13 Best Places to Paddle Board in United Kingdom

Discover a different side to the UK as you glide across the water.

Have you considered exploring the best places to paddle board in the United Kingdom?

Get ready to embark on unforgettable SUP adventures across these stunning British waters.

Let’s dive into these picturesque paddleboarding locations across the UK. Are you ready?

Table of Contents

1 🗺️ Map
2 Where to Paddle Board in United Kingdom
3 FAQ

🗺️ Map

Where to Paddle Board in United Kingdom

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 Thames, London

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Putney Bridge or Kew Bridge (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate currents, urban conditions
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Swans, ducks, geese
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower Bridge
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow river regulations, be aware of boat traffic

The River Thames in London offers paddleboarders a unique urban adventure. Paddling past iconic landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye provides an unforgettable perspective of the city.

Make sure to follow the river regulations as the Thames is a busy waterway.

#2 Newquay, Cornwall

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Fistral Beach or Towan Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate to strong waves, exposed to Atlantic swells
☀️ Popular Seasons: Summer and Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, dolphins, seabirds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Stunning cliffs, sandy beaches
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be aware of changing weather conditions, respect local surf etiquette

Newquay, Cornwall has a reputation as a surfers’ paradise and is quickly becoming a hotspot for paddleboarding. Stunning cliffs and sandy beaches surround the clear waters, creating beautiful scenery while you paddle.

Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and keep an eye out for local wildlife like seals and dolphins.

#3 Windermere, Lake District

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Bowness Bay or Ambleside (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, can be windy in the afternoon
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Local birds, fish
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Surrounding hills, lush countryside
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow lake rules, be mindful of boat traffic

Windermere in the Lake District offers paddleboarders the quintessential English countryside experience.

The calm waters and lush surroundings provide a tranquil setting for paddling. Relax while taking in the scenic views, and be sure to follow the lake rules and watch out for boat traffic.

#4 Studland Bay, Dorset

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Knoll Beach or Shell Bay (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, sheltered bay
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, seals, dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Old Harry Rocks, dramatic coastline
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect the protected wildlife areas, be aware of tidal currents

Located along the Jurassic Coast, Studland Bay offers the perfect location for paddleboarders seeking calm waters and breathtaking views.

Paddle alongside the dramatic chalk cliffs and explore the famous Old Harry Rocks. Be sure to respect the protected wildlife areas and be aware of changing tidal currents.

#5 Brighton, East Sussex

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Brighton Marina or Hove Lagoon (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Variable conditions, can be choppy in strong winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Brighton Palace Pier, British Airways i360 Tower
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of strong currents, respect local regulations

Brighton’s vibrant beach culture makes it a fantastic spot for paddleboarding. Glide past the iconic Brighton Palace Pier and take in the views of the city’s landmarks.

With variable water conditions, Brighton offers a thrilling challenge for paddlers of all skill levels. Be prepared for changing currents and follow local guidelines.

#6 The Broads, Norfolk

🏖️ Location Type: River/Channel
📍 Access Point: Wroxham or Stalham (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, often sheltered from winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Otters, water voles, kingfishers, herons
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Picturesque windmills, thatched cottages, narrow channels
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect the tranquil environment, follow navigational guidelines

The Broads in Norfolk offers a unique paddleboarding experience through the region’s beautiful network of rivers and channels. Paddlers can explore narrow waterways and take in the picturesque views of windmills and thatched cottages.

Boasting a diverse range of wildlife, The Broads provide a tranquil and idyllic setting for your SUP adventure.

#7 Bournemouth, Dorset

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: Bournemouth Pier or Boscombe Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, exposed coastline
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Bournemouth Pier, coastal scenery
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of swimmers, respect beach regulations

Bournemouth is a popular coastal town with miles of golden sandy beaches, perfect for paddleboarding. Discover the stunning coastline while paddling alongside Bournemouth Pier and taking in the picturesque views.

Remember to be mindful of swimmers and adhere to beach regulations for a safe and enjoyable paddleboarding experience.

#8 Loch Lomond, Scotland

🏖️ Location Type: Lake
📍 Access Point: Luss or Milarrochy Bay (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Various bird species, fish
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Ben Lomond, surrounding hillsides
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Check the weather, wear appropriate gear, respect local wildlife

Loch Lomond, within the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, offers serene paddleboarding on calm waters surrounded by stunning scenery. Explore the largest inland body of water by surface area in Britain while taking in the panoramic views of Ben Lomond and surrounding hillsides.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions and respect the local wildlife when paddleboarding in this iconic location.

#9 The Gower Peninsula, Wales

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Three Cliffs Bay or Caswell Bay (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, sheltered bays
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of hidden rocks, respect beach safety regulations

The Gower Peninsula, Wales boasts a picturesque coastline with sheltered bays and dramatic cliffs. Paddleboarding on crystal clear waters at Three Cliffs Bay or Caswell Bay allows you to take in the splendid coastal scenery.

Be aware of hidden rocks and adhere to beach safety regulations while enjoying the splendor of the Gower Peninsula.

#10 River Avon, Bath

🏖️ Location Type: River
📍 Access Point: Pulteney Weir or Bathampton (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, urban conditions
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, swans, herons
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow river regulations, be aware of boat traffic

Paddleboarding along the River Avon in Bath allows for a unique perspective of the city’s rich Georgian architecture.

Glide past historic landmarks like Pulteney Bridge and Bath Abbey, and admire the city’s heritage from the water. Remember to follow river regulations and watch out for boat traffic on this charming urban river.

#11 St. Ives, Cornwall

🏖️ Location Type: Oceanfront
📍 Access Point: St. Ives Harbour or Porthmeor Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate waves, exposed coastline
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, seals, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: St. Ives Harbour, Godrevy Lighthouse
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Beware of changing currents, respect local regulations

St. Ives, Cornwall offers a picturesque paddleboarding experience along its rugged coastline. From St. Ives Harbour or Porthmeor Beach, embark on a scenic paddle while taking in the views of the surrounding landscape, including the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse.

Be mindful of changing currents and follow local regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable paddle.

#12 The Isle of Wight

🏖️ Location Type: Island
📍 Access Point: Ryde Sands, Compton Bay or St. Helens Beach (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Various conditions depending on location
☀️ Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, seals, occasional dolphins
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Diverse coastline, scenic countryside
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect local wildlife, adhere to beach safety guidelines

The Isle of Wight offers a variety of paddleboarding conditions across its diverse coastline. From the calm, shallow waters of Ryde Sands to the exposed stretches of Compton Bay, there are endless opportunities to explore this historic island.

Be respectful of local wildlife and follow beach safety guidelines to ensure a memorable experience.

#13 Oban, Scotland

🏖️ Location Type: Bay
📍 Access Point: Ganavan Sands or Oban Marina (🔗 Google Maps)
🌊 Water, Currents & Wind: Sheltered bay, variable conditions
☀️ Popular Seasons: Late Spring to Early Fall
🐟 Wildlife Encounters: Seals, porpoises, seabirds
🏞️️ Landmarks & Views: Dramatic coastline, islands, Oban town
⚠️ Safety, Environment and Rules: Be prepared for changing weather, respect marine reserves

Located on the West Coast of Scotland, Oban offers a scenic paddleboarding experience in a sheltered bay.

Explore the dramatic coastline, watch for seals and porpoises, and take in the town’s beautiful surroundings. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and respect the area’s marine reserves during your paddleboarding adventure.