Bodiam Boating Station
Bodiam Boating Station
4.5
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About
Affordable, fun family days out. Tranquil river cruises to Nat Trust Bodiam Castle. Mess about on the river in kayak/rowing boat/canoe/SUP. Stay in our small campsite; campfires encouraged. Enjoy hearty breakfast, lunch (speciality Spanish Tapas) or afternoon tea in our licensed café & garden. BBQ/Paella summer weekends. Kids play area. Dog friendly. Events
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Bodiam Boating Station
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4.5
240 reviews
Excellent
183
Very good
32
Average
13
Poor
3
Terrible
9
Alison H
Seaford, UK1 contribution
Jul 2020
Vanessa and team were amazing and had adapted to the new way of doing things. Facilities were regularly cleaned, cafe was run well with outside tables, deckchairs, marque area and staff who wore PPE and regularly sanitized their hands.
Kayaks need to be prebooked as the river was busy on a glorious weekend. We camped nearer to the main public area which did mean we had a bit more noise than we are used to as we are regulars. Fire pits are a great addition, make sure you order one when you book.
Looking forward to coming back soon!
Kayaks need to be prebooked as the river was busy on a glorious weekend. We camped nearer to the main public area which did mean we had a bit more noise than we are used to as we are regulars. Fire pits are a great addition, make sure you order one when you book.
Looking forward to coming back soon!
Written 13 July 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.
Markzilla
Harlow, UK5 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
Bodiam Boating Station deserves more than 5*s! Great place to visit for all ages, family’s and friends. A group of 5 of us went here for 1 night camping and water sports and the staff were SO accommodating and respectful. One person in our group had an accident whilst out on a row boat and staff from Bodiam came and towed us back, cleaned the wound and were super friendly. Would highly recommend this as a place to visit and will defo be back. Thanks Bodiam ✌🏼
Written 8 August 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.
Alex B
Bexhill-on-Sea, UK6 contributions
Jul 2021
We had a family 18th birthday party here on Saturday. It was superb.
Alex organised everything for us - Pitchers of Pimms and homemade lemonade, kayaks, food from the menu, plus scones and brownies. He even sorted the weather for us!! We had an amazing afternoon in the garden. The staff were all fantastic and were so attentive and helpful despite it being a really hot and busy day for them.
There were 18 of us - all our food came out freshly prepared and at the same time, which is no mean feat with a party of that size. I couldn’t fault it. Everyone said it was a brilliant venue. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
Alex organised everything for us - Pitchers of Pimms and homemade lemonade, kayaks, food from the menu, plus scones and brownies. He even sorted the weather for us!! We had an amazing afternoon in the garden. The staff were all fantastic and were so attentive and helpful despite it being a really hot and busy day for them.
There were 18 of us - all our food came out freshly prepared and at the same time, which is no mean feat with a party of that size. I couldn’t fault it. Everyone said it was a brilliant venue. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone.
Written 18 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.
Udibroade
United Kingdom4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
I called and booked a paddleboard session for my friend and whilst on the phone I asked if I could bring my own board. The chap on the phone said that I wouldn’t be able to launch mine at the boating station due to it being a busy period for people hiring, which is completely understandable. I asked if there was somewhere close by that I could walk to and launch mine. The chap said “yes as your friend is hiring, we’ll show you somewhere close by.
On the day, we turned up and my friend sorted out his hire session whilst I set my board up. I walked over to the 3 guys on the water sports jetty and explained what had been said to me on the phone.
The response I was given for a nearby location was “You have to go to Wittersham Bridge” (which is a considerable walk from Newenden). I then asked if there was anywhere else and was given the response “yeah, the sea”
This continued for 5 minutes or so just being given really rude and cocky responses like “I don’t care where you launch as long as is it isn’t here”.
I then spotted some people jumping in and out the river from a bank on the other side. I asked the guy if I could launch from there, to which he said “well that’s where I’d go”. I walked round there to find some wooden steps into the river. This is presumably the “close by” spot that the chap on the phone was talking about.
My problem is not at all with not being able to launch from the boating station, I can fully understand the management’s decision to do that. However my problem is with being given 10 minutes of cheek before I was told about a location that I could go to. If he had simply said to walk round to that spot initially, this review would be a positive one.
My friend was paying to hire the board and we had planned to have some drinks/food in the cafe afterwards, so we weren’t trying to freeload from the boating station. Once my friend’s session was finished we decided to go elsewhere to eat.
