KENT GLIDING CENTRE .
When flying by air through Kent , onlookers will notice the many rivers that flow majestically out towards our shoreline . These are yet another brilliant way to explore the county , with each playing their own unique part in Kent ’ s history ; from having strategic use in battle to serving the land and towns that sit on their banks with water for crops and as a mode of transport . One of Kent ’ s most important and historically significant rivers is The River Medway , which by boat is best explored with Jet Stream Tours . Offering several different cruises , one of the most quintessentially Kentish options is the Fish and Chip Cruise from Chatham . An idyllic option for summer , take a three-hour evening cruise along the Medway with a local and prominent speaker highly knowledgeable in all things River Medway and Kent . Traditional fish and chips will be served with a full bar available onboard . This is a chance to discover the history , wildlife and cultural importance of the Medway Estuary . This informal but intimate setting gives you an opportunity to see the estuary in its glory , to ask questions and get a full insight to the speaker ' s topic , which can vary in topics such as wildlife to the Rochester Oyster Floating Fishery .
Daytime tours with Jet Stream include Chatham to the Redsand Towers , a rare opportunity to get up close to a historic wartime relic that sits far out at sea . This trip takes around five hours , from Sun Pier to the eerie World War II Maunsell fort . These Historic monuments stand in the estuary some nine miles from Southend and five miles from Whitstable . Along the way , the boat will pass by numerous island forts that have guarded the Medway Estuary since the 1860s and passengers will have a chance to take plenty of photos in and around the towers as the vessel is small enough to pass between and under the structures . If you ' re an avid photographer , grab your long lens to see if you can snap photos of the majestic peregrine falcons . On the return journey , pass round the infamous SS . Richard Montgomery , an American Liberty cargo ship built during World War II that sank with about 1,400 tonnes of explosives on board . Don ’ t worry ! Likelihood of explosion is deemed remote and you will be outside the exclusion zone , so you are guaranteed to return safely back up the Medway to Rochester . A full commentary is available on the vessel along with a bar and toilets .
Being such a large river , Jet Stream is far from the only way to explore the Medway ’ s many meanders . The Kentish Lady River Boat is synonymous with Maidstone and is one of Kent ’ s premier excursion providers , providing unique experiences of the Upper River Medway , including one-hour trips at weekends and selected school holidays , three-hour lunch and supper cruises for groups and individuals during the week , plus a unique visit to the marvellous Allington Castle . The Kentish Lady departs from Maidstone Town Centre and cruises upriver through Farleigh Lock and onwards under Farleigh , Barming and Teston bridges , turning at Teston Lock for the return journey . While sailing , you can enjoy a complimentary supper of fish and chips or a lunchtime picnic box , plus a tea , coffee or water , as well as a selection of fresh fruit . Prepare to be looked after by the attentive crew and feel free to move around the boat so as to enjoy the open decked spaces on the front and at rear of the vessel – a truly gorgeous experience in the sunshine .
55