6 Best Places to Paddle Board in Northumberland, UK

Discover the charm of Northumberland’s coastline.

Ever imagined paddling by ancient castles or alongside playful seals?

The best places to paddle board in Northumberland are waiting for you.

Embrace the adventure and let’s explore the picturesque shores of Northumberland together. Are you up for the challenge?

Map

Planning Your Paddle in Northumberland

Season figures are averages of the daily maximum temperature in the ERA5 climate archive for 2019 to 2024. Every spot below can carry its own rules on top of these.

Season: average daily highs clear 15 °C from June through September. July is the warmest month, averaging 19 °C, and outside that window a wetsuit is what separates a short session from a comfortable one.
Rules and licences: Access in England and Wales depends on who controls the water. The Canal & River Trust requires a valid waterways licence for a paddleboard on its canals and rivers, either short term or through Paddle UK membership, and that licence expressly does not cover the Trust’s reservoirs. Lakes and reservoirs in other hands set their own conditions, so check the individual spot before you load the car. There is no statutory kit list, but official guidance after a fatal accident is blunt: wear a buoyancy aid, and a quick release waist leash in moving water.

Where to Paddle Board in Northumberland

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 Aln

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Lesbury (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle flow, protected from strong winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Autumn
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Otters, kingfishers, herons
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Alnwick Castle, Alnmouth Village
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, check tide times

The River Aln offers a tranquil paddleboarding experience with picturesque views of Alnwick Castle and quaint Alnmouth Village.

Winding through the beautiful Northumberland countryside, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers looking for a peaceful adventure.

#2 Druridge Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Druridge Bay Country Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Autumn
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, seabirds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Sweeping sandy beach, sand dunes, Cresswell Tower
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Check weather conditions, respect local safety guidelines

Druridge Bay is a stunning 7-mile-long beach that offers a wonderful paddleboarding experience.

Gentle waters and sweeping sandy shores make it ideal for all skill levels, while the sand dunes and nearby Cresswell Tower provide a scenic backdrop as you glide along the coastline.

#3 River Coquet

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Warkworth (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, mild winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Autumn
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Otters, ducks, herons
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Warkworth Castle, Amble Marina
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local rules, check tide times

The River Coquet provides a serene paddleboarding experience as it meanders past the historic Warkworth Castle and picturesque Amble Marina.

With its gentle currents and array of wildlife, it’s perfect for a leisurely day on the water exploring the scenic Northumberland countryside.

#4 Budle Bay

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Budle Bay Campsite (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, light winds, tidal range
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Autumn
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Shorebirds, seals
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Holy Island in the distance, sandy shores
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Check tide and weather conditions, respect local safety guidelines

Budle Bay is a delightful spot for paddleboarding, with calm waters and beautiful sandy shores.

The bay is a haven for wildlife, particularly shorebirds, and boasts stunning views of Holy Island in the distance. Always check tide and weather conditions before heading out for a paddle.

#5 River Tweed

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Berwick-upon-Tweed (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, variable winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Autumn
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, salmon, trout
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Berwick Bridge, Royal Border Bridge
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of river traffic, respect local rules

The River Tweed runs along the border of England and Scotland, offering picturesque views of Berwick’s famous bridges as you paddle through historical sites.

Observe rich wildlife and enjoy the leisurely journey as you navigate this historical watercourse.

#6 Blyth Harbour

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Ridley Park (Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Sheltered waters, tidal influence
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Autumn
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, seals, dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Blyth Lighthouse, Northumberland coast
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of harbor traffic, respect local rules

Blyth Harbour provides an enjoyable coastal paddleboarding experience, with sheltered waters ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers.

The iconic Blyth Lighthouse and scenic Northumberland coast serve as a beautiful backdrop, while seabirds and seals often make appearances during your paddle.

Northumberland is empty beaches and the Coquet, with the wind deciding most of it for you. The wider North East guide fills in the rest, Yorkshire is the county south, and Chester the cross country trip to the Dee.

What to Take With You

Whatever the water here looks like, the same short list comes along. Each box below shows the model that currently sits at number one in our own test of that category.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Vest

Life jacket

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest, Aqua, M/L

Check price

Typefoam, paddle cut
ApprovalUSCG and Transport Canada

Rules differ from state to state and from country to country, but on open water this is the piece that gets checked, and the one that counts when the wind turns while you are still a long way out.

Every model we tested: 10 Best Life Vests for Paddle Boarding

NRS Quick-Release SUP Leash

Waist leash

Check price

Cordcoiled, stretches to 9 ft
Swivelstwo in-line

A leash keeps the board within reach after a fall, and a board that drifts off is the start of most rescues. On moving water use a quick release belt rather than an ankle cuff.

Every model we tested: The 9 Best SUP Waist Leashes

Pelican Marine Waterproof Phone Pouch

Phone case