Bodiam Boating Station

The boating station sits right on the water near Robertsbridge, a proper spot if you're after a bit of messing about on the river. You can rent a boat here and take to the Rother, which is exactly what makes this place worth a stop rather than just driving past Bodiam Castle. The setting is lovely - willow trees, swans, the whole thing - and it beats sitting in a café watching other people enjoy themselves.

It works best for families with older kids or couples who actually want to do something active. Younger children will get restless quickly unless they're genuinely keen on boats. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're renting, longer if you fancy a proper paddle upstream. The walk down to the water is short and flat, so no grief there.

The station is run with real enthusiasm by locals who know the river inside out. They'll kit you out sensibly and won't let you do anything daft. Bring cash - these places often prefer it.

If you're camping at Seven Acre Woods or The Original Hut Company, this makes a decent afternoon excursion, especially on one of those days when the weather's decent but not scorching. It pairs well with Bodiam Castle itself, which looms nearby and is frankly more interesting as a photograph than a place to spend two hours inside. Row past it instead and you'll get the better angle.