Best places to kayak and canoe

The wooded creeks of the Fowey Estuary in Cornwall are a beautiful and dramatic place to explore the water.

Paddle along the Salcombe estuary to discover secret beaches and soaring cliffs. We’ve created a guide that you can download, and you can buy a waterproof version in the local area.

Stackpole is an exceptional landscape and nature reserve on the Pembrokeshire coast. Launch your kayak at Stackpole Quay and paddle along the coast to discover sandy beaches and coves.

Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland is the largest sea loch in the British Isles. If you’ve got your own kit, you can set off from nearby Castle Ward with the Strangford Lough canoe trail.

This famous coastline of Purbeck is famed for its miles of sandy beach. The sea here is perfect for watersports too. Take to the water for terrific views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.

You can hire kayaks and rowing boats at Fell Foot Park and take in beautiful views as you paddle.

The Lizard in Cornwall is a haven for all kinds of watersports. You can try out kayaking from Mullion Harbour with Lizard Adventure.

An intriguing route of river and canal packed with history in the South East. A current portable Navigations Licence or BCU membership is required.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Lagan Valley Regional Park in Belfast is to float along the River Lagan in a canoe. Walk from Minnowburn along the tree-lined banks of the river until you reach Shaws Bridge, where you can hire a canoe and continue your journey on the water.

Kayaking in the waters of Aberdardon, a sandy stretch of coast on the Llŷn Peninsula, is truly magical. Peer into the depths of dark blue waters and and bob over gentle waves. Look out for puffins, seals and porpoises.

Paddling a canoe along the glassy waters of River Esk, which weaves a meandering path through the heart of the North York Moors, is serene. Look out for salmon, sea trout and grayling swimming over the rocks and sand martins and dippers flashing across the water.

Paddleboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking are among the exhilarating watersports on offer in Exmouth. Beginners can learn from qualified instructors and equipment can be hired by those confident enough to go it alone. Catch waves and navigate glittering lakes.

As the world’s first house to be lit by hydroelectricity, Cragside is defined by water. Designed by Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong, the Northumberland estate boasts a rich legacy of lakes and dams flanked by luscious woodland. Go exploring on a kayak, canoe or paddle board.

Paddle out to sea on a kayak and look back towards Runswick Bay's golden sands and rugged cliffs. Guided sea kayaking on the Yorkshire Coast is exhilarating.