KENTSTAYCATION
© Filip Mroz / Unsplash
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 , threehour 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 . With history around every corner and beautiful scenery , this excursion includes informative commentary . Once through Farleigh Lock , the countryside opens up to reveal wildlife of all varieties including birds such as kingfishers , herons , swans , cormorants , geese and ducks , so remember to keep a watchful eye out and bring your camera ! The catamaran-style vessel has a fully licensed bar and onboard toilet facilities , its ground level decks also provide easy access for a limited number of standard wheelchairs . Private charter of The Kentish Lady is also available for special occasions such as weddings and social functions .
Yet another way to explore a different area of the River Medway is with Tonbridge River Trips . This eco-friendly electric-powered boat is available for a sedate guided river cruise on the River Medway in Tonbridge as are their hireable rowing boats . The electric launch boat , Enid May , runs trips in the Tonbridge area and is the ideal platform for photographing the area and the wildlife . The boat seats up to 12 passengers comfortably and is safe for children who love to explore , too . Why not enjoy a relaxing 50-minute river trip or book for a private voyage ? Either way , you will get to see the unique wildlife of the area up close and will glean some local history from the skipper before finally returning to your starting point next to Tonbridge Castle .
There ’ s nothing quite like a paddle to a pub under the summer sun . One of the best ways to do this is with Canoe Wild , who are based at Grove Ferry . With everything from canoes , kayaks and SUPs to schools , a myriad of courses and even a raft-building experience , even total newbies to kayaking and canoeing will harness a newfound adoration of the sport after a day spent here . A tranquil stretch of the River Stour that runs through beautiful marshland , admire idyllic Kentish countryside and beautiful wildlife as you float down the river . A supreme summer experience . Situated right next to the Grove Ferry Inn , enjoy Kentish ales after a paddle and perhaps a well-earned roast . For those that would prefer a less hands-on experience in this area , try out Grove Ferry River Trips . With Grove Ferry River Trips , a green ( in both colour and action ), environmentally friendly electricpowered boat will take you quietly and sedately on a river cruise along the Kentish Stour , managed by the skipper who will occasionally break the peace to enhance the trip with anecdotes of history that are relevant to your location on the river . As you pass through areas of outstanding beauty out of reach to others on foot or by car , enjoy the quiet , fume-free boat , the fresh air and the tranquillity of these serene surroundings that teem with wildlife – especially in the summer .
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