Canoe and kayak holidays UK

Canoeing and Kayaking holidays

Whether you're brand-new to canoeing and kayaking or a seasoned pro, a few hours on the water nearby our holiday cabins is an experience you won’t forget. From tranquil Scottish lochs and meandering rivers to white water adventures, we’ve got a canoe or kayak UK holiday that’s perfect for you. After tuition and a safety briefing, you’ll be kitted out with everything you need… and off you go!

What to expect on your UK Canoe and Kayak experience? 

Canoeing activities last for 90 minutes and are suitable for adults and children over 5 years old. Under 12s must be accompanied by a participating adult. We will get you set up and ready to paddle through calm waters, taking in some unforgettable views. The activity takes place on-location, just a short walk from your cabin. 

Kayaking adventures last 3 hours and are suitable for adults and children over 10 years old. Under 12s must be accompanied by a participating adult. After a brief instruction your instructor will lead the group off, coaching skills and techniques along the way. This activity takes place 10 minutes from locations.

Canoe and kayak holidays in Scotland

Set out from Strathyre and discover why Scotland is unbeatable for kayaking. With dramatic mountain backdrops, wild green landscapes and over 31,000 lochs to explore in Scotland, there’s nowhere quite like it.

Lochs like Lomond, Tay and Awe are all within reach - offering calm, sheltered waters ideal for beginners, plus plenty of space for more seasoned paddlers to roam. From peaceful strides to scenic picnic stops, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding here is as much about the journey as the destination.

The River Tweed is another great spot for canoeing. Embrace epic adventures close to Glentress Forest and experience the best of the Boarders with our trusted partner, Biggar Adventure.

Canoe and kayak holidays in England

Whether you’re staying at Forest of Dean or Thorpe Forest, some of the UK’s most scenic paddling routes are right on your doorstep. 

At Forest of Dean, the River Wye offers unforgettable canoeing through the Gloucestershire countryside. A 9-mile stretch at Symonds Yat is a great choice for sunny days with picnic stops along the way. If you’re feeling more adventurous, take on the Wye’s gentle white water with our Kayaking Experience, where a qualified instructor will guide you through the basics.

At Thorpe Forest, the River Thet winds quietly round the forest, offering a calm and easy canoe route. It’s a relaxed way to explore the Norfolk countryside and adds a touch of adventure to your forest break.

Canoe and kayak holidays in Wales

Wales is a brilliant destination for kayaking, offering everything from calm, sheltered bays ideal for beginners to more challenging waters for seasoned paddlers. One of the best places to explore is the Brecon Beacons National Park, where tranquil rivers and peaceful lakes surround Garwnant – a gateway to wild, scenic adventures on the water.

Stay in our log cabins at Forest of Dean, Garwnant, Strathyre or Thorpe Forest to turn your Forest Holidays break into a proper adventure holiday on the water with activities available on location. Pre-book your canoeing session through your account, or give us a call on 03330 110 495.

Frequently asked questions

Is kayaking easier than canoeing?

Yes and no. You can get going in a kayak in calm waters and it looks easier, but safe kayaking needs more technique and skills than canoeing. A canoe is more stable in the water and if there are two of you to paddle, it’s probably the easiest for a gentle river trip.

What's the best type of kayak for a beginner?

For your first kayak, look for a shorter boat length with a wider, flatter base. This makes the boat slower and more stable on the water. A length of 10 to 12 feet is about right. Also consider how easy the boat is to move out of the water, as you will probably need to transport it. An inflatable kayak may be worth considering. And throw into the mix what you’ll be using the boat for: fishing; recreation; touring; will you be on your own or with a partner; on calm waters or choppy waters? There are different specs for each of these considerations, such as weight, storage room, seating and other design features.

Best places to kayak in the UK?

From the mighty River Wye in Gloucestershire to the crystal clear lochs of Scotland, a UK kayaking holiday offers breath-taking scenery and exciting adventures. For experienced kayakers looking for action, the rivers of the UK offer lots of choice.

Best places to kayak in Scotland?

Scotland offers kayaking like nowhere else in the UK featuring some of the most remote destinations, breath-taking mountain ranges and vast wild green spaces. There are over 31,000 lochs, which often provide a more sheltered environment for kayaking - an ideal option for beginners. 

We recommend Loch Lomond, Loch Tay, and Loch Awe. You can’t beat the Scottish lochs for an all-round outdoor experience, with ample space to kayak, calm waters, opportunities to fish and spectacular scenery.

Best places to kayak in Hampshire?

For world class kayaking, look no further than the Solent coastline. Offering some of the best places to kayak in Hampshire with a variety of trails and routes, boasting attractive harbours, marinas and estuaries the Hampshire coastline provides an ideal location for watersports.

Whether you enjoy to be out in the open in places like Southampton Water, or you prefer more comfortable exploring, along Beaulieu River, there is plenty to discover in Hampshire. 

Best places to kayak in Cornwall?

If you are feeling brave, sea kayaking off the coast of Cornwall is sure to get the adrenaline flowing.