A new surfing attraction, The Seahive in Deal, has been given the go-ahead in the UK. This will be the second of its kind in England after the successful one in Bristol. The £50 million resort will be located at Betteshanger Country Park and will feature a 120-bed luxury hotel as part of the attraction. Despite some opposition from locals, the campaign against it has been dropped. The main feature of the complex will be a huge surf lagoon spread across 15 acres, catering to both beginners and experts with waves ranging from 20cm to 2 meters.
The Seahive will offer surfing lessons and group activities that can be booked on-site, as well as a spa and gym. In addition to surfing, there will be a skate park allowing access for bikes, scooters, and skateboards. The 120-bed hotel on-site will provide luxury accommodations. This will be the first of its kind in Kent, but the second in the UK following Bristol’s The Wave. Similar attractions can be found around the world in countries like Australia, South Korea, and Brazil. While an official start date for works or an opening date has not been revealed yet, the resort aims to provide a unique experience for visitors.
A Betteshanger Country Park spokesperson stated that they share a common goal with campaigners in wanting the best for the park, which is visited by over 250,000 people annually. They aim to work with organizations like Natural England to create a country park that serves the community, generates employment opportunities, and supports nature preservation. The announcement of a similar resort in Scotland, the Lost Shore Surf Resort, near Edinburgh further validates the growing popularity of surfing attractions in the UK and Europe. The development of new water attractions such as Therme Manchester, Modern Surf Manchester, and Chessington World of Adventures’ waterpark signals a trend towards expanding water-based leisure options.
Therme Manchester will feature 25 swimming pools, 35 water slides, and an indoor beach, making it one of the largest indoor attractions in the UK. Modern Surf Manchester will introduce its own surfing lagoon similar to Seahive, providing more opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Chessington World of Adventures’ waterpark is set to rival Disney with its wave, infinity, and spa pools, as well as waterslides and cabanas. The Seahive and other upcoming attractions are part of a growing trend in the UK to offer unique and thrilling experiences for visitors. With the increasing interest in water-based leisure activities, these new attractions are expected to attract a diverse range of visitors looking for adventure and relaxation.
Overall, the approval of The Seahive in Deal and the development of other water attractions in the UK reflect a growing demand for unique and exciting leisure experiences. These attractions aim to cater to both local residents and tourists, providing a range of activities and amenities for visitors to enjoy. With the success of similar resorts in other countries, the UK is poised to become a hub for water-based leisure activities, offering something for everyone. The collaboration between authorities, conservation groups, and developers to create sustainable and nature-friendly attractions demonstrates a commitment to environmental preservation while also promoting tourism and economic growth. As the opening dates for these attractions are eagerly anticipated, they are expected to draw significant interest and contribute to the thriving leisure industry in the UK.
