10 Best Spots for Canoeing and Kayaking in the UK
Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore the most beautiful waters in the UK. Read on for the ultimate list of places to go kayaking and canoeing, from the most popular lakes in the UK to smaller waterways. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner because you’ll find boat hire and tuition available at many of these locations.
Derwentwater, Cumbria
Located a short distance away from the town of Keswick, Derwentwater is one of the most popular lakes in the Lake District. Being a hub for watersports, there are plenty of places for boat hire, as well as lessons for beginners. Kayaks and canoes can be hired by the hour so you can enjoy one of the most scenic lakes in the UK.
Our popular Keswick Club Site has direct access to the water, and our Derwentwater Club Site, just a few minutes away, is a great alternative if you haven't booked far enough in advance. Camping in this part of the Lake District makes a great holiday for all ages, with plenty of things to do nearby.
River Thames, Chertsey
There are some beautiful sections of the River Thames which is directly accessible from our Chertsey Club Site. There are plenty of places for boat hire in Surrey and depending on how experienced you are, it's a great way to see London from a different perspective.
Our Chertsey campsite is the perfect base to explore Legoland, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures. If you’re looking to explore more, the campsite is a thirty-minute train ride away from London, where you can enjoy some of the most popular attractions in the UK.
Loch Lomond, Scotland
Loch Lomond is the largest expanse of inland water in Britain, making it the perfect location for canoeing or kayaking. Our Milarrochy Bay Club Site in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is excellent for keen canoeists or kayakers as there are boat launching facilities on site. If you don't own a boat, worry not; there are several boat-hiring spots near the campsite. The southern end of Loch Lomond has many islands to explore, and the north has beautiful wide stretches of deep open water, so the area is ideal for all types of water sports enthusiasts.
Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland
Strangford Lough is a popular spot to paddle out to as the waters are calm, and the scenery is breathtaking. Whilst canoeing or kayaking in the open waters, you may catch a glimpse of grey seals, purposes and otters. If you’re a beginner, this is the perfect place to learn how to safely canoe or kayak, as several leisure centres offer training, equipment to hire and great canoe trails to follow.
Our Delamont Country Park Club Site is perfectly located to explore Strangford Lough, the Mourne Mountains and much more.
Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands
Scotland’s most famous loch makes for a stunning background when kayaking and canoeing at our Loch Ness Shores Club Site. Our campsite is located on the quieter south shore near the village of Foyers and is one of the few places small boats can launch from the shoreline. If you don’t have your own kayak or canoe, you can hire one directly from the campsite, so long as you have a permit.
The brilliant part of canoeing and kayaking while camping at our Club Site is once you’re done enjoying the waters, you can take a break and visit some stunning nearby sites, including Urquhart Castle, Inverness Castle, Falls of Foyer and the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.
Mounts Bay, Cornwall
The tidal island of St Michael's Mount is a great backdrop to a kayaking session in Mounts Bay. You can hire a kayak and all accessories by the hour on Marazion Beach. Lessons are available for beginners too. Our Sennen Cove Club Site is a wonderful campsite in Cornwall on the Land's End peninsular, with plenty to do nearby.
Windermere, Cumbria
Another of the most popular lakes in the Lake District National Park, Windermere, is England's longest natural lake and is brilliant for watersports. Our Windermere Club Site puts you within easy reach of the water where you can launch your canoe or kayak and enjoy the stunning surrounding views.
The great thing about canoeing or kayaking at our Lake District campsites is that there’s a lot to do if you need a break from the water. From walking and cycling to visiting the World of Beatrix Potter or grabbing a pint at the Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall, you won't find yourself short of things to do.
Studland Bay, Dorset
Studland Bay in Purbeck has an amazing stretch of golden, sandy beach, as well as views of the Old Harry Rocks. The sheltered waters here make it a brilliant location for canoeing and kayaking. Take your own boats or hire some for a wonderful trip out on the Dorset Coast.
Our Moreton Club Site is surrounded by Dorset's beautiful beaches and makes a brilliant base for a canoeing or kayaking holiday.
Kielder Water, Northumberland
Kielder Water & Forest Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Home to the largest man-made lake in Northern Europe, it is a great place for beginners to learn canoeing or kayaking, with instructor-led lessons available for both.
Bellingham Club Site, located in the Northumberland National Park, is a brilliant getaway for those who love canoeing and kayaking whilst camping. This campsite is near Kielder Water and the River North Tyne, has some of the best dark skies in the UK and has attractions for the whole family nearby.
River Ribble, Lancashire
Running through North Yorkshire and Lancashire, the River Ribble is close to our Clitheroe Club Site. With several local clubs offering tuition for beginners, everyone can take part in kayaking or canoeing whilst camping. These local canoeing clubs also offer equipment for hire, so you’ll have everything needed to get you going.