I was made to feel completely unwelcome because I had brought my own board as opposed to hiring. Most people bringing their own equipment are probably quite likely to stop for a drink afterwards. If this has happened to others before, I’m sure I’m not the only one to decide against using the cafe.
I’m local to the area and have used Cafe several times before. I’ve always said what a lovely spot it is, however this has made me think twice about returning again.
On the day, we turned up and my friend sorted out his hire session whilst I set my board up. I walked over to the 3 guys on the water sports jetty and explained what had been said to me on the phone.
The response I was given for a nearby location was “You have to go to Wittersham Bridge” (which is a considerable walk from Newenden). I then asked if there was anywhere else and was given the response “yeah, the sea”
This continued for 5 minutes or so just being given really rude and cocky responses like “I don’t care where you launch as long as is it isn’t here”.
I then spotted some people jumping in and out the river from a bank on the other side. I asked the guy if I could launch from there, to which he said “well that’s where I’d go”. I walked round there to find some wooden steps into the river. This is presumably the “close by” spot that the chap on the phone was talking about.
My problem is not at all with not being able to launch from the boating station, I can fully understand the management’s decision to do that. However my problem is with being given 10 minutes of cheek before I was told about a location that I could go to. If he had simply said to walk round to that spot initially, this review would be a positive one.
My friend was paying to hire the board and we had planned to have some drinks/food in the cafe afterwards, so we weren’t trying to freeload from the boating station. Once my friend’s session was finished we decided to go elsewhere to eat.
I was made to feel completely unwelcome because I had brought my own board as opposed to hiring. Most people bringing their own equipment are probably quite likely to stop for a drink afterwards. If this has happened to others before, I’m sure I’m not the only one to decide against using the cafe.
I’m local to the area and have used Cafe several times before. I’ve always said what a lovely spot it is, however this has made me think twice about returning again.
Written 19 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.
Rodders
Bristol, UK6 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Had a very similar experience to another reviewer here. We stopped by in the morning for a paddle then lunch. We had our own board but understandably they were too busy to let us launch there. However the answer to where we could launch instead that the blond, horse-mouthed member of staff gave us was “the sea” which made himself laugh. Not especially helpful. No further help given.
In fact, across the other side of the river behind the cricket green is a small wooden jetty. We parked the car along the lane there. Easy. I hope others read this review to avoid the arrogance of the cafe staff.
Nimbles cafe is a great place to eat instead too.
In fact, across the other side of the river behind the cricket green is a small wooden jetty. We parked the car along the lane there. Easy. I hope others read this review to avoid the arrogance of the cafe staff.
Nimbles cafe is a great place to eat instead too.
Written 29 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.
RichardA1977
London, UK22 contributions
Sept 2020
We hired a rowing boat but didn’t eat at the cafe. The river is pretty and the staff were nice. But unfortunately the place has a problem with heavy traffic accessing the aggregate yard next door. To get from the cafe/car park to the boats you have to cross a gravel road that has huge aggregate trucks coming down it every 30 seconds or so. We didn’t expect that and in crossing over to the boat we were surprised by a truck suddenly coming around the corner. My 3 year old started running to get out of the way and fell and cut his head badly on the gravel. That was the end of the boat trip for him. He and my wife went and sat in the car while my daughter and I went out in the boat. The staff gave us ice and offered to give him first aid. I would recommend to the management that they talk to the aggregate yard next door and find some way to re-route the heavy trucks away from the boat area before someone has a more serious accident.
Written 7 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.
Hi, Thank you for sharing your comments. I was here when you visited and offered you first aid. I hope your son is better now . I can't remember the time of day of your visit. Essentially the guys from the yard next door leave first thing and come back at the end of the day, so if it seemed like they were coming in frequently I think you may have intercepted them all coming home. I'm not sure how many there are, but it really is usually twice a day that the huge trucks are on the driveway. Unfortunately there isn't another entrance, or a way to re-route, however, we have regular conversations with the company and they are very aware of pedestrians and used to the 5mph speed restriction. In fact, they have also implemented other safety measures to minimise the risk of accident. We have worked like this for the past 9 years without incident and will of course do what we can to ensure this continues.
