Messing About on the River

In this incredibly hot weather what better way to while away an hour or two than messing about on (or in!) the river?  On Sunday, we took our visiting friends down to Bodiam Boating Station on the River Rother just outside Newenden.  The new owners have transformed the Boating Station and added the Lime Wharf Café which provides delicious breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas.  It is the perfect spot to relax and recover from your activity on the water!

We had hired kayaks, although there are also canoes, rowing boats and stand up paddle boards on offer. There are also cruises if you fancy something more relaxed.  It is a wonderfully tranquil way to while away some time…apart from the kids arguing about who should be paddling which way… and the occasional singing!  Given the heat, the gentle sprinkling of water from the paddles was very welcome and the water was warm enough for the children to have a swim.  Some of the views are lovely and at river level the lily pads were in full flow.  If you are lucky you might glimpse a kingfisher or see a swan but I think they were all sheltering from the sun on Sunday.

Back at the Lime Wharf Café, we tucked into a hearty lunch washed down with a delicious local cider.  They are running a fabulous weekend barbecue where you can chose from a wide selection of meats, fish, cheese and vegetables (or have a little of everything!) accompanied by some lovely salads.  The setting is just perfect with far reaching views across the Rother Valley and the atmosphere is so relaxed, it is hard to tear yourself away.  In fact, I think we might go back next weekend to try out the paddle boarding…definitely prepared for a dip in the river!

If you fancy a tranquil paddle or relaxing cruise on your holiday, why not book into one of our cottages within easy reach of Bodiam Boating Station, such as Old School House or Barley Byre