Bow Bridge Marina

The soft clink of rigging against masts drifts across the water at first light, mingling with the calls of moorhens along the Stour.

This Kent riverside spot works well for families after a quiet weekend base, couples touring the South East in a campervan, or anyone who fancies pitching up near working waterways without the full marina glitz. You're in proper Romney Marsh country here — flat grazing land, big skies, medieval churches dotting the horizon — and the Stour Valley Walk passes close by if you want to stretch your legs between the riverside villages. Tents, caravans and campervans all welcome, so expect a friendly mix of kit on the grass.

You've got showers and toilets onsite, which covers the basics nicely, and campfires are worth asking about when you arrive — policies can shift depending on the season and conditions. The vibe's low-key and waterside calm, more about watching the boats and the birdlife than ticking off attractions.