Tempted to go kayaking? Here are the UK’s top 10 kayaking locations for a gentle and beautiful paddle
Britain’s serene rivers, picturesque lakes and captivating canals are ideal for kayaking.
Nevertheless, before setting off on your kayak escapade, ensure your chosen destination is safe, check the weather conditions, dress suitably for kayaking and acquire a waterways license if it’s a requirement for the location.
British Canoeing provides guidance on the top 10 kayaking sites across the UK, offering a variety of breathtaking locations for enthusiasts to discover.
Best kayaking locations in the UK
River Cuckmere
Experience a new perspective on England’s south-east coast and countryside as you paddle along the River Cuckmere. Flowing gently from source to sea through East Sussex, this picturesque river rises near Heathfield and reaches the English Channel at Cuckmere Haven, offering a stunning kayaking spot.
Launch your kayak opposite Seven Sisters Country Park and let the river’s gentle flow guide you through Cuckmere Valley to the English Channel. As the iconic white chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters come into view, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse birdlife that calls Cuckmere home, including wigeons, grey herons and the little egret!
A waterways licence is not required to paddle on the River Cuckmere.
Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Stretching an impressive 127 miles from the Royal Albert Docks in Liverpool to the centre of Leeds, the Leeds and Liverpool Canal offers a unique kayaking experience, taking you through two of England’s cities and the heart of the Aire Valley.
Kayak past the engineering wonder of Bingley Three Rise Locks and enjoy scenic countryside where the flowing waters of the River Aire converge with the canal.
A waterways licence is required for Leeds & Liverpool Canal; buy it from British Canoeing.
River Medway
Rising in the Ashdown Forest, the River Medway flows through West and East Sussex and into Kent before reaching the Thames Estuary. Paddle along 18 miles of beautiful meandering waterway from the heart of historic Tonbridge, through the Kentish countryside to the county town of Maidstone and finish your journey at Allington.
Keep your eye out for Upnor Castle and Rochester Castle along the way. As you reach Allington Lock, you’ll paddle alongside the impressive medieval Archbishop’s Palace.
The river is ideal for a multi-day adventure as there are ample places to camp along the route, making it perfect for a leisurely long weekend or family holiday.
We named the River Medway one of the best wild swimming places near London.
A waterways licence is required for sections of the River Medway; buy it from British Canoeing.
Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal
Meandering through the Welsh countryside, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is often hailed as the UK’s prettiest canal. A haven for history and wildlife enthusiasts, paddlers can journey through time, passing old works and lime kilns. Look out for red kites, buzzards, herons and dragonflies gracing the towpaths and reedbeds.
As you paddle through the scenic Usk Valley and into Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, you’re not short of charming villages and cafés to stop off at along the way.
A waterways licence is required for Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal; buy it from British Canoeing.
River Ouse, Yorkshire
A paddle along Yorkshire’s River Ouse is a delight at any time of year. You’ll discover historical treasures and natural wonders along the way. Kayak through the heart of York, a city with a history that dates back to 71 AD, when it was called Eboracum under Roman rule. As you make your way out from the city centre, you’ll pass the National Railway Museum, Jorvik Viking Centre and St Mary’s Abbey. With a great number of parks, cafés, and pubs along this stretch of riverbank, you won’t be short of places to stop for refreshments.
As you continue out of the city into the Yorkshire countryside, you’ll be surrounded by expansive water meadows and quaint villages, such as Nether Poppleton and Beningbrough.
The River Ouse is quite a large river and can be exposed in parts. Keep safe by checking the weather, wind and water levels before you head out.
A waterways licence is required for sections of the River Ouse; buy it from British Canoeing.
Regent’s Canal
See London from a whole new perspective on the Regent’s Canal, easily accessible by train and perfect for bringing your inflatable kayak. Start from the charming neighbourhood of Little Venice, with its quirky waterside cafés and colourful narrowboats. As you navigate the canal, keep an eye out for the sights and sounds of London Zoo within Regent’s Park before making your way to bustling Camden Lock Market.
A waterways licence is required for the Regent’s Canal; buy it from British Canoeing.
River Wye
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Wye Valley, the River Wye meanders from the Welsh Cambrian mountains, eventually joining the River Severn at Chepstow. Along its course, you’ll encounter the charming city of Hereford as well as the market towns of Ross-on-Wye and Hay-on-Wye.
The River Wye offers over 100 miles of navigable waterways for kayaking, providing an abundance of places to explore.
A waterways licence is not required to paddle from below Hay-on-Wye.
It is important to note that the public right of navigation on the River Wye does not give a right of access to the riverbank. Other than at accepted public sites, you must access the water either at a designated public launch, or get permission from the landowner before launching and landing your kayak.
Find trails and launch points and British Canoeing’s River Wye Paddle Guide.
Where to eat and sleep on the Wye trail.
We named the River Wye one of the best stand-up paddleboarding places in the UK.
Lake Vyrnwy
Nestled among dense forests on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Lake Vyrnwy promises awe-inspiring paddling. Launch from the Boathouse and make your way up the lake towards the beautiful Welsh mountains. The lake is a haven for wildlife lovers, offering brilliant views of peregrine falcons, redstarts, siskins and wood warblers.
Make the most of your trip by combining it with a visit to Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) nearby and explore the rest of the national park.
While Lake Vyrnwy is a paradise for paddlers, don’t underestimate its vastness. Safety is key, plan your paddle carefully and check the weather forecasts before setting off.
A licence is required to paddle on Lake Vyrnwy. This is available from Bethania Watersports at the Boathouse.
River Tweed
The River Tweed crosses the border between Scotland and England, sweeping its way through the beautiful Southern Uplands and moorland.
With forests, ancient ruins and colourful towns lining its banks, the Tweed is full of interest and a superb spot for nature lovers, too. Over the centuries, the river has inspired celebrated writers and artists, including Sir Walter Scott, James Hogg and JMW Turner. Stunning bridges, ruined castles and viaducts can be seen along this historic route.
A waterways licence is not required to paddle on the River Tweed.
Keep safe on the water with our kayaking safety checklist.
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