Written 8 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PeterG655
London, UK11 contributions
Aug 2022
We only came to launch our Canoe but were impressed by the organisation and easy manner of the staff. Dog friendly and I don't mean a couple of bowls of last week's water. Our lovely hounds got a fresh clean bowl before we got our coffees. It was a quiet time and we were not charged for launching although I understand there is normally a ÂŁ5 charge. The campsite looks family friendly with great views. We will come again.
Written 7 September 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.
Daniel P
Faversham, UK111 contributions
Aug 2022
WOW WOW WOW, you guys never disappoint! This is our 6th year of visiting and each time gets better. Personally greeted by happy staff, and the owners also are around making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. Alex and Vanessa have a great team behind them, and this is the best campsite we have ever been to. The bar, with music, DJ's etc is just amazing. Our kids love playing in this very safe secure campsite, and everyone who camps here seems to be happy and sociable! Gets better each year, well worth the visit! We also hired Kayaks and rowing boat, and everything runs smoothly due to the many happy staff. Thank you again guys and girls!
Written 31 August 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.
Aidan H
London, UK1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
Great location with river, really safe and stunning location for kids. Staff are all fantastic and so happy to help. Restaurant and facilities all on site were the best and the food is great!! Definitely are new holiday location!!
Prices are really good for the camping and getting showers etc included..
Site set up is perfect and not all crammed in, leaving a massive area for kids and adults to play.
All the families were very respectful of noise, so this is perfect for single, couples and families. Which their was when we stayed.
Prices are really good for the camping and getting showers etc included..
Site set up is perfect and not all crammed in, leaving a massive area for kids and adults to play.
All the families were very respectful of noise, so this is perfect for single, couples and families. Which their was when we stayed.
Written 7 July 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.
Rick S
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
After spending 15 mins waiting for a car parking space. I was rudely spoken to by some gentleman with long hair. I was asked to move for no reason. Got told I could not use the café or use the river. I was appalled. I went to reception, as I was talking to the girl behind the desk she rudely walked way from me to deal with a another customer. I had not finished.
I know this is a popular place, and fun for all who use kayaks and boats on the river but...
I think it is important to understand customers bring you the money to keep going as a business. I am very keen to support local businesses but i was so disappointed. I had three crying children who were also very disappointed. I think they summed it up very well when I got back in the car. Let's never go here again!!!!! I think they are right.
I know this is a popular place, and fun for all who use kayaks and boats on the river but...
I think it is important to understand customers bring you the money to keep going as a business. I am very keen to support local businesses but i was so disappointed. I had three crying children who were also very disappointed. I think they summed it up very well when I got back in the car. Let's never go here again!!!!! I think they are right.
Written 11 August 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.
Does anyone know if you also walk along the river from here to bodiam castle?
Written 11 August 2021
Yes, you could do. Probably about an hours walk, though not personally done it.
Written 29 August 2021
Hi. We are looking to camp and have a go with our newly acquired canoe. Do you allow bringing your own canoe? Can you provide paddling lessons?
Glad to see you allow dogs as our Ted is part of the family.
Written 3 June 2019
Thank you for showing interest. We are enjoying being busy so early on in the warmer season. For camping we have midweeks available until September as all weekends are booked up until then except for one non electrical pitch on the 30th and 31st Aug. For campers we do a free self launch policy where you are more than welcome to bring your own canoes; for day visitors its a ÂŁ5 fee per vessel. We love dogs here, we even have water bowls for them and a lovely garden. Call if you need any more information.
Written 5 June 2019
Hi - do you need to book kayaks / canoes prior to coming? We’re visiting the area at the weekend and wasn’t sure how busy it gets? Thanks
Written 21 May 2018
I’m so sorry I’ve only just seen this. We’re looking into an online booking app but in the meantime please call ahead or fill out (short) booking form on our website. Thank you
Written 6 November 2018
Hi
We are visiting the area later in the year & like the look of this boat trip. Cant see anywhere if dogs are allowed on boat. Please could you advise if it is ok to bring a dog on board.
Thanks
Written 7 May 2017
Yes, of course! Dogs ride for free and you are welcome to bring your dog into the cafe & garden - we even sell doggy frozen yoghurt!! Hope to see you soon
Written 8 May 2017
What are the toilet and shower facilities like for those camping here ?
Written 29 August 2016
Hi, we have 3 separate rooms attached to the cafe, each with wc, shower cubicle & sink. There's a separate block in the campsite with 2 X wc & 2 X urinals. Hope this helpd
Written 31 August 2016
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