7 stand-up paddleboarding spots near London
Think Londoners have to miss out on the great outdoors? Think again!
Despite being the UK’s biggest city, London is within easy reach of some of the country’s most stunning waterways. Stand-up paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is a great way to explore these peaceful waters - quite literally on your own two feet!
Catch a train, escape the city, and reconnect with nature - here are 7 fantastic SUP spots within easy reach of London.
Source: Paddle Up
Paddington, London
Stretching from Oxford to London, the Thames is England’s longest river, and it’s lined with great places to stand-up paddleboard.
Visit Active360 while you're in town and learn how to SUP on the Thames. Active 360 has everything you need to get started available on-site for hire!
Getting there: The nearest tube station is Edgeware Road in north-west central London.
Source: Active 360
Wargrave, Berkshire
Sitting alongside the Thames in Berkshire, the picturesque village of Wargrave is home to many grade-listed Tudor houses and pubs.
Nick Judd from Go with the Flo is an experienced stand-up paddleboard racer and BSUPA-qualified coach. He hopes to help build a community around the Thames in Berkshire that helps people connect through paddleboarding. Join him for a group session and get to know this charming part of the world!
Getting there: Wargrave is a 50-minute train ride from Paddington, with a change at Twyford.
Source: Go with the Flo
Shepperton, Surrey
The idyllic village of Shepperton sits 15 miles southwest of London, and is famous for its prime location on the Thames.
Joshua from Paddle Up has been sailing and paddling around Shepperton for over 20 years, and knows its stretch of the Thames like the back of his hand. He and his partner India started Paddle Up to share the beauty and wildlife that can be seen along the river. The BSUPA-recognised company offers Level 1 'Ready to Ride' sessions, covering everything you need to know to stay safe and have fun on the water.
Getting there: Shepperton is a 50-minute train ride from Waterloo. From there, Paddle Up’s riverside HQ is a 5-minute bus ride or a 20-minute walk.
Source: Paddle Up
Richmond, London
Richmond is situated along the River Thames, offering picturesque views and calm waters ideal for SUP activities. The river provides a tranquil environment with minimal currents so paddlers can enjoy views of Richmond Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe.
Swap city life for Swallows and Amazons when you hop on board for a micro-adventure by Back of Beyond Adventures. They are the Luxury Travel Guide’s 2019 Water Sports Company of the Year, making Back of Beyond Adventures one of the best organisations to start or continue your paddleboarding adventures!
Getting there: Richmond is a 45-minute train ride from London Bridge.
Source: Back of Beyond Adventures
Brentford Lock, London
Like with Paddington Basin, this spot is based on the canals. Active360 is brilliantly located only a few moments away from the lock where the River Brent joins the Grand Union Canal. It is ideal for families and parties with children as it's a more mellow, quiet location, and offers a serene tour.
Getting there: 3 miles from central London with the closest station being Brentford. After that it's a quick 5 min walk to Active360.
Source: Active 360
Weybridge, Surrey
Sitting at the intersection of the Thames and the Wey, Weybridge is surrounded by the beautiful Surrey countryside.
Michael from Wow SUP Club offers SUP sessions on the Wey. Book a paddleboarding lesson with friends for a peaceful couple of hours on the river mastering the basics of SUP, and be sure to head into town afterwards for a drink in one of Weybridge’s many historic pubs.
Getting there: Weybridge is a 30-minute train ride from Waterloo. The Wow SUP Club launch point is a 15-minute walk from the station.
Source: Wow SUP Club
Richmond, London
Richmond, beautifully situated along the tranquil River Thames, provides the perfect backdrop for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with its calm waters and scenic vistas. The river’s gentle pace ensures a relaxing experience, enabling paddlers to admire the impressive landscapes of Richmond Park, one of the largest urban green spaces in Europe.
Paddle Richmond offers various group or private sessions and coaching for beginners as well as more experienced paddlers. You can also book a bespoke SUP party, an eco trip or a corporate event or team building trips along the river in beautiful Richmond.
Getting there: A 10 min walk from Richmond train and underground station.
Source: Paddle Richmond
Londoners are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding great places to go stand-up paddleboarding! We hope this article has inspired you to go on a SUP adventure of your own.
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Prefer to explore the city instead? London’s many waterways are full of great places to go stand-up paddleboarding - check out our article, 7 of the best places to go stand-up paddleboarding in London, to find out more!
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7 of the best places to go stand-up paddleboarding in London
