Welcome to Yorkshire: home of stunning landscapes and tranquil waterways.
Ever considered exploring the best places to paddle board in Yorkshire?
Discover serene lakes, meandering rivers, and rugged coastlines.
Join us as we uncover Yorkshire’s hidden paddle boarding gems. Ready for adventure?
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Yorkshire
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 River Ouse
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Bishopthorpe Palace, York (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, calm in most areas
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, swans, kingfishers
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Bishopthorpe Palace, York City Walls, Lendal Bridge
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats, respect navigation rules
The River Ouse offers paddleboarders a peaceful journey through the heart of York. With historic landmarks and beautiful scenery, it provides a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure.
Paddlers can glide past the stunning Bishopthorpe Palace, under beautiful bridges, and alongside the picturesque York City Walls.
#2 Scarborough North Bay
- 🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
- 📍 Access Point: North Bay Beach, Scarborough (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Mild to moderate waves, mostly sheltered
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seagulls, occasional seals
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Scarborough Castle, North Bay Promenade
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of changing conditions, respect beachgoers
Located in the popular seaside town of Scarborough, North Bay offers a scenic oceanfront paddleboarding experience. With its blue-flag beach, impressive Scarborough Castle views, and a historic promenade, North Bay boasts a classic British coastal charm.
The calm waters in most parts of the bay provide a welcoming environment for paddleboarders of all skill levels.
#3 Hornsea Mere
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Sailaway, Hornsea Mere (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, variable winds
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Swans, ducks, various bird species
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Wooded banks, picturesque shores
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local wildlife, sail only during permitted hours
Hornsea Mere, nestled in the East Riding of Yorkshire, is the largest freshwater lake in the region.
Surrounded by lush, wooded banks, this picturesque setting offers a peaceful and tranquil paddleboarding experience. Glide across the serene lake, taking in the beauty of nature while keeping an eye out for the local birdlife.
#4 Filey Bay
- 🏖️ Location Type: Bay
- 📍 Access Point: Filey Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm bay waters, mild swells
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional dolphins
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Brigg, Filey Promenade
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of changing conditions, respect beach rules
Filey Bay, located on the picturesque Yorkshire coast, offers a vast stretch of clean sand and gently sloping shores perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. With views of the stunning Brigg and Filey Promenade, paddlers can experience a classic British seaside getaway.
The bay provides ideal conditions for beginners, with calm waters and mild swells ensuring a relaxing yet adventurous paddleboarding experience.
#5 River Aire
- 🏖️ Location Type: River
- 📍 Access Point: Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, generally calm in urban stretches
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Waterfowl, various bird species
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds cityscape
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boats, respect navigation rules
The River Aire flows through the vibrant city of Leeds, offering paddleboarders a unique urban adventure. Enjoy the contrast of historic landmarks, such as Kirkstall Abbey, and the modern cityscape as you calmly paddle through the waters.
Take caution in navigating around boats and other water traffic, and experience the excitement of paddling in the heart of a bustling city.
#6 Pocklington Canal
- 🏖️ Location Type: Canal
- 📍 Access Point: Canal Head, Pocklington (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, slow-moving canal waters
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Early Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Various bird species, abundant plant life
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Scenic countryside, picturesque canal locks
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect waterways, boat traffic, and lock gates
Pocklington Canal offers a peaceful and picturesque paddleboarding journey through the idyllic Yorkshire countryside. The calm, slow-moving waters provide a perfect setting for both beginners and experienced paddleboarders seeking relaxation and tranquility.
Marvel at the quaint canal locks and immerse yourself in the abundant wildlife as the serene waterway takes you on a blissful adventure.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Yorkshire?
Popular places to paddle board in Yorkshire include Scarborough’s North Bay and Pocklington Canal.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Yorkshire?
No, there is no requirement to register paddle boards in Yorkshire.
When is the best time to paddle board in Yorkshire?
The ideal time to paddle board in Yorkshire is between late spring and early autumn, when conditions are more favourable.
