Gillingham Marina

The Medway River waterfront at Gillingham has changed dramatically over the past decade, and the marina now sits as the focal point of what's become a genuinely pleasant spot for a waterside wander. You've got the usual mix of moored boats, sailing clubs, and waterfront restaurants - nothing revolutionary, but it works well enough as a place to spend an hour or two between other activities in Maidstone.

Walkers will find the river path here decent for a stroll, with decent sightlines across the water and enough character to keep things interesting. Families won't be blown away by it - there's no beach or play areas - but if you're stopping for lunch at one of the cafes or taking photos, it's a solid enough diversion. The actual marina facilities cater mainly to boat owners and water sports enthusiasts, so unless you're hiring something or grabbing a burger, you're essentially just passing through.

Free to walk around and have a look. Entry is what you make of it really - some spots charge for dining, others don't. Summer's obviously the better bet, when everything's properly busy and you've got life about the place.

If you're staying at Kits Coty Glamping just up the road, it's worth a quick visit to break up the day, though I wouldn't build your entire holiday around it. Works better as a pocket stop than a destination in its own right.