Watersports

Head out to the water with your canoe, kayak or board and explore creeks, estuaries, coast, canals and lakes. Or catch the waves at some of the top-notch surf beaches that we look after

Kayaking at Brancaster Activity Centre, Norfolk
Surfers walking towards the sea

Our top five surf spots 

Surfing doesn't have to be about fighting for space on a crowded beach. If you prefer a more peaceful arena for catching some waves, we have just the places for you.

Kayaking and canoeing
Kayaking in Llyn Peninsula

Amazing places to Kayak and canoe 

There are lots of options for kayaking and canoeing at our places across the UK. In some places, you can hire the boats and all the kit you'll need or join a group. In other places, you can take off on your own adventure.

Hit the water
A row of kayaks at Stackpole Quay Play Video
Video

Sea Kayaking at Stackpole, Pembrokeshire

Want to try sea-kayaking without getting wet? Watch our helmet cam action from Stackpole, Pembrokeshire before you hit the waves.

Can you canoe?

Canoe instructor prepares group on lakeshore

Best practice guidance for canoeing 

Spending time canoeing and kayaking is a great way to experience nature and enjoy time with friends and family if appropriate safety guidelines are observed.

Canadian canoes on Pont Pill in the Fowey estuary, Cornwall

Wildlife watching from a canoe 

Paddling in a canoe or kayak is a great way to get closer to wildlife. Here are some simple guidelines to make the most of the experience.

Family in canoes sailing down river

Canoe down a river 

Our 50 Things to do before you’re 11¾ challenge has been set, and number 50 is canoe down a river.

Visitors walking a dog at Dunwich Heath and Beach, Suffolk.

Top cottages for active holidays 

Fancy an active holiday? Take a look at our favourite cottages where you can escape to the country for long walks, watersports or a round or two of golf.

Best cottages for active holidays
View from the clifftop at The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent, on a sunny day in August

Unmissable sea views 

Living on an island, we're spoilt for choice when it comes to sea views, from wild cliffs to tranquil beaches. Here are some of our top seascapes, as nominated by you and our coastal rangers.

Our best sea views

Looking after our coast

Family volunteers on a beach clean at Formby

Help keep our beaches clean 

Love surfing, hate dirty beaches? Our beaches are clean for a reason. Teams of our staff and volunteers regularly hit the sands on beach clean ups. If you'd like to join them and do your bit, contact your local team.

The coastline at the Giant's Causeway

A few facts about the coastline we care for 

We look after a number of the best surfing spots in Britain, from Godrevy in Cornwall to Portstewart Strand in Northern Ireland - and in all, over 775 miles of coastline.

Activities at our places

Find your favourite activity or sport at some of our amazing landscapes

Get out and go