Stangate Creek

The creek itself is the thing here - a tidal waterway that cuts through the marshland between Sheerness and the Isle of Sheppey, and it's proper worth a wander if you're staying locally. There's something about watching the water rise and fall with the tides, the mud flats revealing themselves and then disappearing again. The walk along the creek path gives you views across the marshes, and on a clear day you can see right across to the mainland.

It's not a destination that'll keep you rooted to the spot for hours. Most people spend 45 minutes to an hour here, which is about right. The appeal is in the quietness - you'll see wading birds, the occasional heron, and very few other people. Kids might find it a bit dull unless they're into nature spotting, but anyone who appreciates a proper Essex or Kent marsh landscape will find it decent.

Access is free and unrestricted, which is always a bonus. The best time to visit is either early morning when the light's good and the birds are active, or an hour or two before high tide when there's more to see on the exposed mud. If you're based at Sheerness Holiday Park, this is an easy reach - just a few miles out - and makes a decent break from the usual seaside routine. Pair it with a walk around Sheerness itself or a trip to the nearby beaches, and it slots in perfectly to a quieter Kent getaway.