best guidebook Lisa Drewe
The South East of England isn’ t just a paddleboarder’ s paradise – it’ s a revelation. Here, the waterways have long been the lifeblood of the region; liquid veins of commerce, power, and culture that have shaped this country for centuries.
It’ s not all rivers, though. Canals like the Kennet & Avon and Oxford Canal turned sluggish waterways into highways of industry, while navigations like the Lee and Grand Union became vital arteries feeding the capital’ s supply chain. The Chichester Ship Canal connected the city to the sea, while the Royal Military Canal, originally built for defence, now provides tranquil paddling through history-rich landscapes. Then there are the lagoons and lakes, some of them born from the quarries that once yielded the stone and clay to build the region but now transformed into serene retreats for families. Meanwhile, the vast natural harbours of Langstone, Chichester, and Pagham offer the chance to paddle among thriving ecosystems teeming with thousands of species – graceful wading birds, darting fish, seals, and rare plants – creating unforgettable encounters with nature’ s wonders. This past year, exploring and documenting important nature reserves in England – full of wildlife, yet juxtaposed with urban life and industry. Medieval castles punctuate the landscape, while river trips through historic cities like Canterbury whisper tales of faith and pilgrimage. The intellectual legacy of Oxford and Cambridge is reflected in the gentle flows of the Cherwell and Cam, their waters winding past the spires and historic colleges. In London, the Thames threads its way through centuries of royal and cultural heritage, flanked by landmarks that define the city’ s identity. This region’ s waterways have inspired generations of creatives – John Constable and J. M. W. Turner immortalised their beauty on canvas, while influential writers like Geoffrey Chaucer, Virginia Woolf, and Ian Fleming wove their charm into enduring works. From the iconic White Cliffs of Dover to the rolling South Downs, the ancient New
Paddle Boarding – South East England
Lisa Drewe, Wild Things Publishing 2025
Adapted from the Introduction
These ancient highways carried kings and queens, merchants, and explorers, threading through some of England’ s most iconic places. From London’ s bustling Thames to forgotten rivers that slip quietly past historic gems, paddleboarding offers a secret passage into our great cities: London, Cambridge, Canterbury, and more. Beyond the famed rivers of the Medway, Great Ouse, and Stour, or hidden backwaters like the Ivel and Lark, hundreds of unique routes lie waiting to be discovered.
BELOW St Margaret’ s Bay and White Cliffs the rivers, canals, coasts, and lakes of London and South East England has been nothing short of extraordinary. Each journey uncovered not only stunning scenery and wild, unspoiled places but also the enduring soul of the region’ s waterways – silent witnesses to centuries of history, culture, and transformation. Here, you can paddle through sites of national significance, from the Magna Carta at Runnymede and the military powerhouse of Portsmouth to some of the most
Forest, the serpentine Cuckmere Meanders, and the serene waters of the Medway and Beaulieu rivers, South East England is simply enchanting. Each route offers an adventure as diverse as the landscapes themselves, impossible to condense into just a few words. Here are some of the highlights of my year spent discovering these waterways. Starting in Hampshire, the journey begins with the protected waters between Keyhaven and Henry VIII’ s Hurst Castle, framed by the Isle of Wight on the horizon. Nearby, the historic charm of Buckler’ s Hard offers an ideal base to paddle the Beaulieu River, winding through the ancient trees of the New Forest. Hayling Island serves as the gateway to the tranquil beauty of Langstone and Chichester Harbours, where historic villages like Bosham and Dell Quay offer popular inns and idyllic trips. For something uniquely Hampshire, paddle upriver on the Hamble to Botley and ring a bell for a beer, delivered straight to your paddleboard over the wall. Sussex then has its own set of treasures. Glide past the soaring turrets of Arundel Castle or navigate the serene wetlands of Pagham Harbour, a sanctuary alive with birdlife and bordered by peaceful marshes. The tidal River Adur carries paddlers from Shoreham to Upper Beeding through the
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