Leybourne Lakes Watersports Centre
Leybourne Lakes Watersports Centre
Leybourne Lakes Watersports Centre
5
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Water sports Centre in the beautiful setting of Leybourne Country Park.
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5.0
36 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Camrafan
London, UK31 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
As an open water swimmer I can thoroughly recommend Leybourne Lake Watersports Centre.
I was new to this type of activity and attended an induction at the lake (this is mandatory for anyone wanting to swim; you can book the inductions via the website). The induction was really helpful and the staff extremely friendly, welcoming and supportive, which was great as a newcomer. The induction includes a familiarisation swim (to ensure you will be safe in the water), what to do if you get in to difficulty, the various circuits around the lake, rules of the use of the centre, etc. It's also a chance to get to know the centre and its facilities, including the check in desk, small but handy changing room, lockers, cafe (in the same building) and toilets, etc - useful so you are familiar with these on your next visit.
The induction cost includes includes parking, the use of a wet suit and swim float, and a swim session (IE you can optionally continue to swim for the remainder of the session in which your induction takes place). I'd recommend planning your induction so you have time to stay in the water after the induction conclusion and complete a swim session.
On completing your induction you are given a membership card which you must bring to all future swim sessions as this confirms you have completed an induction and contains your membership number. The induction takes place in a small group and gives excellent opportunity to ask questions, so it's great value and overall boosts confidence and knowledge.
A standard swim session is nine pounds, and again I feel this is excellent value, as it includes car parking, the use of the changing room and a swim float, and you can swim as long as you like (within the opening times of the centre).
The lake is an ideal place for open water swimming training. There is an excellent wooden pier/jetty and easy access in to and out of the water, and you can leave hydration/nutrition items on the pier in between laps of the lake! As the lake doesn't have any powered vessels on it (aside from the small boat that the centre staff use), it is peaceful and safer than a shared space which might have powered water craft. I have seen many others enjoy Stand Up Paddleboard (it's possible to hire an SUP at the centre, or you can bring your own), and kayak/canoe too.
The area is picturesque and the lake is an excellent size, with buoys marking the various routes. This enables excellent training opportunities as you can choose your own routes in the knowledge of the distances based on the positioning of the buoys. You are permitted to swim anywhere in the lake so can be very flexible with training.
The staff at the centre are consistently friendly and helpful and it is great to be able to ask advice when it's needed.
Thank you very much to all at Leybourne Lakes Watersports Centre for the excellent introduction to open water swimming. I would strongly recommend this place to all open water swimmers and those interested in the other activities on offer.
Tip: If using Google Maps to navigate to the centre, do NOT use the phrase 'Leybourne Lake Watersports' as this gives an inaccurate result - the building is correct but it's not where the car park is located. To get to the car park, use the phrase 'Leybourne Lakes Country Park'.
I was new to this type of activity and attended an induction at the lake (this is mandatory for anyone wanting to swim; you can book the inductions via the website). The induction was really helpful and the staff extremely friendly, welcoming and supportive, which was great as a newcomer. The induction includes a familiarisation swim (to ensure you will be safe in the water), what to do if you get in to difficulty, the various circuits around the lake, rules of the use of the centre, etc. It's also a chance to get to know the centre and its facilities, including the check in desk, small but handy changing room, lockers, cafe (in the same building) and toilets, etc - useful so you are familiar with these on your next visit.
The induction cost includes includes parking, the use of a wet suit and swim float, and a swim session (IE you can optionally continue to swim for the remainder of the session in which your induction takes place). I'd recommend planning your induction so you have time to stay in the water after the induction conclusion and complete a swim session.
On completing your induction you are given a membership card which you must bring to all future swim sessions as this confirms you have completed an induction and contains your membership number. The induction takes place in a small group and gives excellent opportunity to ask questions, so it's great value and overall boosts confidence and knowledge.
A standard swim session is nine pounds, and again I feel this is excellent value, as it includes car parking, the use of the changing room and a swim float, and you can swim as long as you like (within the opening times of the centre).
The lake is an ideal place for open water swimming training. There is an excellent wooden pier/jetty and easy access in to and out of the water, and you can leave hydration/nutrition items on the pier in between laps of the lake! As the lake doesn't have any powered vessels on it (aside from the small boat that the centre staff use), it is peaceful and safer than a shared space which might have powered water craft. I have seen many others enjoy Stand Up Paddleboard (it's possible to hire an SUP at the centre, or you can bring your own), and kayak/canoe too.
The area is picturesque and the lake is an excellent size, with buoys marking the various routes. This enables excellent training opportunities as you can choose your own routes in the knowledge of the distances based on the positioning of the buoys. You are permitted to swim anywhere in the lake so can be very flexible with training.
The staff at the centre are consistently friendly and helpful and it is great to be able to ask advice when it's needed.
Thank you very much to all at Leybourne Lakes Watersports Centre for the excellent introduction to open water swimming. I would strongly recommend this place to all open water swimmers and those interested in the other activities on offer.
Tip: If using Google Maps to navigate to the centre, do NOT use the phrase 'Leybourne Lake Watersports' as this gives an inaccurate result - the building is correct but it's not where the car park is located. To get to the car park, use the phrase 'Leybourne Lakes Country Park'.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glass70
Canterbury, UK7 contributions
Sep 2022
Me and my partner paddleboard here often, its very well priced if you bring your own board. Would recommend in investing in one as you will save money in long run. The lake is lovely to go around and the staff are really friendly. The only downside which isn't related to water centre, is the removal of the food truck and being replaced with an extremely incompetent cafe, therefore would recommend bringing food.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mac A
Harrietsham, UK59 contributions
Sep 2021
This is the place to experience all types of wildlife whether animal or vegetable. Tale your camera(s) and binoculars.
