Looking for calm waters and picturesque scenery?
Discover the best places to paddle board in Manchester, UK.
Gear up and prepare yourself for an unforgettable paddleboarding adventure in the heart of the city. Ready to make a splash?
Table of Contents
🗺️ Map
Where to Paddle Board in Manchester
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 Salford Quays
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Salford Watersports Centre (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Local bird species
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: MediaCityUK, The Lowry
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to watersport center rules
Salford Quays, formerly known as Manchester Docks, is a modern hub for water sports enthusiasts.
With its calm waters, it offers an accessible environment for paddleboarders of all skill levels. Enjoy the stunning views of MediaCityUK and The Lowry while gently gliding on the water.
#2 Sale Water Park
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Trafford Water Sports Centre (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, swans
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Sale Water Park
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to watersport center rules
Sale Water Park, located just south of Manchester, offers a convenient escape for paddleboarders. The park’s tranquil lake provides an ideal setting for a serene paddleboarding experience.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the park is also a favorite spot for local bird species, providing an idyllic setting for nature lovers.
#3 Hollingworth Lake
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Hollingworth Lake Activity Centre (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Waterbirds, dragonflies
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding hills and countryside
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to activity centre rules
Situated just outside of Manchester, Hollingworth Lake is a scenic retreat for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
The calm water and rolling hills provide a relaxing and picturesque backdrop for your paddleboarding adventure. The lake is also home to a variety of waterbirds and dragonflies, offering a rich wildlife experience.
#4 Chorlton Water Park
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Public shore access (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, herons
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Chorlton Water Park
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, follow park rules
Located within Manchester, Chorlton Water Park offers paddleboarders a serene environment right in the city.
The park’s lake and surrounding greenery make it an ideal urban oasis for paddleboarding. Glide along the water and appreciate the natural beauty right in the heart of Manchester.
#5 Pennington Flash
- 🏖️ Location Type: Lake
- 📍 Access Point: Pennington Flash Country Park (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, swans
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Country park scenery
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow park rules, respect wildlife
Pennington Flash is a short drive from Manchester and offers a peaceful paddleboarding experience.
Surrounded by picturesque country park scenery, the calm waters provide an excellent spot for leisurely paddling. Floating along the lake, you can enjoy the abundance of birdlife that calls this area home.
#6 Bridgewater Canal
- 🏖️ Location Type: Canal
- 📍 Access Point: Public access points along the canal (🔗 Google Maps)
- 🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm water, occasional wind
- ☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- 🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, swans, fish
- 🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic bridges and buildings
- ⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, follow canal rules
Bridgewater Canal is a unique paddleboarding destination right in Manchester. The historic canal offers a glimpse into the city’s past, with impressive bridges and buildings lining the water’s edge.
Paddleboarding here is a relaxing way to explore Manchester’s heritage while staying active.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Manchester?
You can paddle board in Manchester at the Salford Quays, Sale Water Park, and Heaton Park’s Boating Lake.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Manchester?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in Manchester.
When is the best time to paddle board in Manchester?
The ideal time for paddle boarding in Manchester is during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn.
