Overview of St Andrews Lakes
St Andrews Lakes is a lakeside activity and lodge retreat at Halling, near Rochester in Kent. The spring fed lake covers approximately 70 acres and is known for its clear blue water, sandy lakeside beaches and range of outdoor activities.
Accommodation includes floating lodges, lakeside cabins, safari lodges and a shepherd’s hut. Choices sleep between two and six guests, with many properties offering private decking, lake views and a wood fired hot tub.
The water activities are a major part of staying at St Andrews Lakes. Visitors can book paddleboarding, kayaking, pedalos, sailing, open water swimming and sessions on the inflatable aqua parks. Land based choices include a climbing wall, zip wire, archery and axe throwing.
Adults can book time at the Nordic inspired Wellness Centre, which has lakeside hot tubs, a wood fired sauna, beach access and a natural plunge lagoon. Food and drink are available from the lakeside café and pizzeria, with seasonal ice cream and dessert outlets also operating.
St Andrews Lakes is ideal for couples planning a hot tub break, families looking for an activity holiday and groups wanting to stay beside the water. Rochester, Chatham and several of Kent’s main attractions are also within easy driving distance.
St Andrews Lakes at a Glance
| Park information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Halling near Rochester in Kent |
| Setting | Spring fed lake with sandy lakeside beaches |
| Accommodation | Floating lodges, lakeside lodges, safari lodges and a shepherd’s hut |
| Capacity | Accommodation sleeping between two and six guests |
| Hot tubs | Available with many accommodation choices |
| Water activities | Aqua parks, paddleboarding, kayaking, pedalos, sailing and swimming |
| Land activities | Zip wire, climbing wall, archery and axe throwing |
| Wellness | Adults only lakeside hot tubs, sauna and plunge lagoon |
| Food and drink | Café, pizzeria and seasonal refreshment outlets |
| Dogs | Holiday accommodation does not accept pets |
| Best for | Couples, families, groups, watersports and hot tub breaks |
The accommodation range and facilities vary according to the property and dates booked, while activities are booked separately from the lodge stay.
Why is St Andrews Lakes a Great Holiday Park?
• Floating and lakeside accommodation overlooking clear blue water
• Lodges, safari accommodation and a shepherd’s hut sleeping up to six guests
• Private wood fired hot tubs available with many accommodation choices
• Large inflatable aqua park and a separate aqua park for younger children
• Paddleboarding, kayaking, pedalos, sailing and open water swimming
• Zip wire, climbing wall, archery and axe throwing
• Adults only lakeside wellness facilities
• Rochester and the attractions of Medway within easy reach
FAQs About St Andrews Lakes
What accommodation is available at St Andrews Lakes?
Visitors can choose from floating lodges, lakeside lodges, safari lodges and a shepherd’s hut. The range includes accommodation for couples, families and groups of up to six guests.
Do the lodges at St Andrews Lakes have hot tubs?
Many of the current lodges and glamping choices include a private wood fired hot tub. Guests should select accommodation that specifically includes one when booking.
Can you swim at St Andrews Lakes?
Yes. St Andrews Lakes provides supervised open water swimming in its spring fed lake. Swimmers need to complete an induction and follow the current open water swimming membership and safety arrangements.
What water activities are available?
Activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, pedalos, sailing and inflatable aqua parks. Equipment hire, tuition and bring your own equipment sessions are available for selected activities.
Is St Andrews Lakes suitable for families?
Yes. Families can enjoy the lakeside beaches, main aqua park, younger children’s aqua park, climbing wall, zip wire and a choice of watersports. Age, height and supervision requirements apply to individual activities.
Is there somewhere to eat at St Andrews Lakes?
Yes. The lakeside café serves meals, snacks and drinks, while the pizzeria offers stone baked pizzas. Seasonal ice cream and dessert outlets are also available.
Accommodation at St Andrews Lakes
St Andrews Lakes offers a collection of floating lodges, lakeside cabins, safari lodges and shepherd’s hut accommodation. Properties sleep between two and six guests, providing choices for couples, families and smaller groups.
The floating lodges sit directly over the water and have private decking overlooking the lake. One bedroom choices sleep two, while larger two bedroom lodges accommodate families and groups of up to five or six people.
Further accommodation is positioned beside or above the lake. Safari lodges provide a glamping style stay with bedrooms, cooking facilities and private outdoor space, while the shepherd’s hut creates a smaller retreat for two guests.
Many properties include a private wood fired hot tub. Selected accommodation also adds a private sauna, wood burning stove, waterside terrace or larger outdoor seating area. Features vary, so guests should check the individual accommodation description carefully.
The main accommodation includes a kitchen or kitchenette, WiFi, bed linen and towels. One parking space is generally provided, although some floating lodges are approximately three to six minutes on foot from their allocated parking area.
Activities, beach entry and Wellness Centre sessions are booked separately from the accommodation. The current lodges do not accept pets.
