St Andrews Lakes in Kent, or the Blue Lake, as locals call it, is so tucked away in the village of Halling, you’d never guess it’s there.

Hidden away from the busy roads in Medway, lies an emerald blue lake where peals of laughter replace the blare of horns.

My discovery of this little oasis was quite accidental but wow…what a fabulous find.

About St Andrews Lakes

St Andrews Lakes in Kent is a quarry lake. Water from a nearby spring source fills the former chalk pit and forms a lake. Their source is the Chilterns.

The site was previously used to excavate chalk for cement production.

Today, it produces fun and leisure compliments of the St Andrews Watersports Centre.

The instant you arrive there’s one question that is guaranteed to pop into your mind…

How is the water at St Andrews Lakes so blue?

The emerald blue water at St Andrews Lakes is caused by refraction of the limestone deposits suspended in the old quarry lake.

This intense blue-green colour effect from the mineral deposits of limestone rocks can be seen in famous lakes around the world. Look up photos of say, Bear Lake in Utah (USA), Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, or my personal favourite: the turquoise pools in Semuc Champey, Guatemala.

Also Read: Semuc Champey: Go Forest Bathing in Guatemala’s Remote Paradise

What you need to know when visiting St Andrews Lakes

After going to St Andrews Lakes, I’m a big fan. Spending a few hours here is one of the best things to do in Kent this summer,

In order to enter the private venue, you must go on to their website and book in advance. When I read reviews online, there were a few unhappy persons complaining about this requirement. On the contrary, I love that they do this. Here’s why…

An advanced booking system and hourly slots regulates the number of people on the premises. Which means that as busy as the place gets, it doesn’t feel over-crowded. You do not have to worry about getting a good spot on the beachfront nor out on the water.

Parking and facilities at St Andrews Watersports Centre

There’s a large parking space at the watersports centre which can be accessed to people with bookings. You’ll just need to be prepared to give the car a good wash afterwards due to all that chalk dust it’ll kick up on the drive in and out.

Lockers are available to store your personal effects in – at your own risk.

There are also a small handful of waterfront tables out on the sand. The No Picnic signs aren’t exactly a welcome sight but I guess it keeps beach litter to a minimum and encourages on-site commerce. A small café, The Beach Hut is located further inland and has outside seating.

Things to do at St Andrews Lakes in 2024

There were people of all ages enjoying themselves at the lake when I went: families, couples, young people, older folks.

Everyone is scattered across the venue. Some are out on the water with kayaks, pedalos, paddleboards, at the Aqua Park, or chilling on the beach or at the café.

Besides water-based activities, there is also rock-climbing. And a spa!

Everything at St Andrews has major appeal. But for me, nothing held more allure than the kayaks lying at the water’s edge. They were definitely singing “C’mon on over!”

Kayaking at St Andrews Lakes

I rented a single seat kayak directly on their website. It is an easy booking process where you simply select the time slot and pay online. Double kayaks, family kayaks (3 people) and bell boats for up to 6 are also available at hourly rates.

My experience was an efficient check-in and kayak pick-up service. The watersports station is impossible to miss on the beachfront.

It didn’t take long to get a feel for the kayak, despite it being over 3 years since my last date with paddles. It was nice and roomy in the kayak. My only gripe is that they do not have not much of a built-in back rest which can exert strain on your lower back. You’ll want to stretch afterwards.

Amazingly, I managed not to get too much water in the kayak – though yes, your bum will 100% get wet!

If you’re a watersports veteran with your own kayak, they also offer the ‘Bring Your Own’ kayak option for a small fee.

Pedalo rentals and paddleboarding at St Andrews Watersports

Paddle boarding appeared to be the favourite activity on the lake.

There were also a few families sporting big smiles as they made the rounds in hard-to-miss pedalos.

Aqua Park at St Andrews Lake in Kent

The St Andrews Lake also introduced an Aquaglide Park in 2021. It’s been a massive hit since.

There is an aqua park for kids and another for adults. Session prices and times are on their website.

Beach at St Andrews Lakes

St Andrews Lakes also has a man-made sandy beach, with beach chairs and parasols available. What an urban dream…

Day access passes to St Andrews Lakes are also available to purchase (adult + children prices). Under 2’s are free.

Swimming at St Andrews Lakes, Kent

Kent’s ‘Blue Lake’ is an option for qualified swimmers seeking open water venues. The lake has a depth of 30m.

For those less-experienced, it is well worth mentioning here that quarry water is exceptionally cold. Freezing water poses a real threat of shock so it’s always prudent to proceed with caution. Wetsuits are available at St Andrews Lake watersport centre and guidance for swimmers is all laid out on their website.

The St Andrews website also touts opportunities for scuba-diving, fishing, sailing, climbing and even bootcamp fitness sessions.

Rock-climbing at St Andrews Lakes

St Andrews Lakes has a 24-foot (7.3m) rock climbing tower where both adults and children (6 and above) can enjoy a fun challenge on land this time.

Their 30-minute Clip & Climb sessions can be booked either in advance or on-site.

Staff and Safety

Watersport locations need to be well-staffed for obvious safety reasons – St Andrews Lakes proved to be no exception.

I was met by a pleasant security guard at the entrance and assisted by efficient personnel at the check-in station. There were watersports guides stationed both on the waterfront and out on the lake to assist with our equipment needs and generally keep an eye on things.

The guide stationed on the water even “assisted” a few folks who were running over their assigned time with getting back to shore. Don’t worry, they’ll make sure you don’t lose track of time…

Also read: 20 Best Things to do in Barbados

Other nearby places of interest in Kent’s North Downs

The Blue Lake in the village of Halling is located nearby several other top attractions in Kent, especially ones appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs.

Several of these local attractions caught my eye purely by chance while en route to St Andrews Lakes.

Historic Rochester: Walk over Rochester Bridge & See Rochester Castle

While travelling on the West Malling A228 road, you can easily spot the distinguished structure of Rochester Castle beside the River Medway.

Rochester is a former Roman fortified town and a great historical place in Kent to visit. The intrigue begins as early as when you enter the town via the medieval Rochester Bridge. It’s a great bridge to walk along to admire the architecture as well as the view.

Also Read: Beautiful Bridges in Southern England

North Downs Pilgrim’s Way

I also noticed signs pointing to “Pilgrim’s Way”.

North Downs is probably best known for its National Trail which follows the pilgrims’ journey from Winchester to Canterbury.

North Downs Way, or North Downs Pilgrim’s Way, is a historical route that rewards hikers or cyclists with absolutely spectacular scenery.

Beyond the lure of nature’s aesthetic appeal, it is also an obvious choice for anyone seeking to go on a pilgrimage walk in England.

Also read: Hassocks to Lewes walk on the South Downs Way

Ranscombe Farm Nature Reserve

Ranscombe Farm is located minutes away from St Andrews Lakes by car. It is a gorgeous nature reserve – think endless expanses of wild flowers and handsome cattle dotting its fields.

One of the unexpected pleasures of being on Ranscombe Farm is discovering the views over the Medway Valley and the Weald of Kent. A classic example of why the Kent county is referred to as the ‘Garden of England’.

Final thoughts on visiting St. Andrews Lakes

I think everyone that goes here for the first-time has a “I can’t believe this place exists here in Kent!” moment. It certainly goes to show that there are always new places and experiences waiting to be discovered across our local horizons.

St Andrews Lakes has been a welcome sporting addition to an area of Kent which mainly attracts walkers who are following the North Down’s Way. It looks like they are continuously developing the park which means even more fun activities in Kent to look forward to!