Kent isn't short of great beaches, but next week there'll be another joining the likes of Minnis Bay on the list of the county's sandy getaway locations.

Bluewater is not what one would call a coastal retreat, but from Saturday, July 22, it will boast huge areas of sand, a giant paddling pool, a splash pool, and a variety of funfair rides.

Stationed outdoors at The Village, near Zizzi and Pizza Express, The Beach will be open until Sunday, September 3, and entry costs £3.

Other seasonal events at Bluewater this summer include the promise of a grand day out searching for giant sculptures of Britain's best-loved canine, Gromit.

Twelve of them will be unleashed across the centre next Friday, July 21, and shoppers are invited to follow a trail to find them all.

Maps can be picked up from the concierge desk outside M&S on the ground floor for £2 and successful hunters will receive a prize. It also runs until Sunday, September 3.

Elsewhere, Bluewater’s award-winning outdoor Nature Trail will be hosting free fun days on Friday, July 28, Friday, August 11, and Friday, August 25.

Families will be able to enjoy falcon displays, face painting, balloon modelling, and arts and crafts.

The Love Tennis Lawn will likely be busy this coming weekend as Wimbledon draws to a close.

You can watch all the action on a big screen in The Plaza, near the cinema.