10 Best Places to Go Paddleboarding in London
Want to know the best places to go paddleboarding in London? Here’s our top tips for the best spots to get out on the water in the big city….
London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with countless things to do and plenty of beautiful places to visit. So if you’re looking for something new to try out this summer, why not go paddleboarding? It’s an activity that’s fairly easy to learn, which makes it perfect if you’re just starting out as an amateur athlete or have children who are too young to try out some of the more challenging sports on offer. Here are 10 of the best places to go paddleboarding in London.
Paddleboarding in London is a great way to get active and enjoy the city’s many waterways. There are a number of different companies that offer paddleboarding experiences, so it’s worth doing some research to find one that’s right for you. Once you’ve found a company, book your session and then head to one of the following locations to make the most of your time on the water.
Best Places To Go Paddle boarding In London
Looking for the best paddleboarding London has to offer? It’s here!
1. Paddleboarding at Kew Bridge
Kew Bridge is definitely one of London’s best places for paddleboarding. There’s plenty of space to manoeuvre your board, and the views of London are simply stunning. On a good day, you can paddle alongside rowing boats and kayaks. On an overcast day, you can still enjoy canoeing around Bessborough Gardens and shelter from the rain under willow trees.
After paddling around here, try escaping onto The Green Way, you’ll find some great gardens, and if you go further into Richmond Park, there are huge meadows. Summer is a brilliant time to visit Kew Bridge, so don’t miss out!
You could paddle round here in the morning and then spend the afternoon at Kew Gardens – one of the best gardens in England.
2. Paddle boarding at Putney Bridge
Like Kew Bridge, Putney Bridge is a great spot for those who are new to paddleboarding as there’s plenty of space, and the current isn’t too strong. However, for those looking for a challenge, some rapids further downstream can provide a bit of excitement. The views from Putney Bridge are also excellent, with plenty of pubs and restaurants nearby in case you get peckish after a few hours on the water.
READ MORE: The Best Afternoon Teas in London
3. Paddleboarding at Brentford Lock
Brentford Lock is another great option for paddle boarding in London. This spot is perfect for families as it’s very calm and there are plenty of other activities nearby such as football, picnicking and, fishing!
Brentford Lock is also a great place to watch the sunset, so make sure you bring your camera to capture the magical moments.
4. Paddleboarding at Limehouse Basin
Limehouse Basin is a great place to paddleboard if you want to explore some of London’s more industrial areas. This is also a good spot for those looking for a challenge, as some strong currents and eddies can make it difficult to stay on your board. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, the views of Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park are definitely worth it.
5. Paddleboarding at Battersea Park (no longer permitted)
UPDATE 2022: Please note that our current research shows byelaws do not permit paddleboarding in Battersea Park.
If you want to enjoy a bit of nature while you paddleboard, Battersea Park is a great option. This park is huge, and there’s plenty of space to explore, making it perfect for a leisurely paddle. There are also some lovely views of the river and London’s skyline. This is one of the most beautiful places to go paddleboarding in London.
READ MORE: The Best Places to Paddleboard in Hampshire
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6. Paddleboarding at Greenwich Peninsula
If you want to see some of London’s most iconic landmarks while you paddleboard, Greenwich Peninsula is your spot. This area is home to The O2 Arena, the Cutty Sark and the Royal Naval College, to name but a few. There’s also a great cafe near the entrance to Greenwich Peninsula, which is perfect for grabbing a bite after a morning or afternoon of paddleboarding.
7. Paddleboarding at Richmond Park
Richmond Park is an excellent place to go paddleboarding if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of London. This huge park is perfect for a leisurely paddle, and there’s plenty of wildlife to spot, including deer, ducks and swans.
The park itself is massive: at 1,300 acres, it’s nearly five times bigger than New York’s Central Park. Paddleboarding on it won’t take you long either; an hour will see you paddling along creeks and across meadows, with plenty of time to explore the rest of the park afterwards.
If you’re looking for the best paddleboarding London has to offer, it’s here!
READ MORE: The Best Places to Go Trampolining in London
8. Paddleboarding in Walton-on-Thames
Walton-on-Thames is a great spot for paddleboarding if you want to explore some of London’s pretty suburbs. This town is located in Surrey and is known for its beautiful Georgian architecture. The river here is also very calm, making it perfect for those who are new to paddleboarding. Once you’ve had your fill of paddling, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to enjoy in Walton-on-Thames.
9. Paddleboarding in Maidenhead
Maidenhead is another excellent spot for paddleboarding near London. This town is located in Berkshire and is known for its pretty Victorian architecture. The river here is very calm, making it perfect for those who are new to paddleboarding. Once you’ve had your fill of paddling, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to enjoy in Maidenhead.
10. Paddleboarding at Thames Ditton
Thames Ditton is known for its high-quality riverside life. The river itself has an astonishing number of swimming spots, but one especially good option for those who prefer to be on the water than in it is Paradise Park at Thames Ditton Marina. Here you can find several companies offering paddleboard rentals, which allow you to explore both sides of Thames through a calm, quiet stretch between Ditton and Datchet. You won’t see a lot of other paddlers out here since it’s only accessible via kayak or paddleboard, so it’s definitely worth a visit! This is by far one of the best places to go paddleboarding in London.
11. Paddleboarding at St Katherine Docks
St Katherine Docks is a great place to go paddleboarding for those looking for a calm paddle before work. The docks are located at Tower Bridge, making it easy to get on and off via the Thames Clipper service. Not only is it calm here, but there’s plenty of room for beginners and experts alike. If you’re just getting started with paddleboarding, ask a more experienced paddler if you can follow them out. There’s a lot less risk if you’re following another boarder; simply let them know where you are at all times so they can keep an eye on you.
12. Paddleboarding at Paddington Basin
If you’re looking for some serious fun on your paddleboard, you might have a hard time topping Paddington Basin. This is one of central London’s more obvious attractions and stands as an intriguing juxtaposition to everything else going on nearby. It provides something of a refuge from Big Ben and all that comes with being near Westminster and many tourists. If you’re looking for peace and quiet away from town, head over here and enjoy a good old-fashioned paddleboard session. You could also check out some fishing boats while you’re there if that strikes your fancy! It really is one of the best places in London if you want to get out on open water.
Paddle boarding in London
These are just a few of the best places to go paddleboarding in London. With so many great spots to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect place to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely paddle or a challenge, there’s definitely a spot on this list perfect for you. Happy paddleboarding!
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Great Post ! I have read your post which are really informative for any traveler. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful informative information on the blog.
Just got fined for paddle boarding in Battersea Park.