Guests say
The Lakeside is a highly praised holiday rental, celebrated for its beautiful, peaceful setting and clear waters. Guests appreciate the privacy, the range of on-site activities, and the welcoming, responsive hosts. The property is noted for its cleanliness, modern amenities, and proximity to local towns and London. While some minor maintenance issues and the need for flexibility are mentioned, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests planning to return.
Guests consistently report that the lodges are spotless and well cared for, indicating high standards of cleanliness throughout the property.
The property is lauded for its stunning lakeside setting and tranquility, with easy access to nearby towns and London. However, some guests noted the lack of nearby dining options within walking distance.
The lodges are generally found to be cozy and comfortable, though a few guests mentioned small room sizes and beds that may not accommodate taller individuals.
Facilities are well-received with activities like zip-lining and paddle boarding on-site. Some guests experienced minor issues with showers and Wi-Fi, suggesting room for improvement in maintenance.
While the reviews reflect positively on staff responsiveness and helpfulness, there is no mention of gifts or special touches that would fall under the category of thoughtfulness. Therefore, a score cannot be provided.
About this property
The Lakeside floating lodge is a wonderful new and quirky design and provides the ultimate holiday retreat. This luxurious and contemporary lodge has been designed to maximise an on-water experience and delivers on all the amenities expected in today’s modern world.
Sleeping 4 adults and up to 1 child with one double bedroom, a bedroom with bunk beds and a double sofa bed in the lounge area you will be in for a comfortable night’s sleep whether you go as a couple or a small family. No pets. *Please note parking space is not next to the accommodation, our private lodge car parking is around a 3-6 minute walk from your lodge.
Images are representative and may not be the specific accommodation assigned on booking.. St Andrews Lakes is part of our Evermore Lodge Holidays Collection, boasting an amazing range of activities and stunning floating lodges complete with their very own decking areas and private hot tubs! This beautiful freshwater lake is nestled in the countryside of Kent with easy access from the motorway network, as well as national rail links nearby. St Andrews Lakes offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, in a setting that seamlessly combines breathtaking nature with the thrill of adventure. Set within 150 acres, this gorgeous estate boasts 70 acres of fresh, clear water with its natural source constantly flowing to give its stunningly unique azure blue.
Watersports activities include paddleboards, kayaks, pedalos, open water swimming, Kent’s largest aqua park and even a kids aquapark for ages 2-6! On land there is a Scandinavian style Wellness Centre complete with a wood-fired sauna and lakeside hot tubs, a climbing wall, archery and idyllic man-made private beaches. Whatever you decide to do at this beautiful location you’ll be sure to have a wonderful time and feel as though you’re abroad! Please note that activities vary with the changing seasons, ensuring that each visit promises a distinctive experience. For more info and booking go to https://www.standrewswatersports.co.uk/
Explore the amazing Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or embark on a journey along Pilgrims’ Way, running through Halling and all across Kent, a historic and much-travelled route. Head north along the River Medway to discover the town of Rochester, where Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral pose wonderful choices for days out exploring the history and stunning architecture that is centuries old. Find a wide selection of quaint cafés, quirky restaurants and traditional pubs for some wonderful dining experiences, as well as a host of shops both local and high-street favourites.
Situated between the River Medway and Pilgrims Way, St Andrews Lakes is ideally located for visitors, 2 miles from Junction 2 of the M2 and 4 miles from Junction 4 of the M20. There is a shop within 0.7 miles and pub within 1.6 miles.. St Andrews Lakes is part of our Evermore Lodge Holidays Collection, boasting an amazing range of activities and stunning floating lodges complete with their very own decking areas and private hot tubs! This beautiful freshwater lake is nestled in the countryside of Kent with easy access from the motorway network, as well as national rail links nearby. St Andrews Lakes offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, in a setting that seamlessly combines breathtaking nature with the thrill of adventure. Set within 150 acres, this gorgeous estate boasts 70 acres of fresh, clear water with its natural source constantly flowing to give its stunningly unique azure blue.
Watersports activities include paddleboards, kayaks, pedalos, open water swimming, Kent’s largest aqua park and even a kids aquapark for ages 2-6! On land there is a Scandinavian style Wellness Centre complete with a wood-fired sauna and lakeside hot tubs, a climbing wall, archery and idyllic man-made private beaches. Whatever you decide to do at this beautiful location you’ll be sure to have a wonderful time and feel as though you’re abroad! Please note that activities vary with the changing seasons, ensuring that each visit promises a distinctive experience. For more info and booking go to https://www.standrewswatersports.co.uk/
Explore the amazing Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, or embark on a journey along Pilgrims’ Way, running through Halling and all across Kent, a historic and much-travelled route. Head north along the River Medway to discover the town of Rochester, where Rochester Castle and Rochester Cathedral pose wonderful choices for days out exploring the history and stunning architecture that is centuries old. Find a wide selection of quaint cafés, quirky restaurants and traditional pubs for some wonderful dining experiences, as well as a host of shops both local and high-street favourites.
