A TINY island in the UK isn't the first place people would think of visiting. St Mary's Island in Kent is reclaimed marshland, and mainly now a housing development. 5 St Mary's Island is off the coast of Kent, an hour from London Credit: Alamy 5 The island is primarily a housing development Credit: Alamy 5 Locals have raved about it, sayings its like always being on holiday Credit: Alamy But now home to 5,000 locals, who call themselves 'islanders,' they say its like a constant holiday.
David, who moved 25 years ago, told local media that he loves being able to walk along the canal, adding: “It’s idyllic, like being on holiday.” Despite being mainly housing, there are a number of outdoor activities for people wanting to visit as well as a hotel. The island has a number of riverside walks, one of which includes views of Upnor Castle.
Read more on UK islands FERRY BAD Sadness as ferry linking UK to 'Maldives-style' island is scrapped ISLE BE THERE Tiny UK island open to day visitors reveals plans for brand new 43-bed hotel The Elizabethan fort, dating back to the 1500s, is on the mainland opposite the island but can be seen from across the River Medway. Or you can go on a boat trip, with rentals from the harbour. Naval enthusiasts can head to the Chatham Maritime Marina which often has events and displays.
Other sites include the PS John H Amos landmark, as well as the Sam Holland sculpture The Mariners. Most read in News Travel HAPPY DAYS Scottish city crowned the 'happiest' place to the live in the UK TRAVEL CHAOS Brits warned of 'flight cancellations' ahead of airport strikes next week ISLE GO Stunning 'Med-like' British isle where visitors can fly World War II Spitfires SANDS GREAT Europe's best beach has white sands, £3 beers & four flights from the UK And nature-lovers can visit to spot a number of birds including skylarks, sparrowhawks and redwings. If you want to stay right next to St Mary's Island, there is the four-star Ship & Trades hotel just by the crossing.
I live by one of the UK's best beaches - it has amazing pubs, fewer crowds and even views of France Set above a dockside bar and restaurant, rooms start from £120 a night. Just don't expect any nearby shops as they are all off the island. And trains take just over an hour from London although you will need to get a bus from Chatham to St Mary's.
Thankfully there is much more to do just outside of the island. There is The Strand lido in Gillingham, a saltwater pool that first opened in 1896. It is the only riverside tidal saltwater pool left in the UK, and only opens in the summer months.
Some people have even compared the pool to Greece, being painted in bright blue and white colours. Read more on the Scottish Sun MORAY MANIA Cops called amid huge queues as fizzy drink re-launch causes chaos MURRAY MAKEOVER Andy Murray hit with fresh warning over renovations at luxury Cromlix hotel 5 You can spot Upnor Castle across the river Credit: Alamy Or you can head to Chatham Snowsports Centre for Europe's longest toboggan ride, which runs for 750 metres. Go a bit further down and you will find Fordwich, the UK's smallest town but home to a Michelin-starred pub.
5 Make sure to grab a boat trip from the marina too Credit: Alamy.
