Best Places to Kayak in the UK
Exhilarating, energetic and exciting, kayaking kindles all kinds of thrilling emotions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, the glittering waters and stunning scenery are more than enough to get that adrenaline flowing.
If you’re looking for somewhere to float your boat, the UK has some amazing places for you to take to the water. With secluded beaches, nature reserves and Scottish lochs, explore the best places to kayak in the UK to inspire your next adventure.
Table of Contents:
- Kynance Cove, Cornwall
- Loch Shiel, Scotland
- Ullswater, Lake District
- River Tees, Durham
- Camden, London
- Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
- The Wye Valley
- National White Water Centre, Snowdonia
- Durdle Door, Dorset
- Salcombe, Devon
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Picturesque and postcard-perfect, Kynance Cove in Cornwall offers breathtaking views with small sheltered beaches and soaring cliffs. Cornwall has plenty of kayaking options for all abilities, from novices to experienced kayakers, and calm days are ideal for exploring the coast.
Famous for its white sands, turquoise waters and rock stacks, there is plenty of scenery to take in, so it’s no wonder that Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most photographed and painted locations.
Head down with your kayak to this Cornish gem and enjoy a traditional Cornish pasty while you’re there.
Loch Shiel, Scotland
Head to Scotland to enjoy its miles of coastlines and breathtaking lochs. It’s full to the brim of places to kayak.
Loch Shiel is one of the best places to kayak in the UK with its stunning backdrop, used in the Harry Potter films. Kayak to enjoy the magical surroundings, appreciate the scenic mountains, and find the historic ruins of castles.
The water on Loch Shiel is calm, ideal for relative beginners or families looking to take to the water for a relaxing ride.
Ullswater, Lake District
The second biggest lake in the Lake District, Ullswater, is overlooked by the tremendous Helvellyn mountain range. The 9-mile lake is suitable for both beginners and seasoned kayakers, with awe-inspiring views and stunning scenery to breathe new life into your kayaking adventures.
Follow the Ullswater paddling trail and take in the magnificent views or land on one of the two islands – Wall Holm and Norfolk Island – for a break or a picnic.
River Tees, Durham
Take to the tees for the perfect thrill-seeking adventure. Ideal for experienced kayakers, experience hair-raising rapids, cascades and falls and be swept through stunningly scenic countryside.
Popular with white water paddlers, the River Tees runs through the North Pennine Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Practise slalom action by the rapids between Barnard Castle and Winston or check the area you will be paddling in if you’re more of a novice kayaker.
Or, why not head to the Tees Barrage White Water Centre for instructor-led sessions to have fun learning a new skill?
Camden, London
View the capital from an entirely different perspective and glide down Camden’s canals to escape the hustle and bustle.
Pass through Camden from the canal and enjoy its music venues and eateries afterwards for the perfect day out.
What better way to explore the vibrant area of London than from your kayak?
Stackpole, Pembrokeshire
On the South Welsh coast, Stackpole has become a haven for kayakers.
Jam-packed with caves, cliffs and small secluded beaches, you can explore the gorgeous coastline and visit some of the most dazzling headlands in Pembrokeshire.
A great place to get stuck into your Kayaking adventure, Stackpole is certainly one of the best places to kayak in the UK, with its picture-perfect views and romantic charm.
The Wye Valley
With over 100 miles of water, the Wye Valley offers stretches of water suitable for beginners to seasoned kayakers. Beginner-friendly sections offer minor rapids, while rapid waters at Symonds Yat guarantee to excite a more experienced thrill-seeker.
Wind through the fields, woods and cliffs packed with wildlife and view the scenery from the river. With numerous pubs, cafes and campsites along the way, you’ll have the perfect day out filled with adventure.
National White Water Centre, Snowdonia
On the banks of the River Tryweryn, the National White Water Centre is based near Bala in North Wales. Developed as the first white water rafting centre in the UK in 1986, it is now one of the most well-known organisations.
A truly wild mountain river, a dam controls the water levels to ensure great water conditions all year round. It really is an ideal location for your next adventure with your white water kayak.I
Durdle Door, Dorset
Situated on the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is a must-see destination and one of the best places to kayak in the UK.
An impressive, natural limestone arch, kayak through Durdle Door to view the world heritage coastline from a sea kayak. It’s perfect for snapping that breathtaking photo and is an experience you’ll never forget.
The coastline along the Jurassic Coast is famous for fossils and its geological features, which you can witness from the sea.
Head there in early summer or autumn to avoid crowds of tourists and kayak at your leisure to create memories to last a lifetime.
Salcombe, Devon
Experience the breathtaking surroundings of Salcombe and explore the golden sands, glittering water and soaring cliffs.
Catch the waves at high tide and explore the creeks of the Kingsbridge Estuary with coves and rock shores to discover.
Lying within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a seal.
One of the best places to kayak in the UK, you’ll love taking in the captivating coastline.
Get ready for your next kayaking adventure
If you’re feeling inspired, it’s time to grab your kayak and plan your next adventure. A fun workout, kayaking allows you to take in some breathtaking scenery in a completely new way.
Already planning? Explore our kayaks and accessories collection to prepare you for your next trip with all the latest equipment, accessories and gadgets from top brands at North Shore Watersports.
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