Latest news with #LisaDrewe
The Sun
12-07-2025
- The Sun
The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives
THERE'S A LAKE an hour from London where you can pretend you are in the Maldives for the day. Once a quarry, St Andrews Lake in Kent is home to a wealth of water-based activities, as well as lakeside lodges and beach spots. 6 6 Dubbed "a taste of the Mediterranean" by author Lisa Drewe, visitors can enjoy a beautiful setting of rolling hills, forest, sandy shores all whilst paddling about in turquoise waters The destination is one of the region's largest privately-owned lakes and visitors can enjoy open-water swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking and canoeing on the lake. And for keen explorers, scuba diving is also available - where divers can discover submerged wrecks. Dotted around the perimeter of the lake are a number of sandy beaches making it feel more like a coastal spot. Then for those who want to extend their stay, there are also some luxury lodges complete and even a BBQ hut for hire. On the lake itself, there are two aqua parks including one for little ones aged between two and six-years-old. At the main aqua park, a huge inflatable course set 25metres from the shoreline, boasts slides and obstacles. This course costs £25 per person. Then at the Kids Aqua Park, there is a range of smaller inflatables suitable for splashing around, also with slides and obstacles. This course costs £15 per person. Guests at this TUI resort get waterpark access If you get tired of being wet, there are also plenty of things to do on dry land, including a climbing wall with 15 different routes The wall is suitable for both adults and children, of all experience levels and costs £15 per person for a 30-minute clip and climb session. Or you can have a go at some archery for £15 per person. Alternatively, you can just sit back and relax on Carp Beach, which is the lake's family-friendly beach sectioned off from all other watersports activities. A day pass to the beach costs £30 per adult and £7.50 per child and it is supervised by lifeguards. 6 6 You can also see spectacular views of the lake by going on the zip wire that whizzes above the waters and paddlers below. For parents needing a little R&R, the wellness centre is home to a woodfired lakeside sauna that overlooks the blue waters of the lake, woodfired hot tubs, a plunge lagoon and a relaxation area with sim loungers and a spacious deck with views across the lake. A wellness day pass costs £80 per person or £150 for two people. Other activities available at the lake include axe throwing, yoga and dinghy sailing. Throughout the summer there are a number of events on at the lake too, including perimeter swims. If you have your own motorhome or camper van you can also stay at one of eight pitches, from £20. 6 Alternatively, you can stay in one of the lodges including some that hover above the water just like they do in the Maldives. One recent visitor said: "I never imagined that I could be blown away on a holiday in Kent. St Andrews Lakes lodges or boat houses are just amazing. "Everything you need for peace tranquility and relaxing, looking out onto an aqua lake where the fish come to greet you. "If you want the Maldives but don't want to pay or travel too far, then this is as good if not better - I'm talking from experience." TUI has also revealed the top waterpark resorts with super slides, splash parks and swim-up bars. Plus, one woman lives in the water park capital of the UK and has shared how to visit the five of the country's best on a day trip from just £8. 6
Times
11-06-2025
- Times
All flipper, no flop — the best places to see whales in Scotland
With humpbacks and orcas, minkes and even sperm whales, Scotland is one of the best places to see these majestic creatures this side of a flight to southern California — with basking sharks, porpoises and the world's largest bottlenose dolphins a spectacular bonus. Lisa Drewe, the author of Islandeering, picks out five of her favourite places to see them from land. At the tip of the Eye peninsula, near Stornoway, Tiumpan Head Lighthouse offers front-row views across the Minch. Below it, the strait's deep waters attract whales, dolphins and porpoises, making it one of the UK's best land-based locations for spotting them. Look out for distinctive grey-and-white Risso's dolphins and fin whales, or join the Whale and Dolphin Conservation's Shorewatch team for expert-led sightings. Coll's wild waters are a summer hotspot for basking sharks, the world's second-largest fish; they're often spotted gliding through the shallows with gaping mouths. From the ferry port at Arinagour you can enjoy stunning views over Mull and the Treshnish Isles, while coastal walks reveal harbour porpoises and bottlenose dolphins. Keep watch from the shore or ferry — minke whales and common dolphins thrive around this quiet, wildlife-rich island. On Mull's rugged north coast, the Glengorm estate enjoys sweeping views across the Hebridean Sea, where minke whales, bottlenose dolphins and basking sharks ply the waters. The castle at the estate's heart watches over wonderfully wild landscapes, while the shoreline is a prime spot for marine life. Join the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust rangers every Thursday for a guided whale watch before warming up in the café, or exploring the coastal trails. • Never mind the Med, I'm longing to be back on Mull Shetland's southernmost point is a prime spot for orca-watching, thanks to the semi-resident orca pods. From the towering cliffs here are panoramic views over seas where minke whales and porpoises also hunt. The lighthouse above has a welcome café, and a base to explore one of the most accessible seabird and puffin colonies in Britain. Expert advice is available from the on-site Whale and Dolphin Conservation Shorewatch team, or check the Shetland Orca & Cetacean Sightings Facebook page. • Sumburgh Head lighthouse review — like stepping into Springwatch The Deerness peninsula, on mainland Orkney's wild eastern edge, is a prime spot to watch dolphins and porpoises. Harbour porpoises are often seen gliding through the waves, while white-beaked, white-sided and Risso's dolphins also patrol these rich waters. Dramatic cliffs offer sweeping views of the North Sea, and there is a fabulous coast walk to the Brough of Deerness, a rocky outcrop that was once home to a Viking settlement. Taken from Islandeering by Lisa Drewe ( £16.99). To order a copy go to Free UK standard P&P on orders over £25. Special discount available for Times+ members
Times
22-04-2025
- Times
Five of the best coastal walks in Scotland
Scotland's islands are a promised land of cracking coastal walks, especially in the coming months when their lonely cliffs are a raucous riot of nesting seabirds. Here Lisa Drewe, the author of the brilliant Islandeering, picks out five of her favourite coastal walks. An edge-of-the-world circuit over Foula's highest summits, with towering cliffs, wild moorland and elemental sea views. Start at the ferry quay, following the coast past Da Voe before climbing steeply to Da Kame — one of the highest sea cliffs in Britain. Continue to Da Sneug's summit cairn, then descend before a final ascent to Da Noup. Return via rolling grasslands. Remote, and unforgettable. Details 8.3 miles, 6-7.5hr, challenging A spectacular circular walk through a dramatic nature reserve that's home to