Accommodation at St Andrews Lakes
| Accommodation type | Main features | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Floating lodges | Positioned over the lake with private decking and water views | Couples and distinctive lakeside breaks |
| Lakeside lodges | One and two bedroom accommodation beside the water | Couples, families and groups |
| Safari lodges | Glamping style accommodation sleeping up to six | Families wanting additional space |
| Shepherd’s hut | Compact accommodation for two with private outdoor space | Couples and shorter breaks |
| Hot tub accommodation | Selected properties with a private wood fired hot tub | Relaxing lakeside stays |
| Larger lodges | Two or three bedroom accommodation sleeping five or six | Families and groups |
Practical Accommodation Information
| Feature | What guests should know |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Accommodation sleeps between two and six guests |
| Hot tubs | Included with many properties but not every accommodation choice |
| Dogs | Pets are not accepted in the holiday accommodation |
| Kitchens | Cooking facilities vary between lodges and glamping accommodation |
| Linen and towels | Included with the main holiday accommodation |
| WiFi | Available within the lodges |
| Parking | One allocated space is generally provided |
| Walk from parking | Some floating lodges are several minutes from their parking space |
| Activities | Watersports and land activities are booked separately |
| Wellness Centre | Access is not automatically included with the accommodation |
| Deposit | A refundable security deposit may be required before arrival |
| Specification | Bedrooms, bathrooms, saunas and outdoor areas vary by property |
Facilities at St Andrews Lakes
St Andrews Lakes is centred around outdoor activities on and beside its spring fed lake.
The main inflatable aqua park has obstacles, slides, climbing sections and a giant swing. A smaller aqua park is available for children aged approximately two to six, allowing younger visitors to enjoy a separate water activity.
Visitors can hire paddleboards, kayaks and pedalos or book sailing and paddleboarding tuition. Open water swimming takes place on marked courses under separate safety arrangements. Swimmers must complete an induction before using the full swimming course.
The two sandy lakeside beaches provide places to relax beside the water. Beach admission includes access to the shallow area up to the buoy line, while full open water swimming requires a separate booking.
Land based activities include the zip wire, climbing wall, archery and axe throwing. Most sessions carry an additional charge and have their own minimum age, height or supervision rules.
The adults only Wellness Centre includes wood fired hot tubs, a sauna, beach access and a natural plunge lagoon. Visitors can book shorter sessions, longer visits, classes and selected wellness events.
The café and pizzeria provide meals and refreshments throughout much of the year. Other facilities include an ice cream hut, shop, changing areas, lockers and free parking.
Main Facilities at St Andrews Lakes
| Facility | Information |
|---|---|
| Aqua park | Large inflatable obstacle course on the lake |
| Children’s aqua park | Separate inflatable water area for younger children |
| Lakeside beaches | Two sandy areas with loungers and supervised water access |
| Paddleboarding | Equipment hire, tuition and bring your own sessions |
| Kayaking | Kayak hire and water access sessions |
| Pedalos | Family pedal boats available to hire |
| Sailing | Boat hire and courses for adults and younger visitors |
| Open water swimming | Supervised marked courses with induction requirements |
| Zip wire | Aerial ride overlooking the lake |
| Climbing wall | Instructor managed climbing activity |
| Archery | Bookable land based activity |
| Axe throwing | Instructor led activity with age restrictions |
| Wellness Centre | Adults only hot tubs, sauna and plunge lagoon |
| Food and drink | Café, pizzeria and seasonal refreshment outlets |
| Other facilities | Shop, changing facilities, lockers and free parking |
Activity Information
| Activity detail | What visitors should know |
|---|---|
| Advance booking | Recommended for aqua parks, watersports and land activities |
| Lodge bookings | Activities are not automatically included |
| Open water swimming | Requires an induction and current swimming arrangements |
| Beach access | Booked separately and permits paddling within the designated area |
| Equipment | Available to hire for selected watersports |
| Safety equipment | Requirements vary according to the activity |
| Age restrictions | Apply to several water and land activities |
| Weather | Some sessions can be affected by wind, water or weather conditions |
| Wellness Centre | Restricted to visitors aged 18 and over |
Places to Visit Near St Andrews Lakes
St Andrews Lakes is at Halling in the Medway Valley, with Rochester and Chatham both within a short drive.
Historic Rochester is approximately 15 minutes away. Visitors can explore Rochester Castle, Rochester Cathedral and the independent shops and places to eat along the historic High Street. Eastgate House and the Guildhall Museum provide further links with the city’s history and Charles Dickens.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham is approximately 20 minutes away. The attraction covers more than 80 acres and includes historic ships, a Cold War submarine, a Victorian ropery and maritime exhibitions.
Capstone Farm Country Park provides walking, cycling, woodland and open countryside within the Medway area. Kent Life near Maidstone combines a heritage farm, animals, historic buildings and play areas.
Leeds Castle can normally be reached in approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Its extensive grounds include gardens, play areas, a maze and the historic castle. Bluewater is also within driving distance for shops, restaurants, cinema and indoor entertainment.
The surrounding Kent Downs provide further opportunities for countryside walks, while Halling and the Medway Valley have railway connections towards Rochester, Maidstone and London.
Nearby Towns and Attractions
| Place to visit | Approximate journey | Why visit |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester | Approximately 15 minutes | Castle, cathedral, historic High Street and museums |
| Capstone Farm Country Park | Approximately 15 to 20 minutes | Walking, cycling, woodland and open countryside |
| Historic Dockyard Chatham | Approximately 20 minutes | Historic ships, submarine and maritime exhibitions |
| Upnor Castle | Approximately 20 to 25 minutes | Riverside village and Elizabethan fort |
| Kent Life | Approximately 20 to 25 minutes | Heritage farm, animals and family activities |
| Maidstone | Approximately 25 minutes | Shops, riverside walks and places to eat |
| Leeds Castle | Approximately 25 to 30 minutes | Castle, gardens, maze and playgrounds |
| Bluewater | Approximately 25 to 30 minutes | Shopping, restaurants, cinema and entertainment |
Journey times are approximate and can increase during busy periods.
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Park Reviews for St Andrews Lakes Holiday Park
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