One of the most popular tourist destinations on Earth, London has a lot to offer in terms of taking advantage of the great outdoors. If you are in London during summer or spring and want to do anything other than walk about the city, canoeing is a great way to relax while it is also a fantastic way to get some fresh air or get some exercise and see some beautiful scenery. Not only is it beneficial for the soul to get outside and try new things, but you can also share the experience with friends or loved ones as a pleasant activity to do together.
Here are some of the best spots to try canoeing in the UK.
- Canoeing In The Thames
Arguably the most famous river in England, the Thames offers the largest number of possibilities for canoeing near London. You can canoe through various sections of the Thames, including Marlow to Windsor, Henley to Marlow, and Caversham to Henley. All of these locations are easily accessible by train from London.
For each of these sections, you pick up your canoe at the agreed-upon time in the morning and paddle downstream at your own pace until you reach the meeting location. As you leave the city, the water becomes clearer, and the apartment complexes give way to beautiful estates and farmland. The smooth water makes floating along the river with minimal effort very enjoyable. You can even tie up the canoe in a peaceful location and have a picnic with a loved one. If you’re lucky, you might be able to get a glimpse of a local rowing competition while relaxing on the riverbanks.
- Canoeing On River Medway
Kent’s countryside and the River Medway are the ideal settings for relaxing, unwinding and enjoying the great outdoors. Tonbridge to Yalding and Yalding to Allington are two portions of the river that may be paddled in one day, but you can also make an overnight trip out of both portions.
Try a canoe safari with trips running from Tonbridge to Yalding, allowing you to get up close with the wildlife in their natural habitat and discover amazing flora and fauna whilst quietly paddling. If you are hungry at the end of the day, there are riverbank dining options at the end of each section.
- Canoeing In River Lea
Paddle through River Lea, one of London’s biggest rivers and take in the beautiful views of old industrial landscapes and nature-rich habitats. The adventure begins near The Paddock park, going past the Warwick Reservoir East, Walthamstow Marshes Nature Reserve, Hackney Marshes and all the way to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The most enjoyable option is to take a day trip upstream and then return to the base at your leisure since this is the easiest river to navigate. It’s a great place to start if you’ve never paddled in a canoe before. There are also numerous restaurants near the banks to choose from to eat.
Whether you are planning to experience the picturesque stretch of the River Thames, brush through nature, or discover the wild side of the waterways as the golden light of dusk sets in, London has some of the best spots to canoe. During your next visit, escape industrial London and get on a canoe to get away from the chaos of the city and embark on an adventure.