Situated between the River Medway and Pilgrims Way, St Andrews Lakes is ideally located for visitors, 2 miles from Junction 2 of the M2 and 4 miles from Junction 4 of the M20. There is a shop within 0.7 miles and pub within 1.6 miles.. Cafè & Pizzeria
Wellness Centre – Sauna & Cold Plunge*
Zip Wire*
Watersports†*
Aqua Parks†*
Lakeside beaches†*
Climbing Wall, Archery & Axe Throwing†*
On-site Day Spa*. †Aqua Park open from April to October
†Watersports, archery & axe throwing open April - October
*Charges apply and advance booking recommended
*Wellness Centre - over 18’s only
Terms and Conditions - Important Information
*Logs not included but can be purchased from lake/lodge staff.
* No lifeguards are on duty to monitor swimming or entry into the water directly from the lodges. Swimming is strictly forbidden also directly from the Lodges.
If clients choose to ignore this direction it is strictly at the person’s own risk and is not authorised by the Lake companies.
If customers are found in the lake and not using life vests, they will automatically lose their deposit, and we reserve the right to terminate their stay.
* Parking is at the entrance to the private estate with one space allocated per lodge. No vehicles must be driven past this area into the private reserve and must not be driven to floating lodges under any circumstances.
* Accommodation is approximately 2–6-minute walk from the car park, depending on the lodge.
* A £250 security deposit will need to be paid before entry to any lodge and only returned if all terms are fulfilled and only after full inspection of the accommodation by the housekeeping team.
* The Beach Hut Café, Pizzeria and Ice Cream Hut is open all year round, with opening days and times varying based on season.
* Activities, including use of the Wellness Centre, Spa, Zip, Private Beach and Aqua activities should be booked in advance prior to your arrival subject to seasonality.
* Fishing is strictly prohibited at St Andrews Lakes in all areas.
* If you are bringing your own kayak or SUP board and wish to use it on the lake, you must book a day pass at £20 per board per day either by visiting the shop, or via the website and follow the terms and conditions of the lake.
* Buoyancy aids or PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) must be worn at all times whilst on the water. All PFDs and buoyancy aids must comply with ISO 12402 standards, with a minimum buoyancy rating of 50N for adults and a minimum of 100N for children.
Participants are required to provide proof of compliance, such as a visible label or certification mark (e.g. ISO 12402), upon request. It is the responsibility of each participant (or their parent/guardian, in the case of minors) to ensure their flotation device is appropriately certified, correctly fitted, and suitable for the activity and conditions.
* The water is only accessible for any activities during the park's opening and closing times.
* No motorised engines are allowed by guests on the lake or windsurfers.
* Strictly no fires are to be lit anywhere on site, unless using designated chiminea or BBQ on the land and ash disposed of in the appropriate bins.
Speed limit on the estate is 5mph at all times. It is a rural track road and there are potholes so please drive carefully.
*No Same Sex groups please.
* Strictly no smoking in lodges or on lodge balconies.
* Be respectful of neighbours and mindful of how noise carries across water.
* No amplified music to be played at any time.* Check in is from 4pm-8pm. Late check in is charged at £100 after 2000hrs.
A late check out can be pre-arranged at an additional cost of £100 per hour subject to availability
* Guests are required to remove all food, drink and rubbish from the lodge on check out. Lodges must be left in same condition as to how they were found on arrival with all crockery and cookware clean and put away.
If excessive cleaning or the above conditions are not followed and it is needed to restore any lodge to its original condition after departure, guests are liable to be charged an extra cleaning fee of £250.
Prohibited Items and Drying Restrictions
For the comfort and safety of all guests, the following rules apply:
Paddleboards, kayaks, or any similar large water sports equipment are not permitted inside the lodge. Please ensure these items are stored securely outside in the designated areas on land not on balconies.
Wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and any other water sports gear must not be dried inside the lodge.
Failure to comply with these terms may result in additional cleaning or damage fees.
