Five things you need to know before visiting The Beach at Bluewater this summer

You don't have to drive to the coast to soak up the seaside this summer.

The Beach at Bluewater is back for the third year running, offering everything from sand and water to fairground rides and traditional refreshments.

With a promise of being bigger and better than ever before, senior reporter Lauren Abbott set off to discover what families headed for this temporary north Kent sandy spot need to know...

1. Pick a nice day

It sounds daft, and no family with youngsters in tow would necessarily pick an inclement one but if you're aiming for just one visit to this man-made attraction this summer be sure to try and select a sunny day.

Entry to The Beach is £3 per person which gives you all the sand and splashing you can soak up - however rides, games and refreshments are extra.

If you can aim for a day when the weather is warm the kids are far more likely to enjoy the sand building and swimming on offer (and for longer!) before nagging heavily for ride tokens and treats (more on those later).

2. Have a look around first

Built on one of Bluewater's outdoor car parks the site crams a lot into the space. Rides, inflatables, games and stalls run around the entire edge, with the sand and water in the centre.

Before the kids make a mad dash for their first ride, take a good walk around to work out what rides they are most suited to and they like the look of, establish any height or age restrictions and whether adults will be required to accompany them. Knowing all of this will help you plan and budget your day better.

3. Buy tokens online in advance and stick to your budget

You can buy 25 ride tokens for £20 online in advance but tokens purchased on the day are £1.20 each - so it is definitely worth snapping some up in advance.

Rides range from two to five tokens with the children's/ family rides requiring around two to three tokens whilst the more extreme rides are at the top end of the scale requiring four or five. Shorter children set on an adrenaline fix will require an adult to accompany them, who will also need to pay, so be sure to factor that into your spend.

An online guide to the theme park rides and the number of tokens required can be found here.

4. Bring your own food and drink

There is a fantastic range of food, drinks and treats at The Beach with everything from coffees to slushies, candy floss and waffles on sale. You can also grab a tasty looking portion of chips or hotdog. But if you're planning on staying for any length of time it is definitely worth bringing some food and drink of your own as well.

Visitors are allowed to come in with their own picnics, as long as there is no glass or alcohol, and having supplies will not only stave off the constant summer holiday nag for snacks but will allow you to spend more of your pennies on rides and attractions.

5 Bring hats and suncream

Because of the nature of the attraction and its base on a concrete car park, there is very little comprehensive or natural shade if you've very small babies and children.

Some picnic tables have parasols to keep the sun out and there are some small trees but there is definitely not enough for all visitors particularly in the peak of the day during busy periods.

If you're intending to take up residence on a deck chair whilst the kids amuse themselves it is definitely worth remembering the hats and suncream and sunshades for pushchairs if you own them.

• For more on visiting The Beach visit www.thebeachbluewater.com
• And for further suggestions of things to do with the family in Kent please click here.