Written 11 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niceaspies
Brentwood, UK97 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Lovely, friendly, welcoming , knowledgeable people. Can’t recommend enough. I am not a seasoned peddler and was meeting a mate here who also had never been. They could not have been friendlier. Such a genuinely great experience to feel welcomed. Definitely a place to have a paddle, swim or whatever adjective befits such a place
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie E
7 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Very friendly and great service 👍 Arrived not knowing the first thing about open water sports. Within minutes of arrival we were looked after and made to feel very comfortable. Nothing was to much trouble. Thank you 😊
Written 14 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AngeloftheSouthEast
London, UK40 contributions
Jul 2021
Great value watersports centre with lots of paddleboards to rent. The owners are lovely and friendly and there is a cafe on site (big bonus). Rent or BYO and you are well looked after. The lake? Two easy access points, 30 acres of water, a pontoon in the middle and the water was clean and warm. Ample parking too. Just a shame we turned up the same time as Storm Evert, the rain and wind didn't deter us tho we went out!
Written 30 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave B
Rochester, UK338 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Most of our extended family visited Leybourne Lakes for a morning splashing about in and on the water.
With one swimming and 4 in kayaks all enjoyed a warm but overcast day.
Steve and Will are friendly and very helpful, and the watersports centre can rent out kayaks, paddle boards, wind surf boards and wet suits. Or you can bring uour own. Prices are on their web site.
With one swimming and 4 in kayaks all enjoyed a warm but overcast day.
Steve and Will are friendly and very helpful, and the watersports centre can rent out kayaks, paddle boards, wind surf boards and wet suits. Or you can bring uour own. Prices are on their web site.
Written 12 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bridie G
3 contributions
Jun 2021
We love coming here. The team that run the Watersport’s centre are friendly and so helpful! The prices are reasonable too.There is a little portable cafe open until 5pm to grab yourself a cuppa or a cold drink and a burger.Beautiful
Lakes to walk around and explore once your paddle boarding time is up!
Lakes to walk around and explore once your paddle boarding time is up!
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew A
1 contribution
May 2021
Love being in the fresh water rather than the pool. Great team who will look after you and keep you safe, including first aid and safety boat. Various marked distances to help with your training or just keep you on track. They have dealt really well with Covid restrictions. I basically go ready to swim and this saves time and means very little standing around. A sunny day helps, but you’re going to get wet anyway. Enjoy.
Written 28 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I think this..
Kent14 contributions
Jun 2020
I've been swimming twice a week in Leybourne Lakes throughout the Covid-19 summer from the first week Will and Steve opened the lake back up to currently. It's been fabulous, there's nothing better than setting off around the perimeter of the lake in the sunshine, seeing fish swimming in the shallows and herons sunbathing on branches over the water.
The Covid-19 regulations mean you have to book in advance for an hours swim but this isn't a problem, there are possibly slightly fewer people in the lake at any one time which means you get to enjoy some peace and tranquillity as you swim. Some days it's as smooth as a mill pond with few waves whereas other days in the wind it can get a real swell at the far end as the water gets some energy making it much more challenging to swim.
I can't recommend it enough - swimming this summer has saved me from a world that is going mad outside and sitting all day in my house working from home. Thank you to all at LLWC for making things safe for us to swim again.
The Covid-19 regulations mean you have to book in advance for an hours swim but this isn't a problem, there are possibly slightly fewer people in the lake at any one time which means you get to enjoy some peace and tranquillity as you swim. Some days it's as smooth as a mill pond with few waves whereas other days in the wind it can get a real swell at the far end as the water gets some energy making it much more challenging to swim.
I can't recommend it enough - swimming this summer has saved me from a world that is going mad outside and sitting all day in my house working from home. Thank you to all at LLWC for making things safe for us to swim again.
Written 21 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GlobeTrotting591803
North Walsham, UK8 contributions
Hi, is it still possible to bring your own kayaks to the lakes?? X
El_Viajero_UK
London, United Kingdom93 contributions
Yes.
Roe723
Larkfield, UK1 contribution
Hi, can I use my owned double kayak on the lakes, and how much would it cost to a day or half day?
Leybourne Lake W
1 contribution
Hi, Yes you can bring and launch your own kayak for the princely sum of £6 for a day ticket.
Hope to see you soon
Steve
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Frequently Asked Questions about Leybourne Lakes Watersports Centre
- Leybourne Lakes Watersports Centre is open:
- Sat - Sat 10:00 - 13:00
- Hotels near Leybourne Lakes Watersports Centre:
- (0.74 mi) Premier Inn Maidstone
- (2.84 mi) Kits Coty Glamping
- (4.03 mi) Pretty Maid House Bed & Breakfast
- (7.91 mi) Glamping at Rankins Farm
- (3.32 mi) Orchard Pods
- Restaurants near Leybourne Lakes Watersports Centre:
- (0.17 mi) Lakeside Cafe
- (0.32 mi) Freemasons Arms
- (1.87 mi) The Farm House
- (1.85 mi) Chefs Table
- (0.63 mi) Blue Gem