Fancy a paddling city break? Check out our top urban places to paddle
The UK is home to some of the most vibrant cities in Europe, and many offer incredible paddling opportunities, whether you’ re a seasoned kayaker or a casual stand-up paddleboard enthusiast.
Paddling in an urban environment is a unique way to experience a city, offering a blend of nature, history, and adventure right from the water.
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To provide inspiration for where to explore next, check out our favourite urban paddling places in the UK.
London
London may be known for its bustling streets and iconic landmarks, but its waterways offer a quieter, more serene way to explore the city.
The River Thames The most famous waterway in the city, the Thames stretches through central London, offering a unique perspective of the city’ s landmarks. You can paddle past iconic sights like the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. Thames Clippers even run a service that allows you to paddle and hop on / off at different piers along the route.
Regent’ s Canal For those who prefer calmer waters, Regent’ s Canal provides a peaceful paddle through the heart of London. Starting from Little Venice, you can paddle through picturesque neighbourhoods, past historic sites like Camden Market, and end up in the vibrant area of King’ s Cross.
Manchester
Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, and its canals and rivers are a testament to its history. Paddling in Manchester offers a perfect blend of urban scenery and greenery.
The River Irwell The River Irwell runs through the city and offers a tranquil escape. You’ ll pass under historic bridges and see various wildlife along the way. The river also takes you through some lesser-known parts of Manchester, where you can enjoy peaceful surroundings and the contrast of nature with urban views.
Manchester’ s canal system The city boasts a network of canals, including the Rochdale Canal and Bridgewater Canal, which are perfect for a leisurely paddle. These canals wind through the city, taking you from the city out to more rural areas.
Bristol
Bristol’ s waterways offer some of the UK’ s most scenic and varied paddling experiences.
The Floating Harbour Located in the heart of Bristol, the Floating Harbour is a large, man-made basin transformed into a water sports hub. It’ s ideal for paddling, offering calm waters surrounded by the city’ s historic docks and maritime history. You can explore the harbourside, pass by the SS Great Britain, and enjoy the city’ s vibrant atmosphere. paddleuk. org. uk
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