Whilst the UK might not seem the most exotic place to SUP, there’s so many stunning adventures to be had! From lakes to rivers to oceans to canals, there’s plenty of picturesque paddleboard opportunities waiting to be explored.
Grab your perfect board and a few extra layers to cope with the chilly climate, and you’re good to go! To discover some of today’s best paddle boarding destinations, here’s our ultimate guide of where to SUP UK edition!
The Lake District, Cumbria
The epitome of stunning English countryside, the Lake District National Park in Cumbria is full of SUP opportunities.
Rich in scenery and packed full with tranquil lakes, the Lake District is perfect for relaxed boarding. Plenty of lakes are within close proximity too, so you can easily explore multiple destinations in one day! And when you’re done, you can unwind at one of many traditional country pubs.
Our personal favourite is Ullswater, the Lake District’s second largest lake. 13km long and surrounded by rolling hills and peaks, you can spend hours taking in the breath-taking views. And if you’re new to paddle boarding here, a bunch of helpful guided tours are available at Ullswater too.
Penzance, Cornwall
As the UK’s most popular surfing destination, it should come as no surprise that Cornwall features one of the best UK SUP spots too. Penzance boasts vibrant blue waters and stunning coastline views – perfect during the summertime.
You might even catch a glimpse of some ocean wildlife too! Basking sharks and dolphins are commonly seen here, as well as starfish closer to shore.
River Thames, London
Renowned for busy inner-city living, London is probably the last place you’d think of when seeking where to SUP in the UK. And whilst some stretches of the Thames aren’t ideal, there’s plenty of hidden gems perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle.
Kingston Quay is a gorgeous spot, stretching between Kingston and Richmond. Featuring plenty of lush greenery and wildlife to look out for, you’ll find a great selection of riverside places to eat too. Perfect for a day out in London with a difference.
River Cam, Cambridge
If you’re looking for the perfect combination of stunning scenery and historical culture, Cambridge is the place to be. The River Cam is Cambridge’s primary river, renowned for its tranquil waters and immense bridges. There’s a reason why punting is so popular here!
You can take in the sights of Cambridge’s famous colleges, and enjoy plenty of vibrant greenery and riverside gardens. There’ll be a fair few pubs along the way too!
Lower Lough Erne, Northern Ireland
As the second-largest lake system in Northern Ireland, Lower Lough Erne is undoubtedly one of the UK’s best SUP locations.
And this lake definitely isn’t just a peaceful stretch of stunning blue water. Featuring a vast array of islands, Lower Lough Erne is perfect for weaving around and practising your SUP skills. Complete with plenty of secret hidden coves too, there’s endless exploring potential here.
River Tay, Scotland
As Scotland’s longest river, the River Tay is a true SUP lover’s dream. As you cruise along, you’ll come across endless mountain views and classic Scottish countryside. You may even spot an otter or two!
Better still, the Tay is renowned for white water rapids. Perfect for skilled paddle boarders craving fast waters, there’s so much adventure to be had here. But if you’d rather start slow and work your way up, we recommend the more tranquil waters of Tay Forest Park.
And there you have it. Our top recommendations of where to SUP UK edition! Brimming with beautiful countryside greenery the UK is so famous for, plenty of fun experiences can be had.
Whether you’re a SUP newbie looking for something relaxed, or a seasoned pro who loves nothing more than fast winding waters, the UK has something for everyone.
