Leybourne Lakes Country Park
Leybourne Lakes Country Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
118 reviews
Excellent
54
Very good
36
Average
16
Poor
5
Terrible
7
Bryan B
Sevenoaks, England, United Kingdom86 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Regularly visit the park both for the Parkrun and dog walks. The park itself is definitely worth a visit, well managed for wildlife and we'll maintained by the park rangers who appear very friendly.
The let down is the new cafe, it has a superb location on the lakeside but that's where the positives end.
We visited on a weekday hoping for a good range of food and drinks. Sadly disappointed, limited menu, only prepackaged ' plastic ' food, nothing freshly prepared or cooked. I know the staff are new to the job but they were obviously given no prior training.
Such a shame as the old cafe was so much better.
If visiting the park , which I highly recommend, either bring your own food or visit Tesco's cafe on the other side of the lake.
The let down is the new cafe, it has a superb location on the lakeside but that's where the positives end.
We visited on a weekday hoping for a good range of food and drinks. Sadly disappointed, limited menu, only prepackaged ' plastic ' food, nothing freshly prepared or cooked. I know the staff are new to the job but they were obviously given no prior training.
Such a shame as the old cafe was so much better.
If visiting the park , which I highly recommend, either bring your own food or visit Tesco's cafe on the other side of the lake.
Written August 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BigBoat
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This was our first visit to Leybourne Lakes. The walk around the lakes is very scenic, with lots of useful information about the resident wildlife. However, the whole experience islet down by the truly woeful cafe experience. We ordered a tea and a coffee, some cold drinks and a couple of cold drinks. Bearing in mind we visited on a Friday when it wasn't that busy we still had to wait 20 minutes to place our order and then another 10 minutes for our drinks after ordering. The whole cafe set up seems really badly organised and inefficient, no sense of any care or customer service from the staff. I can only imagine what it would be like at peak times. Will definitely visit the Lakes again, but will bring a picnic and our own drinks next time! There appears to have been significant investment in the building, but no thought about how it can provide a good customer experience. Such a shame as it spoils the whole experience of visiting Leybourne.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
El_Viajero_UK
London, United Kingdom93 contributions
Sep 2021
We've been members here for almost 4 years, try and get down for a swim or paddle board at least twice a month, sometimes twice a week if the weather is kind.
Staff there are great, always friendly and helpful. The lake itself is peaceful and serene, I absolutely love being in the water amongst the wildlife (including the odd snake that may happen to float past!) The water is almost always clean and warm during the high season. Not so much fun when it's cold!
The place could do with a spruce up, the containers are practical but some kind of dedicated building would be far nicer as well as maybe some investment into the area in general, better changing facilities etc. The docks are getting tired and creaky and could do with a revamp but I still love the place and will continue to support the people who run it.
Staff there are great, always friendly and helpful. The lake itself is peaceful and serene, I absolutely love being in the water amongst the wildlife (including the odd snake that may happen to float past!) The water is almost always clean and warm during the high season. Not so much fun when it's cold!
The place could do with a spruce up, the containers are practical but some kind of dedicated building would be far nicer as well as maybe some investment into the area in general, better changing facilities etc. The docks are getting tired and creaky and could do with a revamp but I still love the place and will continue to support the people who run it.
Written September 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
johnchatham2014
Chatham, UK38 contributions
Aug 2022
After a pleasant walk around the country park I visited the cafe with two friends. We decided to have a different ice cream each. When we had purchased the ice creams and sat outside to enjoy them we discovered they were soft and falling off their sticks. When a member of staff was told about this his reply was 'you should have taken them from the bottom of the freezer as they had just been topped up'
£3 for a soft ice cream is unacceptable especially especially as the board which was supposed to show the prices was non existent.
I recommend you visit the local Tesco supermarket to buy your ice cream and avoid this over priced cafe at all costs.
£3 for a soft ice cream is unacceptable especially especially as the board which was supposed to show the prices was non existent.
I recommend you visit the local Tesco supermarket to buy your ice cream and avoid this over priced cafe at all costs.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SmallBoat
Maidstone, UK18 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
A lovely country park, pleasant walks around the lakes with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the views
The cafe was a big disappointment though, despite the beautiful setting at the water's edge. It wasn't a busy day, and there were approx 5 people in the queue, yet we waited for about 20 minutes to be served, then at least another 10 minutes for the drinks to be made (one tea and one coffee). There was very little food choice; lunch items were either a sausage roll or a pasty, and there was only one cake available. There were 3 people working, yet they seemed very slow and uncertain as to what they were doing.
It is such a shame that such a lovely country park has such poor refreshments. People will no doubt turn up wanting coffee and cake, or lunch, yet they will be sadly disappointed.
The cafe was a big disappointment though, despite the beautiful setting at the water's edge. It wasn't a busy day, and there were approx 5 people in the queue, yet we waited for about 20 minutes to be served, then at least another 10 minutes for the drinks to be made (one tea and one coffee). There was very little food choice; lunch items were either a sausage roll or a pasty, and there was only one cake available. There were 3 people working, yet they seemed very slow and uncertain as to what they were doing.
