There is something truly magical about the British summer when the sun decides to shine, the grass is lush, and the towing mirrors are set for another adventure. Looking back at our long weekend in early July 2025, it stands out as one of those rare, perfect trips where everything: the company, the weather, and the location: aligned beautifully. Our destination was Sandwich Lakes Campsite in the heart of Kent, a place that promised tranquility but disappointed.
We packed up our faithful Bailey Pegasus GT65 Rimini, double-checked our Milenco Grand Aero Platinum mirrors, and headed toward the coast. Joining us was a large group of family and friends, making this more than just a quiet getaway; it was a full-blown celebration of summer.
Settling into Sandwich Lakes Campsite
Arriving at Sandwich Lakes is an experience in itself. Set within 55 acres of Kent countryside, the site is clearly a big draw for fishermen, and the first thing we noticed was the water. The site is known for its seven coarse fishing lakes, so if angling is your thing, that will likely be the main appeal.
The campsite itself is very basic, with little more than electric hookups on the pitches. We were lucky enough to have enough room to set up our small awning, but overall this wasn’t a site that offered much beyond its fishing focus. For those who follow our journey, you know we love the Bailey brand, and the Pegasus GT65 Rimini handled the warm July weather perfectly. The ventilation and layout make it an ideal base for a busy family weekend.
The site also features a waterside café, but after eating there once, we found the food poor and didn’t go back.
If you are looking for more inspiration for your next trip, don’t forget to check out our campsites review section where we break down the best spots across the UK.
The Ultimate Family BBQ
The centerpiece of our weekend was undoubtedly the Saturday evening BBQ. When we say "large family BBQ," we mean it! This took place at a relative’s home rather than at the campsite, with nearly twenty people coming together for the evening. The weather was kind, and it turned into one of those relaxed summer get-togethers that everyone enjoys.
The food was wonderful: marinated meats, fresh salads, and local Kentish produce we’d picked up from a nearby farm shop. There is something about food cooked outdoors that just tastes better, especially when shared with such an excellent group of people. We spent hours sitting outside, the conversation flowing as easily as the cold drinks.
Exploring the Medieval Charm of Sandwich
While it would have been easy to stay at the campsite all weekend, the town of Sandwich is too beautiful to ignore. Known as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in England, it’s just a short five-minute drive (or a pleasant cycle) from the campsite.
Walking through Sandwich feels like stepping back in time. The narrow, twisting streets are lined with timber-framed houses that look like they’ve been plucked from a history book. We spent a few hours exploring the Sandwich Guildhall, which dates back to 1579, and wandering along the River Stour. The "Quay" area is particularly lovely, with boats bobbing in the water and plenty of benches to sit and soak in the atmosphere.
For those interested in the deeper history of the area, the town was once one of the original Cinque Ports. Today, it’s a vibrant community with independent shops, cozy pubs, and a real sense of pride in its heritage. We made sure to record some of our walk for our latest vlogs, capturing the unique architecture and the peaceful river views.
A Musical Highlight: Marrakesh Express
The highlight of our Saturday evening was watching Marrakesh Express. For the uninitiated, they are an incredible tribute band dedicated to the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The performance was held inside an old church in Sandwich, and the atmosphere was electric.
There is a specific kind of joy in hearing classic harmonies like "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" and "Teach Your Children" performed live in such an intimate setting. The band was tight, the vocals were spot-on, and the crowd was in high spirits. Seeing a band of that caliber inside a beautiful old church was the perfect way to cap off our long weekend.
It wasn't just about the music; it was the shared experience of the group. We all stood together, singing along to the songs that have soundtracked so many of our lives. It added a layer of cultural richness to what was already a fantastic trip. If you ever get the chance to see Marrakesh Express perform, especially in a setting as atmospheric as that old church in Sandwich, we highly recommend it.
Reflections on a Wonderful Weekend
As we hitched up on Sunday afternoon to head home, there was a collective feeling of contentment. Sandwich Lakes Campsite gave us a base close to one of England’s most charming towns, but in all honesty, it’s not a site we’d recommend unless fishing is your main reason for booking.
The weekend was a reminder of why we do what we do. It wasn't just about the reviews of the pitches or the technical specs of the Bailey Pegasus GT65 Rimini. It was about the laughter during the BBQ, the quiet moments spent together, and the music that brought us all together on that Saturday night.
If you are an avid fisherman, Sandwich Lakes will probably make a lot more sense and it’s easy to see why it has such a loyal following. For us though, with the very basic setup and disappointing café, it wasn’t a site we’d rush back to, even if the wider weekend still gave us plenty of good memories.
