Where Can I Kayak or Canoe in the UK?

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Kayaking and canoeing are popular water sports that involve navigating rivers, lakes, and coastal waters using a small, narrow boat and paddles. Both allow the paddlers to explore waterways at their own pace.

In kayaking, participants sit in a low seat with their legs extended inside the boat, using a double-bladed paddle to propel and steer. Canoeing, on the other hand, typically involves kneeling or sitting on a raised seat, using a single-bladed paddle to move and control the vessel. Canoes are usually open-topped and offer more room, making them ideal for carrying gear or passengers.

Both kayaking and canoeing are excellent for physical fitness. Paddling engages the upper body, including the arms, shoulders, and back, while maintaining balance works the core muscles. These activities can range from a gentle, relaxing paddle to a more vigorous workout, depending on the water conditions and intensity of paddling.

Beyond fitness, kayaking and canoeing are celebrated for their ability to connect people with nature. Paddlers often enjoy the tranquility of being on the water, the thrill of navigating currents, or the opportunity to observe wildlife up close. These sports are accessible to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned adventurers, making them a versatile and enjoyable outdoor pursuit.

Found 36 locations for this activity.

Bewl Water    New

Bewl Water is the largest reservoir in the South East of England, is open all year around and is surrounded by incredible landscapes and native wildlife.

Equipment Rental

Coniston Water    New

Found in the heart of the Lake District, Coniston Water is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking landscapes and exciting activities. As the third-largest lake...

Free

Derwentwater    New

Derwentwater is a 2.9 mile lake found just south of Keswick. It can be very busy, especially in those warm summer months.

Free

Dovercourt Boating Lake    New

Equipment Rental

Grasmere    New

Grasmere is beloved for its charm: small, serene, and surrounded by fells and literary legacy. It's perfect for a calming paddle or a row among poets' favourite landscapes. Access is straigh...

Free

Harlyn Beach    New

Harlyn Beach is a wide, sheltered bay just west of Padstow and one of the most family-friendly beaches in north Cornwall. With its golden sand, gentle slope, and clear water, it’s popular...

Housel Bay Beach    New

Housel Bay Beach is a secluded sandy cove tucked beneath steep cliffs on the Lizard Peninsula. Access is via a narrow footpath and steps, which keeps it quieter than many of the nearby beach...

Lake Ullswater    New

Lake Ullswater is often referred to as the "jewel of the Lake District" and is the second largest lake in the region. It offers a wealth of outdoor activities options set against stunning, u...

Free

Lake Windermere    New

Lake Windermere is nestled in the heart of the Lake District, England, and is the largest natural lake in England. Spanning about 10.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, its waters are surrounded b...

Free

Llandrindod Lake    New

Llandrindod Lake sits in the heart of Llandrindod Wells and is a small, scenic lake popular with walkers, families, and birdwatchers. There’s a circular path around the water, making it id...

Equipment Rental

Llyn Trawsfynydd    New

Llyn Trawsfynydd is a large reservoir set among rolling hills, with plenty of space for water-based activities. It's popular for fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating. Around the sh...

Loch Bradan    New

Loch Doon    New

Long Rock Beach    New

Long Rock Beach stretches between Penzance and Marazion, with views across Mount’s Bay to the iconic St Michael’s Mount. The sheltered waters here make it a popular choice for paddleboar...

Equipment Rental

Lower Lliw Reseroir    New

Lower Lliw Reservoir is a peaceful spot tucked away in the hills above Swansea, popular with walkers, anglers, and birdwatchers. Managed by Welsh Water, it has a small visitor centre with pa...

Equipment Rental

Lessons

Maenporth Beach    New

Equipment Rental

Marazion Beach    New

Marazion Beach is best known for its sweeping views across Mount’s Bay to the iconic St Michael’s Mount. The beach itself is long and sandy, with gently shelving waters that make it a gr...

Milford Haven Beach    New

Equipment Rental

North Bay Beach    New

Equipment Rental

Lessons

Polzeath Beach    New

Polzeath Beach is a wide, sandy bay on the north Cornwall coast, popular with families, surfers, and paddleboarders alike. The gently shelving sand and consistent swell make it great for beg...

Porth Mynawyd    New

Porth Mynawyd, often called Pointz Castle, is a small, rugged cove on the Pembrokeshire coast, close to Newgale. It's a quieter spot than many of the larger beaches nearby, with dramatic cli...

Free

Porthleven Beach    New

Praa Sands Beach    New

River Blackwater    New

The River Blackwater winds its way through Essex, with stretches near Chelmsford offering peaceful paddling and riverside walks. Launch points are limited and access can depend on land owner...

Equipment Rental

Lessons

River Gannel    New

Equipment Rental

River Nene    New

Equipment Rental

River Rother    New

Equipment Rental

Roadford Lake    New

Free

Roker Beach    New

Roker Beach is a wide, sandy bay at the mouth of the River Wear, popular with families, walkers, and watersports enthusiasts. Its sheltered position makes it a good choice for paddleboarding...

Scotman's Flash    New

Scotman's Flash is a hidden gem just a short distance from Wigan town centre. Set among the unique Flashes of Wigan and Leigh Natural Nature Reserve, our stunning natural environment is the...

Equipment Rental

Shropshire Union Canal    New

Equipment Rental

Stithians Reservoir    New

Stithians Reservoir is one of the largest inland waters in Cornwall and a hub for watersports of all kinds. The lake is managed by South West Lakes Trust and has a dedicated activity centre...

Swanpool Beach    New

Upper Rivington Reservoir    New

Nestled in the West Pennine Moors between Rivington and Anglezarke, Upper Rivington Reservoir is a peaceful walking and fishing spot. Its dam walls and bridleway paths make it great for scen...

Wastwater    New

Wastwater is nicely tucked away in the remote Wasdale Valley and is the deepest lake in England and one of the most dramatic locations in the Lake District. Right next to Scafell Pike, the h...

Free

Wimbleball Lake    New

Free