The UK boasts an abundance of beautiful waterways perfect for stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you're a seasoned paddle boarder or just starting out, there's a location for every level of skill and experience. From serene lakes to coastal spots, here are some of the best places to SUP across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
England
Coniston Water, Cumbria
Set in the heart of the Lake District, Coniston Water offers tranquil, glassy waters, making it perfect for beginners. The surrounding hills provide a stunning backdrop, and for intermediate paddlers, there are spots further out for more scenic exploration. Coniston is also steeped in history, from the famous Swallows and Amazons book to the record-setting speed attempts by Donald Campbell.
Best for Beginners, with options for Intermediates.
Burgh Island, South Devon
Burgh Island is an iconic tidal island off the coast of South Devon. The calm waters around the island are ideal for beginners, while the coastline offers a more adventurous route for intermediate paddlers. The island is home to sandy beaches and a rich history, including the Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel and its famous visitors like Agatha Christie.
Best for Beginners, with options for Intermediates.
Penzance, Cornwall
With its beautiful coastal views, Penzance is a fantastic spot for paddleboarding. Beginners can enjoy calm waters near the shoreline and paddle past stunning sights like St. Michael’s Mount, a small tidal island with a castle on top. More experienced paddlers can take advantage of the occasional swells for a fun challenge.
Best for Beginners, with options for Intermediates.
River Avon, Bath
The River Avon meanders through the picturesque city of Bath, offering calm waters that are perfect for beginners. Paddle past the city’s historic architecture, including Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths. For intermediate paddlers, the gentle currents provide an opportunity for a more engaging experience while still enjoying the scenery.
Best for Beginners, with options for Intermediates.
Scotland
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is Scotland’s largest freshwater lake and offers a stunning setting for paddleboarding. The loch is perfect for beginners with its wide, calm waters, ideal for exploring the beautiful scenery of the Trossachs National Park. Intermediate paddlers can venture out into the more open parts of the loch for a greater challenge, with views of Ben Lomond towering over the water.
Best for Beginners, with options for Intermediates.
Vatersay Bay, Isle of Vatersay
Located on the Isle of Vatersay in the Outer Hebrides, Vatersay Bay is a hidden gem with clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere. The bay offers sheltered waters that are perfect for beginners. Its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters make it a picturesque place to paddle, away from the hustle and bustle.
Best for Beginners.
Eilean Donan Castle
One of Scotland's most iconic landmarks, Eilean Donan Castle is perched on an island where three lochs meet. The calm waters around the castle make it an ideal place for beginners to paddle while soaking in the incredible views. Intermediate paddlers can take the opportunity to explore the loch's surrounding areas for a more challenging route.
Best for Beginners.
Firth of Forth
The Firth of Forth is a large estuary near Edinburgh, offering dramatic coastal views and the chance to paddle beneath the famous Forth Bridges. This location is more suited to intermediate paddlers, with open water and tidal conditions providing more of a challenge. The rugged coastline and wildlife make it an exciting spot for more experienced paddlers.
Best for Intermediates.
Wales
Llyn Gwynant
Nestled in the heart of Snowdonia, Llyn Gwynant is a small, peaceful lake surrounded by towering mountains. The calm, sheltered waters make it a perfect choice for beginners. It’s a quiet spot for paddleboarding with amazing views of Snowdonia’s natural beauty.
Best for Beginners.
Llyn Padarn, Snowdonia
Llyn Padarn is a beautiful lake in Snowdonia National Park, offering calm waters for beginners. The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery, including views of the towering Snowdon mountain. Intermediate paddlers can enjoy longer paddles and explore the lake’s full expanse.
Best for Beginners, with options for Intermediates.
Llangorse Lake, Brecon Beacons
Llangorse Lake is the largest lake in South Wales and is perfect for paddleboarding. It’s surrounded by the Brecon Beacons, offering incredible views. The calm waters make it ideal for beginners, while intermediate paddlers can enjoy exploring the edges of the lake and spotting local wildlife.
Best for Beginners.
Rhosneigr, Anglesey
Rhosneigr is a popular coastal spot on the island of Anglesey, known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. While perfect for more experienced paddlers who can handle moderate surf, beginners can still find calmer waters near the beach. It’s a great place for those looking to combine paddleboarding with a beach day.
Best for Intermediates.
Northern Ireland
Strangford Lough, County Down
Strangford Lough is a large marine lake with sheltered waters, making it an ideal SUP spot for beginners. The area is home to an abundance of wildlife, including seals and various bird species. Intermediate paddlers can explore the more open sections of the Lough and experience its diverse coastline.
Best for Beginners, with options for Intermediates.
River Bann
The River Bann is the longest river in Northern Ireland, offering a peaceful paddle through beautiful landscapes. It’s perfect for beginners with its gentle currents and flat waters. Paddle through small villages and scenic countryside for a relaxing experience.
Best for Beginners.
Lough Neagh
Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the UK and offers vast, calm waters that are perfect for beginners. The lake is surrounded by quiet countryside, making it a peaceful spot to paddle while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Best for Beginners.
Castlewellan Lake
Castlewellan Lake, located within the Mourne Mountains, is a serene and scenic location for paddleboarding. Surrounded by forest and wildlife, the lake offers calm waters ideal for beginners. It’s a great spot for those looking for a peaceful, nature-filled paddle.
Best for Beginners.
The UK is home to an incredible variety of stand-up paddleboarding locations, from peaceful lakes and scenic rivers to stunning coastal waters. Whether you're a beginner looking for calm, sheltered spots or an intermediate paddler seeking more adventurous routes, there's a perfect place for you to explore. With breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and diverse waterways, paddleboarding in the UK offers a unique way to connect with nature and experience the outdoors. So grab your board, hit the water, and discover the best SUP spots the UK has to offer!
