Spending a night by the water offers far more than just a change of scenery. It is a well-known fact that being near, being on or looking at water can help reduce stress and improve our overall wellbeing.

This idea is at the heart of the ‘Blue Mind’ theory, which suggests that our connection to water runs much deeper than we realise. Beneath the surface, staying by water improves our health, connecting us to the natural world and bringing us closer to how water has shaped our lives for centuries.

A Kent staycation goes hand-in-hand with the restorative benefits of water. From lakeside lodges and historical harbour experiences to coastal stays and boating breaks, these water-based stays offer a chance to recharge and unwind, connecting us to a slower pace of life in Kent this summer.

By the Sea

Sea Purse

Boasting over 350 miles of coastline, the chalk-stacked cliffs and clear waters of Kent’s shores offer stays by the water that remind us to slow down and take in a slower pace of life if things start to feel a little overwhelming.

During the summer, shoreline stays are some of Kent’s most popular getaways. Rightfully so, with vibrant seaside towns and a wealth of marine life to observe from the shores, you can make your way to St Margaret’s Bay in Dover. Here, you will discover a sheltered shingle beach sitting beneath the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and, more importantly, Sea Purse, possessing quite possibly the best views of the English Channel across the south coast. 

The accommodation holds an interesting history and was previously leased by Noel Coward, the English playwright and composer, in the 1950s. Alongside Ian Fleming, who leased the adjacent beach house, it is clear Fleming drew inspiration for his James Bond novels from this spectacular coastal location. Looking out across the English Channel, you can see how this view never gets old, with the sound of gentle waves and days spent soaking up the summer sun on the quiet shingle beach.

Inside, the house accommodates up to seven people, with a large kitchen and sitting room area alongside two king-size beds with sea views, balconies and rustic copper baths. There is also two double beds with balconies and one small double and single bed. The house also accommodates dogs, with direct access to the beach for morning swims and fossil hunting excursions.

Cabu by the Sea

Heading along the coastline to Romney Marsh – one of Kent’s most distinct landscapes – you will find St Mary’s Bay in New Romney, where CABÜ by the Sea boasts a number of luxury cabins sitting on the water’s edge. Ranging from one-bedroom cabins for couples to three-bedroom beach houses that are perfect for families and friends. The self-catering cabins have access to a number of on-site facilities, where you can relax by the seasonal pool or unwind in the nature spa with hot tubs, saunas and spa treatments. 

Set on the sands of St Mary’s Bay, the beach offers early morning swims and long coastal walks to Dymchurch Beach where you’ll discover Dymchurch Amusement Park. A traditional park with vintage amusements, the venue is perfect for a seaside day activity of competitive fun. Afterwards, head to Amarettos local ice cream parlour and pick up some fresh ice cream to be enjoyed on Dymchurch Beach.

After a day out, head back to the cabins and make your way to The Sitooterie, the on-site space for alfresco dining, with an outdoor kitchen offering barbecues and wood-fired pizzas. While the evening sets in on the beachfront, toast marshmallows surrounded by the quiet coastal landscape for a waterside staycation made to revitalise and restore your peace.

On The Water

On the water, stays have continued to grow in popularity, offering the perfect blend of pure relaxation; time to turn off your phone and bring nature that little bit closer. For a short getaway or a week spent by the waterside, lake and river stays will always exceed expectations, offering a much-needed wellness retreat.

Starting off with a unique riverboat experience, Lady Florence is a picturesque Kent boathouse set on the River Medway in Maidstone. From the boat, you can see the nearby Allington Castle, a privately owned medieval fortress. Heading inside, the accommodation offers a modern, family-friendly escape, with room to sleep up to four people, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen and a bathroom with a full-sized shower. Enjoy spending time on the private terrace, looking out across the river as fellow boat dwellers meander past for an authentic on-the-water experience. 

Heading across the county to Biddenden, discover a hidden gem nestled in the countryside. The Boathouse offers the perfect couple’s escape; set on a lake, The Boathouse has panoramic windows with access to a glass-fronted wraparound veranda offering far-stretching views of the Weald of Kent, as well as a private hot tub and patio equipped with a BBQ and comfortable seating area.

The living area has an open-plan kitchen and sitting room, moving into a spacious bedroom with a double bed and French doors leading to the hot tub and patio area. While you’re there, walks from The Boathouse offer the chance to see a common kingfisher resting by the water’s edge or wild fallow and roe deer hiding in the wild undergrowth.

For those seeking pure relaxation, the luxury floating lodges on St Andrews Lakes offer a collection of secluded lodges perched on the water. Surrounded by lush forests and clear blue waters, these lodges range from intimate two-person cabins to five-person lodges, ideal for couples and family staycations. 

On the water, each lodge features private decking and a hot tub overlooking the lake, where you can enjoy an abundance of native wildlife to observe and easy access to watersport activities available on the lake. Heading inside, there is a spacious living area and panoramic windows, allowing you to savour the picturesque views from every angle of your water-led staycation.

Overlooking the Harbour 

The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Kent’s position as the closest county to mainland Europe has meant that across centuries, trading hubs and cross-channel travel have been dependent on the county’s accessible harbours. Across Kent, there are 19 harbours to explore, with some offering stays that immerse you in a relaxing setting where you can take in Kent’s extensive maritime history.

Starting in the historic riverside town of Chatham, situated on the edge of the river Medway, the river runs through the town leading to the Chatham Maritime Marina. The marina was built following the closure of the Royal Naval Dockyard in 1984, which had run for over 400 years.

A portion still survives and is preserved in The Historic Dockyard Chatham. The site hosts a wealth of naval history, from the 16th-century military facility to the now-heritage site and museum. Discover three main warships, in particular the HMS Cavalier, a famous World War II C-class destroyer known for holding the unofficial speed record for the Royal Navy destroyer, alongside current tours of the Call the Midwife set, with the official location tour running until Saturday 31 October.

Heading across to the marina, the harbour’s first-class services, with an established leisure and retail development, offer an array of attractions and on-the-water entertainment. Make your way to the Ships and Trades Pub & Hotel; positioned on the edge of the marina, the waterfront location offers scenic harbour views. At the hotel, head to the dockside bar and restaurant where each dish is crafted by Shepherd Neame chefs and where you can enjoy haddock and chips, steak burgers,  homemade sandwiches and locally caught fish from Whitstable.

At the end of the day, retire to one of the bespoke en-suite bedrooms. Boasting marina views and private waterfront balconies, each room is designed for a relaxing stay, bringing modern comforts and maritime history together for a serene harbour-side experience.

Moving across the county, head to Ramsgate Royal Harbour, which is recognised as the only Royal Harbour in the UK since the late 19th century. The fishing settlement has evolved over the centuries; once serving as a major embarkation point for British troops during the Napoleonic Wars, it was also the main assembly point for Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of Dunkirk during World War II. 

Heading along the seafront, you can explore the famous Ramsgate Tunnel where you will descend into a world of living history. Discover the 150-year-old Victorian railway tunnel from 1863 and purpose-built air raid precaution tunnels, where thousands once took shelter during World War II.

Complete your historical stay at the Royal Harbour Hotel, which has far-reaching views across the harbour and out to the English Channel. Choose from panoramic suites, offering balconies that span the width of the townhouse hotel, with an en-suite shower room and a large double bed. Alternatively, for a shorter stay, why not relax in one of the cosy doubles overlooking the harbour, so you can feel close to Kent’s maritime history?