St Andrews Watersports at the 'blue lake' in Halling is open for paddle-boarding, kayaking and pedalo hire
A new outdoor attraction in Kent is proving exceptionally popular with families this summer.
St Andrew's Lake at Halling has opened for a range of watersports and even boasts an 'urban beach' as one of its major attractions.
The former cement quarry is located just off the M2 at Medway Valley Park and the West Malling A228 turn off of the M20.
Set in 140 acres between the River Medway and Pilgrim's Way, the multi-million pound leisure spot, includes a 70-acre crystal clear azure lake, which for years locally has been known as the "blue lake".
The spectacular 30 metre deep water attraction, ideal for scuba divers, is now offering a programme of kayaking, paddle-boarding and pedalo rides for a family to hire from £15 per hour.
Around the lake there are plans for a 2.55 km walkway, 411 car parking spaces and a nature reserve.
DoverSea Sports is the company behind St Andrews Watersports which launched its summer programme belatedly due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The centre is proving hugely popular with families looking for socially distanced outings in the great outdoors, with the company's facebook page packed full of positive reviews and interest from people clamouring for available slots in the recent good weather.
Director Stuart Bishop said:"It's early days but so far the response has been good. We are expanding all the time.
"As a business we are 90% down on last year, but with holidays being cancelled abroad we hope to pick up. We are basically still open until the schools go back.
"We are busy with calls from people who have heard of us by word of mouth. And we have people from Medway who come to our centre in Dover coming here."
The masterplan for the leisure scheme includes camping facilities, luxury lodges and zip wire experiences across the lake which is believed to have got its colour from chalk used in cement manufacture.
Facilities are open seven days a week between 10am and 5pm throughout and bookings must be made in advance.
Coaching is also available in a number of sports and open water swimming sessions are also available.
To learn more or to make a booking with St Andrews Watersports please click here.
For more suggestions of things to do with the kids this summer please click here.
