Watersports at Ardingly Activity Centre
Explore the calm waters of Ardingly Reservoir on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak at one of West Sussex’s most scenic activity centres. Just a short drive from Haywards Heath, Crawley or Horsham, Ardingly Activity Centre is a local favourite for paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing, offering everything you need for a fun and active day by the water.
Ardingly, West Sussex
Perfect for families
Rentals available
Gift an experience
Ardingly Activity Centre
The Lodge,
Ardingly Reservoir,
Ardingly,
West Sussex,
RH17 6SQ
Just a short drive from Haywards Heath, Crawley and Horsham, Ardingly Activity Centre offers paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing on the stunning Ardingly Reservoir.
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FAQs
Where is Ardingly Activity Centre located?
At Ardingly Reservoir, RH17 6SQ in West Sussex, just 5 miles north of Haywards Heath, with straightforward access from Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex areas.
Where can I go paddleboarding near Crawley?
Ardingly Activity Centre is one of the closest and most popular places for paddleboarding near Crawley, located just over 10 miles away. Set on the peaceful Ardingly Reservoir, it offers SUP hire and beginner-friendly sessions ideal for families, groups and solo paddlers.
Where can I go paddleboarding in Haywards Heath?
Just a short 10-minute drive from the town centre, Ardingly Reservoir is the go-to paddleboarding spot near Haywards Heath. Ardingly Activity Centre provides paddleboard rentals, taster sessions and calm waters perfect for beginners and casual paddlers alike.
Where can I go paddleboarding near Horsham?
Ardingly Activity Centre, located around 30 minutes from Horsham, is one of the best nearby locations for stand-up paddleboarding. With equipment hire, beginner lessons and beautiful reservoir views, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to try paddleboarding in West Sussex.
What are the best places to paddleboard in West Sussex?
Some of the top paddleboarding locations in West Sussex include Ardingly Reservoir (via Ardingly Activity Centre), Chichester Canal, and Cuckmere Haven. Ardingly stands out for its easy equipment hire, beginner-friendly environment and convenient location near Haywards Heath, Crawley and Horsham.
Where can I rent a SUP at Ardingly Reservoir?
You can rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Ardingly Activity Centre located on the edge of Ardingly Reservoir in West Sussex, online in advance or on site (subject to availability). SUP hire is available for both adults and children, with all equipment provided. It’s the most popular way to explore Ardingly Reservoir!
What are the best things to do near Crawley?
If you're looking for outdoor activities near Crawley, Ardingly Activity Centre is a fantastic choice. Just a short drive away, it offers a wide range of watersports on Ardingly Reservoir, including paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing. The reservoir itself is a beautiful nature spot, ideal for walking, picnicking, and spotting local wildlife. It’s one of the top destinations in West Sussex for families, groups, and anyone looking to enjoy time on the water.
What do I need to bring for a stand-up paddleboarding session?
For renting a paddleboard at Ardingly Activity Centre, it’s recommended to bring:
- Comfortable swimwear or quick-drying clothes
- A towel
- Old trainers or water shoes (if you prefer to wear footwear)
- A change of clothes
- Suncream and a water bottle on warm days
Is there a café at Ardingly Reservoir?
Yes! The café at Ardingly Reservoir is now open and fully refurbished, offering a welcoming spot to relax before or after your watersports session. Open daily, the café serves barista coffee, a range of hot drinks, cakes, sandwiches, toasties, and hot paninis.
Does Ardingly Activity Centre have free parking?
Ardingly Reservoir provides free public parking, separate from the Activity Centre, located near the reservoir car park and café. These parking areas tend to close in the evening and are busiest during weekends and holidays.
What activities are available at Ardingly Activity Centre?
Ardingly Activity Centre offers sailing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, open water swimming, and wing surfing — through a mix of equipment hire, taster sessions, structured courses, kids' clubs and multi-sport activity days. There are also gift vouchers and seasonal Open Water Swimming memberships available.
Do I need experience to try sailing, windsurfing or paddleboarding at Ardingly Activity Centre?
Not at all. Most of the centre's sessions are designed with beginners in mind. Tasters are perfect for trying something new with no commitment, and structured courses build skills step by step.
Do I need to book in advance at Ardingly Activity Centre?
Yes, particularly during weekends, school holidays and the summer season as sessions usually sell out. Booking online here is the quickest way to secure your spot.
Can I bring my own kayak or paddleboard to Ardingly Reservoir?
Yes! Ardingly Reservoir welcomes self-launchers through its Bring Your Own option. You can bring a kayak, paddleboard, windsurf or sailing dinghy and make the most of your time at Ardingly Reservoir.
Where can I go sailing in West Sussex?
Ardingly Activity Centre is one of the most popular places to learn to sail in West Sussex. Set on Ardingly Reservoir near Haywards Heath, the sheltered inland water makes it ideal for beginners and a great alternative to coastal sailing for families with younger sailors.
Where can I go windsurfing near Brighton or London?
For inland windsurfing in the South East, Ardingly Reservoir is a brilliant option — easy to reach from both Brighton (around 20 miles) and London (around 40 miles), with sheltered conditions and full equipment hire. Coastal alternatives include West Wittering and the Solent, but Ardingly is hard to beat for beginners.
Where can I learn to sail near Crawley or Horsham?
Ardingly Activity Centre is one of the closest sailing centres to both Crawley (around 10 miles) and Horsham (around 15 miles), offering both adult and youth sailing courses on the calm waters of Ardingly Reservoir.