With temperatures in London climbing this week, Londoners will no doubt be looking for ways to cool off and have fun in the sunshine. One destination in Kent could be the perfect place to do just that – St Andrews Lakes in Halling, just a 40 minute journey from London.
Located at Halling’s St Andrews Lakes, you’ll find Kent’s largest aqua park, complete with a shimmering turquoise lake, private beach, full inflatable obstacle course and towering slides. Sprawling over 70 acres, St Andrews Lakes boasts crystal-clear, spring-fed water. An array of attractions like floating obstacles, jump stations, water slides, and splash zones continue to grow, offering something for every thrill-seeker.
The parks latest slide, La Jefa, has been dubbed a “towering centrepiece” offering high-speed thrills. The slide opened last Friday (June 13), and has already been getting rave responses from the public.
The name ‘La Jefa’, Spanish for a female boss, is a fitting counterpart to their existing star attraction, the 20ft water slide El Jefe, translating to male boss. This existing favourite has already won the hearts of park-goers.
Operations Director at St Andrews Lakes, Stuart Bishop, said: “La Jefa is the perfect next step for our Aqua Park. Guests already loved El Jefe, but we wanted to bring something new, something a bit different and something just as fun. We can’t wait to see families and friends tackle it this summer.”
Apart from the aqua park itself, this popular destination near Rochester offers a range of activities including a secluded sandy beach area, paddleboarding, kayaking, a zip line, and even axe throwing. To top it off, wall climbing, archery, and sailing courses are available, reports Kent Live.
For those seeking expert guidance, paddleboard lessons are on offer, while children can indulge in fun-filled activity days during their school breaks. Transformed from a former quarry, this reserve now boasts a stunning blue lake, offering a plethora of water-based and land activities suitable for all ages.
For those seeking relaxation, the wellness area is a tranquil haven, featuring woodfired lakeside saunas, hot tubs, and a cold plunge lagoon, plus there’s a cosy relaxation space where you can sink into comfy chairs and gather around the warmth of a fire.
The aqua park beckons with tickets at £25 per person for 50 minutes of splashy fun: family deals and other discounts are also up for grabs. Fun-seekers should note that the minimum age to participate is six years old, with each session including buoyancy aids, the watchful eyes of lifeguards, and an essential safety briefing.
For keen adventurers planning to make the most of any activity or facility on offer, KentLive recommends thoroughly reviewing the St Andrews Lakes website beforehand – it’s loaded with crucial details covering everything from bookings, required inductions for certain activities, prompt arrival for bookings in some instances, pricing, session times, and loads more vital intel.
Should you fancy a bit of sand between your toes, remember to book to guarantee your spot on the beach – which carries a charge for all-day access.
Nestled in Halling, a quaint village in Medway between Cuxton and Snodland not far from Rochester, St Andrews Lakes is situated in what was once a chalk mining quarry.The lakes’ dazzlingly clear blue waters are thanks to the suspended particles of chalk which brilliantly reflect light. According to the folks at St Andrew’s, the lake’s water is “incredibly clean”, courtesy of its spring-fed sources.
Getting there
To reach the aqua park from London, the journey takes just 40 minutes by car, following the A2 towards Chatham before taking the A228 towards Halling.By train, travel to Abbey Wood by taking the central section of the Elizabeth Line Eastbound. From there, take the Thameslink service to Rochester, followed by the 151 bus to St Andrews Park.
Alternatively, hop aboard a Southeastern train from St Pancras to Strood. From there, take a further Southeastern train to Halling. The park is a 20 minute walk from there.
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