It is such a shame that such a lovely country park has such poor refreshments. People will no doubt turn up wanting coffee and cake, or lunch, yet they will be sadly disappointed.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kentishphil
Chatham, UK10 contributions
Jan 2023
Had a nice walk and coffee in the new café.
sadly now new ANPR parking charges are now in place., (according to website) so those without a smart phone can no longer visit. As Website instructs users to download Autopay. Not much use for seniors
sadly now new ANPR parking charges are now in place., (according to website) so those without a smart phone can no longer visit. As Website instructs users to download Autopay. Not much use for seniors
Written February 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GlobetrotterNL83
Greater London, UK944 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
I enjoyed walking around the lakes, but was a little disappointed. I somehow expected it to be more nature. You can hear the traffic most of the way around and there are many housing developments. If you're in the area and enjoy walking, I would recommend visiting, but don't come from further afield like us.
Parking is only £1.20 for 4 hours, which can be paid with coins or online.
We enjoyed the milkshakes from the cafe even if they were a bit overpriced.
Unfortunately the toilets were dirty and there was no toilet paper.
Parking is only £1.20 for 4 hours, which can be paid with coins or online.
We enjoyed the milkshakes from the cafe even if they were a bit overpriced.
Unfortunately the toilets were dirty and there was no toilet paper.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anzelina
Rochester Kent109 contributions
Jul 2022
We enjoyed our walk, and were looking forward to replenishment at the cafe. It looked very attractive with outdoor seating overlooking the lake. Sadly, the food on offer was most disappointing. There were just a few ready made savoury items available, which did not look very appealing. There were a few cakes and ice cream. But we feel this is a missed opportunity to create a much more uplifting experience. The chance to sit by the lake, with maybe a nice freshly cooked bacon or sausage sandwich, would certainly entice us back. But a soggy sausage roll will not!
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jackie H
4 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We attended the cafe today.
Very disappointed. Expected to enjoy the ambience of the lake whilst eating breakfast.
Unfortunately there isn't capacity to make breakfast.
I would have thought as a bare minimum yoghurt, fresh fruit, porridge would have been an option. Instead overpriced fridge panini's that can be pinged in the microwave. We were served coffee in paper cups. At least 2 families with children left and said they would go to the shops. The winners will e Tesco and the van on the road.
This review wasn't written on the basis of the family owned business being removed (I had never been). Disappointing and a missed opportunity.
Very disappointed. Expected to enjoy the ambience of the lake whilst eating breakfast.
Unfortunately there isn't capacity to make breakfast.
I would have thought as a bare minimum yoghurt, fresh fruit, porridge would have been an option. Instead overpriced fridge panini's that can be pinged in the microwave. We were served coffee in paper cups. At least 2 families with children left and said they would go to the shops. The winners will e Tesco and the van on the road.
This review wasn't written on the basis of the family owned business being removed (I had never been). Disappointing and a missed opportunity.
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Darren S
London, UK29 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Took a walk round here today with the dog. Really disappointing. The lakes seem largely out of bounds or inaccessible. The pathways are dirty gravel (like industrial gravel) and at the end of our walk we went to the cafe which sold us two cups of hot water with sprinkled chocolate on the top and they are called Lattes apparently.
Really disappointed. Just a bit manky to be honest. Looks nice when the sun shines on the water!
Really disappointed. Just a bit manky to be honest. Looks nice when the sun shines on the water!
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peny S
Kent, UK8 contributions
Can I swim with my dog in any of the lakes. I say swim but I suspect it would be more of a paddle. I'm trying to increase my little jack Russell's confidence in the water
Peny S
Kent, UK8 contributions
Can I swim with my dog in any of the lakes
Andi F
Aylesford, UK179 contributions
A while ago there was blue algae in one lake which is bad for dogs, not sure if it is now. There Is an abundance of wildlife within the lakes, not sure wether it is advisable for dogs to jump in. That said i don't think it would do any harm.
Is the lake open for kayaking , me and my son have our own kayaks and are looking for places to explore
Lindsay C
Maidstone, UK
What is the closings time.
Wendy-from-Kent
Sittingbourne, UK101 contributions
The park opens at 7.30 every day and closes at dusk (but no later than 9pm).
Hello. Is blue green algae present in the lake?
Andi F
Aylesford, UK179 contributions
I believe so in one lake, they don’t update though so it may have chamged
Leybourne Lakes Country Park (Snodland) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Leybourne Lakes Country Park
- Hotels near Leybourne Lakes Country Park:
- (0.77 mi) Premier Inn Maidstone (West Malling) hotel
- (2.92 mi) Kits Coty Glamping
- (3.96 mi) Pretty Maid House Bed & Breakfast
- (8.19 mi) Glamping at Rankins Farm
- (6.13 mi) Hilltop Hotel
- Restaurants near Leybourne Lakes Country Park:
- (0.02 mi) Lakeside Cafe
- (0.24 mi) Freemasons Arms
- (0.55 mi) Blue Gem
- (1.91 mi) The Farm House
- (1.05 mi) The Nevill Bull