Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park

Water sports and open-air swimming in the Kent countryside - that's what Whitemills Wake and Aqua Park delivers, just outside Sandwich. The park runs a cable wake system for anyone keen on wakeboarding and water skiing, plus a proper swimming lake for those who want to cool off without the adrenaline rush. It's the sort of place where you'll see families with teenagers having a crack at the cable, while younger kids splash about in the designated swim area.

The setup works well for a long afternoon rather than a full day. Most people get the most out of two to three hours here - enough time for a few runs on the cable or a good swim, then you're ready for a pint back in Sandwich itself. It suits anyone over about eight who can swim reasonably well; younger children will find the swimming bit fun enough, but won't manage the wake activities.

You're well positioned for a park holiday in the area. Sandwich Leisure Holiday Park sits less than a mile away, and Fallow Fields Camping and the various glamping spots like Ham Hideaway are all within easy reach - twenty minutes or less driving. Pair a morning here with an afternoon pottering round historic Sandwich town centre and you've got a solid day sorted. The place gets busy on summer weekends, so aim for a weekday visit if you can. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and realistic expectations about the weather - this is Kent, after all.