accessible by these tours. Each boat is chauffeured by a helpful guide, who presents the historical facts of the passing buildings and monuments in an entertaining manner. We like the sound of their Evening Tours – take a relaxing trip along the Stour on a warm summer evening. We likey.

Mote Park, Maidstone

Visit the award-winning park with 450-acres of mature parkland and a 30-acre lake where you can enjoy stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, dragon boating, raft building, boat hire and much more. There’s also walking and cycling routes, a BMX track, segway tours plus two children’s play area so the fun doesn’t have to stop there. There’s also a cafe on-site with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

Action Watersports, Lydd

Bring the kids, and even the dog! Action Watersports is fun for all ages and for the whole family based on a beautiful lake in Lydd. Open 7 days a week with electrifying activities available like flyboarding, waterskiing, jet skiing and paddle boarding. You can even challenge your family at the Aqua Park, enjoy fun rides on a Dancing Donut or there’s open-water swimming and even ‘Pups on SUPs’ sessions. How cute?

Walmer Paddling Pool, Deal

In need of a splash? No need for parents to get soaked in the kid-friendly paddling pool accessible to all! No booking nor cash required for this easy yet jolly trip, allowing you to turn up when the weather is on its best behaviour. Open 10am – 5pm, seasonally and weather permitting.

Loddington Lake, Maidstone

Detach from the world and relax in your very own private sauna experience or a plunge in the refreshing Loddington Reservoir. With a picturesque view from the sauna overlooking an authentic Kentish reservoir, you can experience the invigorating health benefits of open water swimming and saunas – who needs a gym membership? Get involved with your family or partner and book via Hot Roxx Coaching with swim and 15min sauna sessions costing £15.

Swanley Park, Swanley

Temperatures are on the up so make a beeline for Swanley Park for the ultimate day out for a young family. Featuring a supervised inflatable water slide and shallow splash pool with thrilling water features, parents can take a break from entertaining by decompressing in the sun. What’s more is that the Park has a 3-acre lake completed with flamingo pedalos, canoes and rowing boats – these are not to be skipped!

Vintage Lifeboat Trips, Whitstable

All aboard ‘The Chieftain’ vintage lifeboat! Take to a seal safari in style, cruising around the alluring Whitstable Bay to lastly reach the seal’s sandbanks. From July onwards we are in pure seal pup prime so grab the gang and get your cameras at the ready. No age restrictions apply.

Walpole Bay Tidal Pool, Margate

Believed as the biggest tidal pool in the UK, covering 4 acres, Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is situated in (you guessed it) Walpole Bay in Margate. Built and opened in 1937 and now Grade II listed. It’s become a popular destination for sea swimming with fresh water springs rising from the beach within the walls. It’s free, open all year round but make sure to check the tide times before you arrive as it can get rough at high tide. There’s no facilities apart from some portaloos so you’ve been warned.

Missed your favourite swim spot? Please let us know in the comment box below.

Compiled by Rosie Webb

15 family-friendly places to hit the water

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