Where to go kayaking and canoeing near London

London has plenty of calm water for kayaking and canoeing, from a National Trust lake and the canals around Little Venice to the Thames at Richmond and Hampton Court. Many of the places below use stable sit-on-top kayaks or open canoes, so you don't need any experience to get started. Here's where to go kayaking near London, and what to book.

Osterley Park, west London

The Sharks run family kayaking on the lake at Osterley Park, a National Trust estate in West London with free-to-enter parkland, a grand house and gardens. Sessions use sit-on-top kayaks and suit anyone over five, though under-8s should share a kayak with an adult. Book an Osterley Single Kayak, or an Osterley Double Kayak if you'd like to paddle together.

Getting there: Osterley Tube station (Piccadilly line) is the nearest. There's parking on site, free for National Trust members.

Petersham, Richmond

Back of Beyond Adventures runs self-guided canoe and kayak trips from Petersham Drawdock on River Lane. After a briefing and an introduction to paddling, you're free to explore the islands between Richmond Bridge and Teddington Lock, stopping for a picnic, a swim or a riverside pub.

The Canoe Adventure takes two people per boat, with an add-on seat for a child. Or choose a Kayak Adventure, a Tandem Kayak trip for two, or a Sunset Kayak Adventure in the golden light of dusk.

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

Richmond Bridge

Paddle Richmond is best known for paddleboarding, but it also teaches kayaking from its base by Richmond Bridge. The Richmond Group Kayak Experience uses stable sit-on-top single and double kayaks in small groups, so it works for complete beginners, couples and families. If you've paddled before, go straight to Richmond Kayak Hire and explore one of the most idyllic stretches of the Thames.

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

Little Venice and the Grand Union Canal

Active 360 paddles the Grand Union Canal from Ladbroke Grove, right in the heart of London. You can hire a sit-on-top kayak or Canadian canoe without any previous experience and explore towards Little Venice at your own pace. For company, join a family-friendly guided SUP, kayak or canoe session through Westbourne Park and Maida Vale. Active 360 also rents kayaks and canoes from Brentford Lock, a quiet spot where the River Brent meets the canal.

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

Source: Active 360

Hampton Court

Floatin on Thames is a small local business on Ash Island, near Hampton Court, on a tranquil part of the river. Hire a single sit-on-top kayak, or a double sit-on-top kayak for two adults, with room for a child up to eight. Hire comes with a short safety briefing rather than a lesson, so it's best if you've kayaked before. For something sociable, book the social paddle to the pub by kayak, which comes back past Hampton Court Palace in the evening light.

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

Fairlop Waters, east London

Fairlop Paddlesport is a paddling club based at Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre, near Hainault. Its regular club session is open to all, from first-timers to old hands, with plenty of coaches and experienced paddlers on hand to help. It's a great way into kayaking if you'd like to learn with a friendly club, and the calendar also features canoe polo and trips to rivers around the UK.

Getting there: Fairlop and Hainault Tube stations on the Central line are both nearby.

River Stort, Sawbridgeworth

Whoosh Explore paddles the River Stort from Kecksys Farm Marina near Sawbridgeworth, on the Hertfordshire and Essex border. Beginners can try a Taster Kayak session or a Taster Canoe Session in open canoes that suit families. The Pub Paddle in Canoes takes adults along the river for a stop at a thatched pub with a garden, and there's kayak and canoe rental if you'd rather explore on your own.

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

How to choose

Kayak or canoe? A kayak seats one or two people and uses a double-bladed paddle. An open (Canadian) canoe seats two or three and uses single-bladed paddles, so it's sociable and great for families with younger children.

Lake, canal or river? Osterley's lake and the canals are the gentlest places to start. The Thames is tidal at Richmond and non-tidal above Teddington Lock at Hampton Court, but either way it's a big river, so book a lesson or guided trip if you're new.

Lesson or hire? Most self-hire is meant for people who have paddled before, although Active 360's canal rentals are open to beginners. If in doubt, pick a taster or group session first.

What to wear: Quick-dry clothes, shoes you don't mind getting wet and a change of clothes for afterwards. Buoyancy aids are usually provided, but check when you book.

Want to stand up instead? See our guide to stand-up paddleboarding spots near London, head further out with places to paddle in Essex, or discover more kayaking and canoeing in the south of England. You can also explore more things to do in London on eola.

Run a kayaking or canoeing 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.

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