Kent Life is one of the only attractions in the country that you can sail to by river boat and, even better, there are two to choose from that sail on the River Medway: the Kentish Lady and the Allington Belle.
Kentish Lady
The Kentish Lady is a graceful, glass-sided river boat that cruises the Medway with shoppers, day-trippers, birthday parties, wedding guests and group tours. She has excellent facilities including ladies and gents washrooms, heating, and hot and cold beverages and snacks. There is even a licensed bar serving wine, spirits, draught and bottled beer at pub prices.
The catamaran design provides a very stable environment with huge glass windows, ideally suited to sightseeing, parties, relaxing evening cruises and corporate events. Set on a single deck she provides excellent access for the disabled with level entry for wheelchairs. While waiting for the boat to dock you can relax and enjoy the scenery at Cruisers Ice Creamery and Refreshment Kiosk. They provide hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks and a wide selection of ice creams. Tony, Shirley and Sara run the business from their mooring on the river Medway alongside the Archbishops' Palace Gardens in Maidstone Town Centre.
Boat Trips on Offer for Schools and Groups:
- 30 minute single way to and from Kent Life.
- One hour return trips.
Visit the Kentish Lady website
Allington Belle
The Allington Belle is a small family business run by Steve and Bev Henderson. The boat was launched in 2002 and was built at Fords Wharf Marine in Allington, Maidstone, hence her name the Allington Belle. She is the first craft to be built on the Upper River Medway for a long time. She was built by her captain Steve Henderson. The Allington Belle is a Mississippi style paddle boat and can hold up to 50 persons for coach parties and daily one hour pleasure trips, and up to 40 persons for private parties, wedding receptions, corporate functions, birthdays and other special events.
The cruise goes between Allington and East Farleigh lock. Most party groups opt for three hours and from the feedback we receive we feel this is ideal. The boat can be boarded at the Malta Inn, Sandling or the Town Centre, between two road bridges - we can also stop at the Millennium/Whatman Park on request. The vessel is fully licensed by the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency and all other required licenses are in place - allowing a full bar and dancing facility. She is wheelchair friendly, but please count wheelchairs as two persons for large groups, to allow plenty of room. Toilets are walk in only, the rest of the boat is fully accessible.
Boat Trips on Offer for Schools and Groups:
- 30 minute single way to and from the Malta Inn.
- One hour return trips.
Visit the Allington Belle website