We’ve arrived and settled in

Arriving on the island, via the Sheppey Crossing, you are instantly transported to vast areas of marshland, interspersed with large industrial buildings - but situated on the banks of the Swale Estuary on the outskirts of residential Queenborough, is Leo Bay campsite.

Only five spaces, this campsite doesn't offer much in the way of amenities, but what is lacks in services it makes up for in character in spades!

On arrival, Steve, the owner, called out to us from his back door telling us to choose a pitch and that was us checked in!

The shower block is literally another static caravan divided into two bathrooms - one on the right for the men and the one on the left is for the ladies (because apparently its the only time men are right...!).

The bathrooms consist of a large room with a power shower in one corner, a chair, a toilet and a sink. All fixtures and fittings are very tired and dated, but they were wam and clean with plenty of hot water and power in the showers - although there was a certain amount of mildew in the ladies shower - at this time of year (February) when it has rained practically every day since Christmas, its to be expected - especially when its doubtful that they are used often.

Our pitch is situated at the end of the row. It was impossible to get MAEV level front to back, we were however, able to level her side to side so sleeping was more than comfortable - in fact as usual we had a great night's sleep!

The views from the lounge window look straight across the estuary and from where we sit we can see the wind turbines, cranes and the docks with all manner of ships and boats in varying conditions - its wonderful to be able to look out and see the tide coming in and out and how much the view changes constantly.

Our evening walk with Molly took us along the road leading up to the campsite - full of potholes with the verges full of litter - but in the twilight we could hear the calls of the local birdlife (Swale Estuary is an important birding site hosting vast numbers of overwintering and breeding wetland species) and despite the litter and the chimneys across the water belching out goodness knows what - there is still a sense of peace and tranquility as you walk along the water's edge.Read more