WHEN thinking of overwater bungalows and lodges, tropical destinations like the Maldives are the obvious destinations that spring to mind.
However, there’s a place in the UK that has some cabins that stand over “crystal clear” teal waters, less than an hour away from London.
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While no one is likely to confuse the lodges at St Andrews Lakes in Rochester, Kent, with those seen standing over the Indian Ocean – they do still look incredibly inviting.
They’re among the accommodation on offer at St Andrews, with a number of different stays available at the site that stands next to the bright blue stretch of water that’s perfect for family activities.
Point Lodge is one of those that sits on the water, with a small balcony, a wood-fired hot tub and its own kitchen available.
A seven-night stay can be booked from £549 for two people, making it just under £40 per night per person.
Once at the lake, there’s plenty more to do than lounge by the water with, including Kent’s largest aquapark.
It features inflatable equipment 25 metres out with obstacles to be climbed and jumped over, all under the watchful eye of the lake’s lifeguards.
A smaller inflatable course is on site for younger kids to play on too.
The aquapark is set to reopen to the public from Easter weekend (March 30-31).
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There’s plenty of water-based activities for everyone to get involved with as well, with kayaks, paddleboards and pedalos available for hire, while swimming and dinghy sailing are other options.
Meanwhile, on land, archery and climbing are also on offer.
For those less interested in being active, the lake side beaches are found “sitting right alongside our beautifully clean turquoise waters,” according to the St Andrews Lakes website.
It promises “soft sand for you to wiggle your toes in” and invites visitors to “sit back, relax and watch lake life go by”.
For anyone dealing with a bout of hunger during their visit, there’s a lakeside barbecue cabin available for hire.
For three hours, ten visitors can hire out the grillkota cabin to sit around the central grill and cook as much as they would like to bring with them.
Five new water attractions opening in the UK next year
- Therme Manchester will have 25 swimming pools, 25 water slides and an indoor beach.
- Modern Surf Manchester will be a surfing lagoon offering lessons to both beginners and experts.
- Chessington World of Adventures waterpark is set to have wave, infinity and spa pools as well as waterslides and cabanas.
- The Cove Resort, Southport is likely to have a water lagoon and a thermal spa with steam rooms and saunas.
- The Seahive, Deal plans to be the “surfing wellness resort” in the UK.
The benches around the grill are furnished with cosy rugs and cushions, while all coals, cutlery and plates are included.
Comfort and relaxation can also be found in the spa and wellness centre, with hot tubs and saunas alongside day treatments, like full body massages and hot stone therapy.
The site impressed people on social media with a video they shared.
They accompanied footage of the blue lake with the caption: “This crystal clear blue lake is less than an hour from Central London with easy access by car or by train on the Southeastern Railway network.
“You can hire pedalos, kayaks, paddleboards or even go on Kent’s biggest aquapark from Easter weekend onwards!”
One previous guest commented: “Been there done the aqua park great fun, well run and reasonable prices.”
Another said: “It’s so amazing and the water is beautiful.”
A third added: “This is my happy place.”
St Andrews Lakes isn’t the only place where an inland beach can be found near London.
Ruislip
Ruislip Lido Beach is found in Hillingdon, West London and has stretches of both sand and even palm trees.
Those looking for a day out at the beach will need to take a Metropolitan Line tube from central London to Ruislip before hopping on a bus to Ruislip Lido.
It’s also home to the Ruislip Lido Railway that takes visitors around the lake and through nearby woodland.
Cotswolds
The UK’s largest sandy inland beach is found in a quaint village in the Cotswolds.
Shorncote, near Cirencester, in Gloucestershire, has stretches of sand, swimming lagoons, and an inflatable aqua park, in the Cotswold Country Park and Beach.
The easiest way to reach the beach is by car, but the beach can also be accessed by train from Swindon or Cheltenham.
Meanwhile, London also has its own hidden beach with views of the Shard and Tower Bridge.
And this pub in London has its own secret beach found just behind it.
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