The lake even has its own private beach
With temperatures across London firmly in the thirties this week, Londoners will undoubtedly be seeking ways to beat the heat and make the most of the glorious sunshine. One destination in Kent could be precisely the answer – St Andrews Lakes in Halling, a mere 40-minute journey from the capital.
Nestled in Halling, St Andrews Lakes is home to Kent’s largest aqua park, featuring a glistening turquoise lake, a private beach, a full inflatable obstacle course and towering slides. Spreading across 70 acres, St Andrews Lakes showcases strikingly clear, spring-fed water. A wealth of activities including floating obstacles, jump stations, water slides and splash zones continues to expand, guaranteeing something for every adventure enthusiast.
Last year the park introduced a new slide, La Jefa, which was named its “towering centrepiece” delivering high-adrenaline thrills. The name ‘La Jefa’ – Spanish for a female boss – serves as a fitting companion to their established star attraction, the 20ft water slide El Jefe, translating to male boss, which is very popular with visitors.
Beyond the aqua park itself, this well-loved destination near Rochester boasts an impressive array of activities, including a secluded sandy beach, paddleboarding, kayaking, a zip line, and even axe throwing. If that weren’t enough, wall climbing, archery, and sailing courses are also on offer, according to Kent Live.
For those after advice from the pros, paddleboard lessons are readily available, while children can enjoy action-packed activity days throughout their school holidays. Once a former quarry, this remarkable reserve has been transformed, now showcasing a breathtaking blue lake with a wealth of both water-based and land activities catering to all ages.
Those in need of some rest and recuperation can head to the wellness area, a serene retreat complete with wood-fired lakeside saunas, hot tubs, and a cold plunge lagoon. A snug relaxation space also awaits, where visitors can settle into comfortable chairs and unwind beside a crackling fire.
Tickets for the aqua park are priced at £26 per person for 50 minutes of aquatic adventure, with family packages and additional discounts also available. Visitors should be aware that participants must be at least six years old, with every session providing buoyancy aids, qualified lifeguards on hand, and a mandatory safety briefing.
For further information to plan your trip, it’s worth exploring the St Andrews Lakes website in advance here – it’s packed with essential information covering everything from reservations, mandatory inductions for particular activities, punctual arrival for certain bookings, costs, session timings, and plenty more critical information.
If you’re tempted by some sand beneath your feet, don’t forget to reserve your place to secure your spot on the beach. An all-day beach pass costs £30 for adults, £7.50 for children.
Located in Halling, a charming village in Medway positioned between Cuxton and Snodland close to Rochester, St Andrews Lakes sits within what was formerly a chalk mining quarry. The lakes’ strikingly vivid blue waters result from the suspended chalk particles which magnificently reflect sunlight. According to those at St Andrew’s, the lake’s water is “incredibly clean”, due to its spring-fed origins.
How to get there
You can get to the aqua park from London in just 40 minutes by car, using the A2 towards Chatham before joining the A228 towards Halling. By rail, head to Abbey Wood by using the central portion of the Elizabeth Line Eastbound. From there, catch the Thameslink service to Rochester, then take the 151 bus to St Andrews Park.
Alternatively, board a Southeastern train from St Pancras to Strood. From there, catch an additional Southeastern train to Halling. The park lies a 20 minute walk from there.
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