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Canoeing on the River Sow

Fancy an adventure on water this Autumn? Join one of our guided or drop-in canoeing sessions along the River Sow, and see Shugborough from a new perspective.

  • Booking advisable
  • Admission applies

Choose from a one-hour guided session (pre-booking essential) or a 30-minute drop-in session, with pay-on-the-day tickets available. Not sure you'll want to get on the water? Bring a spare change of clothes just in case you decide to give it a go on the day!

Guided sessions: Join an experienced instructor for a one-hour canoeing adventure along the River Sow. These sessions must be booked in advance. Participants will paddle in rafted canoes with up to six other people. Suitable for ages 5+, with up to two accompanying adults.

Drop-in sessions: These 20 to 30 minute sessions run from 13:30 to 16:00 and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. No booking is required. Sessions cost £5 per person and can be paid for on the day by cash or card.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
All One hour guided session£15.00
Check admission prices

The basics

Booking number

Call 03442491895

Accessibility

Please allow 30 minutes to get from the main car park to the launch point. There is step free access to the launch point, but several steps down to the water. There is a regular buggy service available that stops outside the Mansion. Please note: There is no hoist available for lifting people with limited mobility into the canoes.

Meeting point

Please meet in the formal gardens near the terrace steps (alongside the River). This is the boat launch point. What three words: replays.steady.afflicted

Suitability for children

All children must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring and wear

Please wear warm clothing you don't mind getting a bit mucky. We recommend bringing an extra set just in case you get wet.

Contact info

Central Booking Line

Upcoming events

Zodiac Trail for East and South East Asian Heritage month 

The Zodiac Trail will wind through the formal gardens to the Chinese House

Event summary

on
14 Sep to 30 Sep 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 16 other dates or times

The Painted Paradise: 18th century landscapes of Shugborough 

Discover Shugborough's historic landscapes through this exhibition of recently conserved watercolour paintings.

Event summary

on
14 Sep to 1 Nov 2026
at 11:00 to 16:00+ 48 other dates or times

Building Arcadia: Creating a Forest Garden 

Join our Forest Garden Team on a walking talk of Arcadia: Every Garden Counts.

Event summary

on
17 Sep to 19 Nov 2026
at 14:00 to 15:00+ 2 other dates or times

Watercolour Workshop: Landscape Painting 

Be inspired by The Painted Paradise exhibition at Shugborough and enjoy a day creating your own watercolour landscape with artist Sue Chatterton.

Event summary

on
19 Sep to 24 Oct 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 1 other date or time