7 stand-up paddleboarding spots in and near London

You don't have to leave London to go stand-up paddleboarding. The Thames and the city's canals have calm stretches, friendly schools and board hire close to a Tube or train station, and a few more great spots are a short trip out of town. Here are seven of the best places to SUP in and near London, and what to book at each.

Kew Bridge and Brentford, west London

Active 360 has its main base under the arches of Kew Bridge, with changing rooms and showers on site. The Thames is tidal here, so the team teaches you how to paddle the Tideway safely, and once you're confident there are longer trips towards Richmond or Hammersmith, depending on the tide.

First-timers can start with an Intro to safe paddling on the Tideway session, and there's a Family safe paddling on the Tideway session for parents and kids. For calmer water, Active 360 also runs from Brentford Lock on the Grand Union Canal, where you can hire a SUP, canoe or kayak.

Getting there: Kew Bridge station, with trains from Waterloo, is a short walk away.

Source: Active 360

Ladbroke Grove and Little Venice, on the canal

For flat, sheltered water in the middle of the city, Active 360 also paddles from Ladbroke Grove on the Grand Union Canal. You can hire a SUP, canoe or kayak and explore towards Little Venice at your own pace, or book a private session if you'd like an instructor to teach you the basics first. It's an easy first paddle, with plenty of places nearby for a drink afterwards.

Getting there: Ladbroke Grove Tube station (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines) is the nearest.

Source: Active 360

Richmond and Teddington

Paddle Richmond is based near Richmond Bridge on a safe, beautiful stretch of the Thames with lots of wildlife, and has extra sites at The Anglers pub by Teddington Lock and the Hawker YMCA centre near Kingston. Beginners and improvers can join a Richmond 2hr Group SUP Experience or a Teddington 2hr Group SUP Experience with a qualified coach.

Once you've got the hang of it, look out for Doggy Paddle sessions with your four-legged friend and the Paddle and Plastic Pick Eco Trip. Paddle Richmond also runs parties and team-building days.

Getting there: Richmond station (District line, Overground and trains from Waterloo) is about a 10-minute walk away.

Petersham and Eel Pie Island, Richmond

Back of Beyond Adventures launches from Petersham Drawdock on River Lane, next to Petersham Meadows. Its self-guided SUP Adventure starts with a briefing and an introduction to paddling, then you're free to explore the wooded islands between Richmond Bridge and Teddington Lock, with time for a picnic, a swim or a riverside pub.

Prefer company? Book the Guided Eel Pie Island Adventure or, for something special, a Full Moon SUP Adventure. It's a good pick for friends and couples who want a few relaxed hours on the river.

Getting there: From Richmond station, walk along the river or take the 65 bus towards River Lane.

Source: Back of Beyond Adventures

Hampton Court, on the Surrey border

Floatin on Thames is a small local business on Ash Island, near Hampton Court, with access to a tranquil and peaceful part of the river. If you've paddled before, you can hire a stand-up paddleboard and explore on your own after a short safety briefing.

Groups can share the MEGA SUP, a giant board for up to eight people, and the social evening paddle to the pub finishes with a paddle back past Hampton Court Palace as the light fades.

Getting there: Hampton Court station, with trains from Waterloo, is a short walk away.

Maidenhead, Berkshire

Paddleboard Maidenhead paddles some of the prettiest stretches of the Thames, around Maidenhead, Cookham, Bray, Hurley and Wargrave. Its two-hour SUP Starters sessions run in small groups on the quiet backwaters near Boulter's Lock, taking you from sitting to standing.

Once you've found your balance, the Guided River Trip heads from Boulter's Lock towards Cliveden, and there are SUP yoga at sunset and full moon paddles too.

Getting there: Maidenhead station is on the Elizabeth line, with fast trains from Paddington.

River Stort, Hertfordshire

On the Hertfordshire and Essex border, Whoosh Explore paddles the peaceful River Stort from Kecksys Farm Marina near Sawbridgeworth. Its two-hour Stand up paddleboarding session is an introduction to touring upstream into the countryside, and you can rent a paddleboard if you're experienced. Choose this one if you'd rather see fields and riverside pubs than city views, and bring your own wetsuit if you have one.

Getting there: Sawbridgeworth station has direct trains from London Liverpool Street, and the marina is a short walk north along the river.

Tips before you go

Check the tide. The Thames is tidal below Teddington Lock, so sessions at places like Kew are planned around tide times. Upstream of Teddington, and on canals, the water is non-tidal and usually calmer for beginners.

Book a lesson first. Self-hire is usually for people who have paddled before. If it's your first time, a taught session is the safest and quickest way to get standing, and a BSUPA Ready to Ride course gives you a certificate you can show when you hire boards later.

Dress to get wet. Wear quick-dry layers or a wetsuit, and bring a change of clothes, a towel and some water. Some schools ask you to bring your own wetsuit, so check when you book.

Pick your season. Summer is the busiest time on the water. Spring and early autumn are often quieter, and some schools run trips all year.

Want to try a different paddle? Read our guides to where to go kayaking near London and places to paddle in Essex, or find out about the health benefits of SUP. You can also explore more things to do in London on eola.

Run a paddleboarding school or watersports centre? eola is a booking system that helps instructors and water centres sell their activities online and spend less time on admin. Book a free demo to see how it works.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more adventure ideas.