Strand Leisure Park
A historic riverside tidal saltwater lido and family park offering swimming, play areas, and a miniature railway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Strand Leisure Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic riverside tidal saltwater lido and family park offering swimming, play areas, and a miniature railway.
"The Strand Lido is a must if you are near Gillingham, Kent, on a lovely summers day, with so much to do."
🚗 Parking Fees
Be aware of parking fees, which some visitors find a deterrent for families.
🪑 Bring Your Own Seating
Camping chairs and picnic blankets are recommended as seating can be limited.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Tidal Saltwater Lido
Main pool area
Experience the UK's only remaining riverside tidal saltwater pool, unheated and refreshing on a warm day.
Miniature Railway Adventure
Within the park grounds
Enjoy a charming ride on the miniature train, a hidden gem offering park tours for all ages.
Children's Play Areas
Designated park zones
Kids will love the splash pad with sprinklers and the extensive playground apparatus for climbing and playing.
Chatham Snowsports Centre Toboggan
Chatham Snowsports Centre (nearby)
For thrill-seekers, the nearby toboggan run offers an exciting ride just a short distance away.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
What to Bring for a Day Out
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Be aware of parking fees, which some visitors find a deterrent for families.
🪑 Bring Your Own Seating
Camping chairs and picnic blankets are recommended as seating can be limited.
💰 Value for Money
Many find the admission price reasonable, especially for families.
💧 Lido Water Temperature
The saltwater lido is unheated; be prepared for cool water, though you can acclimatize.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Be aware of parking fees, which some visitors find a deterrent for families.
🪑 Bring Your Own Seating
Camping chairs and picnic blankets are recommended as seating can be limited.
💰 Value for Money
Many find the admission price reasonable, especially for families.
💧 Lido Water Temperature
The saltwater lido is unheated; be prepared for cool water, though you can acclimatize.
🚂 Miniature Train Ride
A budget-friendly ride at just £2, perfect for a short adventure.
🧳 Locker Size
Lockers are described as tiny and may not fit larger bags.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Strand Leisure Park is a beloved spot, particularly for its unique tidal saltwater lido and family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the value for money and the range of activities like the miniature railway and playgrounds. However, some reviews note issues with parking fees, the cleanliness of changing rooms, and the presence of debris in the pool.
"For decades I’ve visited the Strand. In all seasons and in all types of weather.
I’ve met many interesting people here over the years. A lovely man called Derick comes to the Strand as often as he can, even Christmas Day; as he met his late wife here, many years ago. He feels like the Strand is part of his family.
Sadly I think it’s Terrible, you have to pay to park here; to take your kids to play in a park, or swim.
Going to a leisure park, Should be free, so families can go there more often to use the Park or Swimming Pool, for the Children to enjoy. Children need to play.
I know some people that don’t go here anymore due to the parking fees. People with Children should be able to park for free.
Don’t get me wrong, The Strand is a great place. It truly is and I’ve visited hundreds of times.
The Strand itself is a tranquil grounding experience if you sit on a bench and the tide is in. Especially very early as the Sun comes up.
Walk along to the Boat yard and sadly sometimes there’s normally raw sewage, floating on the water. Disgusting.
Hopefully it’s gone by now.
Not used the Swimming Pool in years but my children used to love the park. The Play area is really lovely and there’s lots of different apparatus to climb, or play on.
The tiny miniature Train is still here and all ages can jump on and tour the park.
The small kids Water area is open again so they can splash around and dodge the sprinklers.
A Cafe for food and drink.
Training apparatus in the field for adults to get fit. ( where the golf used to be )
Disability toilets and toilets for all.
4 car parks.
A Lovely peaceful place early morning and late in the evening.
Edit: The Fair was here today and it was very busy. The rides looked like a lot of fun."
Darren
"Amazing lido, great value for money. We drove about 1 hr from london just to go here and had a great time. The facilities were clean, love the fact that there are warm and cold showers outside. Changing rooms were basic but no complaints.
there's a shop inside to buy snacks, you can also bring your own floats and get them filled up for a £1 each and buy new floats for adults and children. they even have small rings and boats for the babies. life guards were attentive too.
I recommend you take your camping chairs and a picnic, but there are a few places to sit whilst there too. We will be back very soon."