St Andrews Leisure Development Ltd, St Andrews Commercial Land Ltd and St Andrews Aqua Park Ltd accept no responsibility for injury or loss of life of clients or their vehicles who book and stay in our floating lodges. There are no lifeguards on duty for clients staying in our floating lodges and swimming from lodges or banks is not authorised by St Andrews Leisure Development Ltd, St Andrews Commercial Land Ltd and associated lake companies. We also advise that safety equipment must not be misused. If clients chose to ignore the T&C's they can be asked to leave the site or be removed and their deposit not returned.
If you chose to ignore the T&C’s, you will assume all risks existing in these activities and waive any right to maintain a lawsuit against St Andrews Leisure Development Ltd or St Andrews Commercial Land Ltd and associated companies.
All customers will be required to sign a disclaimer to the above on arrival prior to occupation.
Nearby points of interest
- Rochester Castle
- Upnor Castle
- Stoneacre (National Trust)
- Leeds Castle
- Tonbridge Castle
- Royal Engineers Museum
- Kent Life
- Maidstone Museum
- Canvey Island Seafront
Reviews (50)
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Jamal
It’s hard to find the right words. Honestly, out of the 5 - 10 cabin stays I have done like this, it really is hard to beat. Now this doesn’t mean it takes my number 1 spot, but whether that’s for sentimental reasons or the actual property itself, I’m unsure 100%. From arrival, I was taken back by the night time lights and the hot cozy reception cabin to then meeting Laura. Wow, what an amazing person to have meet guests! Everything was explained really well, Laura was really helpful with my luggage, explaining the cabin and made me feel very welcome. The cabin itself, I stayed in the Roach Lodge and I think it may be one of the best. Okay, so you get more people walking past as it’s one of the first you come to and yes it could be more private by the hot tub, but the setting and view make up for it. The cabin was modern, clean and comfortable. I think it’s perfect for a couple (I was solo), a family of 4 is doable but a little tight. There were a few things showing some wear and tear, to be expected when people don’t respect the property, but I didn’t feel like it lacked anything. The site/park/lake is a really nice landscape, there’s a good walking route around to enjoy the nature and escape without being too far away from anything. The main entrance area has a restaurant/cafe which seemed very popular when I stopped by for a coffee and a really friendly team of staff. If you’ve made it this far, I’m impressed but here’s where I really had my magic moment that set this apart. I booked a train to London for the day and started off in the hot tub. One thing led to another and I was into the afternoon. I was rushing to get to the train station, hoping I could cut through to the back road (before I realised there was a huge hill/rock/mountainous ground) where I left my lodge and met Hobbie. Really friendly, with an interesting story; Hobbie was extremely kind enough to offer to drive me to the station knowing the walk I had ahead of me and I took him up on this offer. Little did I know that as I walked onto the station platform, my train pulled up and without the lift I would have missed the train and waited half an hour for the next one - so I was so so grateful. It was only fair that I treated him and his amazing partner to the best cinnamon rolls from Roll Boys as a gesture of appreciation. I spent my final day using the hot tub, relaxing with no distractions and fascinated by the fish at my lodge balcony each morning. It really is a special place to stay and somewhere I will 100% return to, just this time it has to be for at least 5 nights as 3 was not long enough. If I could have asked for anything to make my experience better, it would have been for the hot tub to be pre heated for arrival (but this takes way too much time to maintain), a more private entrance so the hot tub/cabin is not as easily seen from the path/road and maybe a few basis supplied or the option to buy at a fair price like tea, coffee, milk etc. There was also a Tesco Express outside of the grounds, but this is still a 20+ minute walk each way. I think the lodge was well equipped with amenities for what you expect to be a fully self catered holiday, but if you go expecting just plates, cutlery and mugs/cups, anything else is a bonus. Thank you to everyone (big shout out to Lydia) who makes this place as clean, safe and enjoyable as it is and I cannot wait to return.
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Confirmed Guest
Loved it. Wonderful lodge, modern and well equipped. Especially appreciate the variety of kitchen appliances and their description provided in advance- that is a rare and brilliant touch. Unexpectedly comfortable furniture, magnificent views. Temperature in the lodge is easy to regulate. Hot tub experience was fantastic.The hosts are responsive and helpful. Loved the location too - very close to amenities and town center but serene and secluded. The road around the site is a bit rough but no problem for any car. Stayed at the Carp lodge and would love to come back.
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Drew
Great place. Stayed at the floating lodges.They were spotless. Peaceful setting. Other lodges a good distance away. Staff were really welcoming and helpful, explaining everything as we went.Also did the night zip line, great experience and staff were great too.Would definitely come back.