Paddleboarding
Discover the best places to paddleboard in the UK on a driver-guided tour of Britain
Paddleboarding
Learn how to paddleboard in the stunning surroundings of Old Harry Rocks or one of many other beautiful locations around the UK and Ireland.
Standing up on a raft of some sort and using a paddle is not new at all, and the idea is probably thousands of years old. The South Americans were known to use a type of stand up floating board for spear hunting fish. These vessels made of reeds would cruise quietly around river banks, the paddler-hunter would have the ability to look down into the water to spot fish.
Many civilisations with access to the coast or rivers used various types of stand up board to hunt for fish. It feels natural to stand up, and maybe that is the reason why SUP is so popular around the world. Britain and Ireland have a vast range of opportunities to boar. One of our favourite spots is Old Harry Rocks in Dorset.
Top five paddleboarding sites in the UK
Here are our favourite Paddleboarding sites around the UK.
Remember, there are hundreds of sites across the UK suitable for SUP. Please ask for further information.
1. Old Harry Rocks, Dorset; The beautiful coast of Dorset has sheltered bays ideal for the paddleboard first-timer. With expert instruction, you will acquire the necessary skills to stand up and paddleboard. This fast-growing sport is a core strength builder and hones your balance. Enjoy the serene feeling of cruising around Old Harry Rocks, the impressive 170 ft chalk stacks on the south coast of England.
Where to stay
Set in the heart of the Dorset countryside is the wonderful traditional Summer Lodge Hotel and Spa. Top-notch food, superb service and elegant accommodation. What more could you want?
Set in the heart of the Dorset countryside is the wonderful traditional Summer Lodge Hotel and Spa. Top-notch food, superb service and elegant accommodation. What more could you want?
2. Wast Water, Cumbria; There is nothing quite like the awe-inspiring scenery of Wast Water in Cumbria. The site is often quoted as England’s most spectacular beauty spot. The glacial lake is three miles long, narrow and 260 ft deep. The paddleboarder is encircled by England’s highest mountains of Scafell Pike, Great Gable and Lingmell.
Where to stay
There is nothing quite like returning to the serene environment of The Samling Hotel after a windswept day paddleboarding and hiking glorious Wast Water in Lake District National Park. Recount your day over a bottle of wine from the award-winning wine list.
There is nothing quite like returning to the serene environment of The Samling Hotel after a windswept day paddleboarding and hiking glorious Wast Water in Lake District National Park. Recount your day over a bottle of wine from the award-winning wine list.
3. Black Rock Sands, Wales; With the backdrop of the Snowdonia mountain range head into the estuary and stop at the famous village of Portmeirion, the brightly coloured architectural gem. The enchanting Mediterranean style settlement built by Clough William Ellis was made famous by the TV series ‘The Prisoner’.
Where to stay
The Pale Hall Hotel property is in a region of incredible beauty on the edge of Snowdonia National Park and 50 minutes Black Rock Sands. The painstakingly restored Victorian mansion is an architectural beauty and is returned to its former glory.
The Pale Hall Hotel property is in a region of incredible beauty on the edge of Snowdonia National Park and 50 minutes Black Rock Sands. The painstakingly restored Victorian mansion is an architectural beauty and is returned to its former glory.
4. Pembrokeshire National Park, Wales; Enjoy a guided paddleboard session along the magical Pembrokeshire National Park coast exploring caves and cliffs. There is also a chance to see dolphins, seabirds and maybe harmless basking sharks. Your trip will finish with arriving at picturesque Barafundle Bay.
Where to stay
Stay in one of the UK’s prettiest seaside ports, Tenby. We recommend the highly-rated Penally Abbey Hotel, a petite restaurant with elegantly decorated rooms.
Stay in one of the UK’s prettiest seaside ports, Tenby. We recommend the highly-rated Penally Abbey Hotel, a petite restaurant with elegantly decorated rooms.
5. Cuckmere Haven, East Sussex, the South Downs National Park; The snaking Cuckmere is somewhat like how a child would draw a river, with big sweeping curves with green fields and reed beds. Once you reach the sea, you have the Seven Sisters cliffs loom 600 ft above you, and it is quite a sight. Have our driver-guide meet you, help with the gear, it is all part of the service.
Where to stay
One hour south of Heathrow and 50 minutes to the Cuckmere Valley, perfectly positioned for England’s Wine Country too. South Lodge Hotel has an incredible spa, three restaurants, and various room types and styles.
One hour south of Heathrow and 50 minutes to the Cuckmere Valley, perfectly positioned for England’s Wine Country too. South Lodge Hotel has an incredible spa, three restaurants, and various room types and styles.
There are a large number of Stand Up Paddle Board Sites around the UK, far too many to list here, so please ask. There are top locations in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and other parts of the UK.
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