KYtravel
"Dirty changing rooms. Tiny lockers that won't hold your bags. Water full of bugs, branches, and I found multiple crab legs on the pool floor! The pool floor is also crumbling in places. The splash pad is so basic it's not worth going, even though it's free. I would advise driving further out to Maidstone for the splash pad at Mote Park if you have kids of that age"
Adam 'Twenny' Sheffield
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Strand Leisure Park is located in Gillingham, Kent. It's accessible by car, with multiple car parks available, though parking fees apply. Public transport options include train to Gillingham station, followed by a bus or taxi. Some TikTok videos mention it's about an hour from London.
Yes, there are four car parks at Strand Leisure Park. However, visitors should be aware that parking fees are in effect, which has been a point of contention for some.
Yes, the park is a good spot for launching kayaks onto the Medway, provided parking is available.
The nearest train station is Gillingham station in Kent. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach the park.
Yes, some visitors travel from London, with one TikTok mentioning it's about an hour away, making it a feasible day trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Strand Lido pool opens on weekends and then 7 days a week during the school summer holidays. Specific session times (morning/afternoon) are usually 3 hours long. Always check the official schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Admission prices vary, but one review mentioned £24 for a family of five for the open-air pool, which was considered reasonable.
While in the past visitors have queued for over an hour, the park has implemented a session system which may reduce the need for advance booking, but it's always wise to check their official channels.
While specific discount information isn't detailed, the pricing for families has been noted as reasonable.
Admission typically grants access to the lido and park facilities. Bringing your own food and drinks is allowed, and there's a cafe on-site.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
The park features a tidal saltwater lido, children's play areas with a splash pad and playground equipment, a miniature railway, and adult fitness apparatus. There's also a cafe and beautiful views of the bay.
No, the tidal saltwater lido is not heated. Visitors should expect cool water, though many find it refreshing on hot days.
Changing rooms are described as basic, and some reviews mention they could use a good clean. However, there are also warm and cold outdoor showers available.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, which is a popular option for picnics.
Yes, lifeguards are present and described as attentive, ensuring a safe swimming experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site that serves hot dogs, ice cream, and other refreshments.
Absolutely! Bringing your own picnic is encouraged and a great way to enjoy the park, especially with the option to bring your own chairs.
The cafe offers items like hot dogs and ice cream, catering to casual park visitors.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but bringing your own food allows for full control over your meals.
While prices aren't specified, bringing your own food is often a more budget-friendly approach for families.
📸 📸 Photography
The tidal lido offers scenic views, especially with the bay in the background. The miniature railway and the children's play areas also make for charming photos. Early mornings and late evenings provide beautiful light.
Drone usage policies are not specified. It's advisable to check with park management before flying drones to ensure compliance with local regulations and privacy concerns.
No specific restrictions on general photography have been mentioned. However, always be mindful of other visitors' privacy.
A versatile camera or smartphone is sufficient for capturing the park's atmosphere. Consider a wide-angle lens for the lido and landscape shots, and a zoom lens for capturing details of the miniature railway or play areas.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late evening – offer soft, flattering light for photography, creating a tranquil ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack swimwear for the lido, and consider bringing chairs and a picnic to make your day comfortable and budget-friendly. While the lido is unheated, it's a unique experience, and the lifeguards ensure safety. 💰 Budget Travelers
+1 Bringing your own food and drinks is permitted, which can significantly cut down on costs. While there's a parking fee, some visitors find the overall experience worth the expense. 🏊♀️ Swimming Enthusiasts
Be prepared for the unheated water, which can be bracing but is often described as refreshing. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Tidal Saltwater Lido
Visitors often describe the water as cool but refreshing, especially on a hot summer's day. While the lido is a major draw, be prepared for its natural state. Reviews mention that the water can sometimes contain debris like branches or even crab legs, and the pool floor may show signs of wear.
Family Fun and Activities
Beyond the playgrounds, the miniature railway is another popular attraction for families. For just £2 a ride, it offers a charming tour of the park, making it a delightful experience for all ages.
While the main draw for many is the lido, the combination of play areas, the train, and the open spaces makes Strand Leisure Park a well-rounded family day out. Exploring the Surrounding Area
Chatham itself has been depicted in various social media content, with some videos offering humorous takes on the town's character.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit