Sandwich Marina

Small boats bob gently against weathered pontoons while seabirds pick through the mudflats beyond. This working marina sits where the River Stour meets the sea, just a short stroll from Sandwich's medieval streets. It's not the flashiest spot on the Kent coast, but there's something proper restful about watching the tide come and go.

Boat enthusiasts will love spotting the mix of sailing yachts and fishing boats that call this place home. The kids might enjoy counting different vessels, though don't expect hours of entertainment - thirty minutes is probably your lot unless they're genuinely mad about boats. The surrounding marshland offers decent birdwatching if you fancy a longer walk.

Fishing tackle shops and a modest café serve the boating crowd, so you can grab a cuppa while taking in the river views. The whole area feels refreshingly uncommercialized compared to some Kent coastal spots.

Location-wise, it works brilliantly if you're staying at Sandwich Leisure Holiday Park just a mile away, or any of the camping spots around Ham or Birchington Vale. Easy to combine with a wander through historic Sandwich town centre, and you're well placed for day trips to Deal or Canterbury. Best enjoyed as part of a longer coastal walk rather than a destination in its own right.