THE heat is on and there’s a spot in Kent with an enormous lake and beach that people say feels more like being abroad.
Found at the site of a former quarry, St Andrews Lake in Kent is where you can do everything from open-water swimming to paddleboarding and kayaking.
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On a summer‘s day, the water is so blue that it’s even been called a ‘taste of the Mediterranean’, by author Lisa Drewe.
During the summer season, visitors can book a session for its aqua park, which is the largest in the county (from £26 per session).
The aqua park has inflatable slides, a climbing wall, swings and other obstacles to jump around on.
There’s another inflatable park for smaller children which is specifically for those two to six years old – from £16 per child.
Around the lake there are even beach spots – so you will be able to feel even more like you’re on holiday.
In fact, there are two beaches at St Andrews Lakes; ‘Carp’ and ‘Coots’ – both have soft sand, sun loungers on the shore, free parking, and lifeguards are on duty.
For adults, entry starts from £27.50 per adult which is for all-day access and includes a deluxe sun lounger.
Entry for children starts from £7.50 per person which doesn’t include a sun lounger (children under two go free).
On the water, visitors can rent and have a go on the kayaks, pedalos, stand-up paddleboards, Mega SUP and Bell Boats.
Not all activities involve getting in the water, there are plenty of things to do on dry land too.
There’s a 24-foot climbing wall with 15 different routes, archery, axe throwing, yoga and the zip wire.
The zip wire is a great way to get spectacular views over the lake, which whizzes above the waters below.
When it comes to relaxing, there’s a place for wellness too with either a 1.5 or three-hour sessions.
Here, take a dip in a lakeside hot tub, detox in a wood-fired sauna, and refresh with a plunge in the natural lagoon.
On-site is also a pizzeria, cafe, ice cream hut and during the colder months, a crumble bar.
If one day here isn’t enough, there are options to stay, one of which is by bringing your own motorhome or campervan on one of the eight hard-standing pitches.
Or book one of the ‘luxury floating lodges‘ – each comes with private decking, a hot tub, and views across the lake.
One recent visitor said: “I never imagined that I could be blown away on a holiday in Kent. St Andrews Lakes lodges or boat houses are just amazing.
“If you want the Maldives but don’t want to pay or travel too far, then this is as good if not better – I’m talking from experience.”
One of the smaller lodges is Point Lodge which sleeps up to two people.
Inside is a double bed, kitchen, small table and chairs, TV, bathroom, and decking over the water with two fold-out deckchairs for sunbathing.
Seven-nights at Point Lodge starts from £569 – or £40.60pppn
The Lakeside is the largest of the overwater lodges, it sleeps up to five people and has two bedrooms.
Inside is a separate living area with a dining table and huge windows so even if the sun isn’t shining the views can still be admired.
The decking wraps around the lodge with the hot tub back on dry land to the side.
Prices for The Lakeside starts from £609per week.