The great British coastline and rivers provide some of the most unique views to be had of the Best of British sights!
To help inspire your next paddling trip in and around ole blighty, we’ve gathered some of the best vistas where you can some of the wonders and landmarks of the UK from the water! There are sites for a range of skills so there’s something for everybody. There are tons of kayaking experiences available for hire at a lot of these locations, or you can chart your own course and experience the best of Britain your own way – just be sure to keep in mind the tide and any permissions needed.
Whitby Abbey
The stunning ruins of Whitby Abbey that inspired the tale of Dracula are a sight to behold. Perched on the East Cliff overlooking the North Sea, the coastline here is perfect for sea kayakers to explore not only the unique views of the Abbey from the water, but the beautiful nearby sea-side town of Robinhood Bay, and the stunning Runswick Bay is an ideal place to launch from.
Peter Briefing
Blackpool Promenade and Pleasure Beach
Get a unique view of the Blackpool tower, the promenade and the screams of the Pleasure Beach! If the beautiful beach and epic landmarks aren’t enough, you could try paddling at the end of the summer to get a truly unique experience of the famous Blackpool Illuminations!
Ben Nevis
Now we’re not recommending you try and paddle up Ben Nevis, but whether you’re kayaking, SUP’ing or canoeing on the nearby Loch Linnhe, you’ll get to take in the majesty of the highest mountain in the UK out in the tranquil Loch.
Brighton Pier
From the Brighton Palace Pier to the skeletal ruins of the Victorian West Pier, Brighton beach is a beautiful location to explore, ideal for sea kayaks, sit on tops and paddle boarding, with a whole host of great places to hit along the beach once you’re dried off!
Caernafon Castle
The impressive medieval Caernarfon Castle on the Welsh coast is truly a sight to behold – inside and out! Get unique views of the stunning castle from the River Seiont and Menai Strait where you can stay relatively close to land but beware the fast tides as you witness the castles imposing form and city walls.
Durdle Door
One of the most stunning landscapes along the South’s Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door and the near by Man o’ War Cove are beautiful spots to explore from the water. Lulworth Cove about a mile to the east of the door is one of the best places to launch from – there’s likely a lengthy walk from the car wherever you launch from, but it’s worth it for some of the most beautiful views of hte British coastline.
Emma Kitchen
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Take a breath-taking paddle 126ft in the air on the worlds highest canal aqueduct between Llangollen and Chirk. With an unguarded drop from the canal side, it’s not for the feint of heart – but the views are unbeatable. There are some great entry points to the Llangollen Canal in nearby Llantysilio and of course Llangollen itself. There are 11 miles of stunning heritage to paddle, with another aqueduct in Chirk – and best of all you can come and see us in our Llangollen store in Mile End Mill!
Glastonbury Tor
Take a relaxing inland touring paddle through the beautiful Summnerland Meadows along the River Brue with the iconic Glastonbury Tor ever prominent along the horizon. There is a useful launch point off Butleigh Road just outside of Glastonbury, and miles of peaceful river to paddle.
Iron Bridge
The stunning 18th century cast iron bridge There are several nearby access points along the River Severn, including entry for the nearby Jackfield Rapids for the more experienced kayakers. The 15 mile route from Atcham to Ironbridge offers stunning views of the Shropshire landscape.
Loch Ness
You can take to the water and explore the world famous Loch Ness – perfect for all kinds of paddlers of any level – with stunning views of the beautiful Great Glen and the ruins of Urquhart Castle. There are tons of places to get in the water, and remember to keep an eye out for wildlife – you never know what’s sharing the water with you!
Mull of Galloway
The Mull of Galloway supports a huge variety of plant and animal species and is a RSPB nature reserve. A beautiful spot for sea kayaking, especially early in the summer when many seabirds are in residence. The light house at the tip of the Mull is active, as the area has strong tidal flows, which can make for a a fun paddle if you’re prepared.
Royal Albert Docks
Granted a royal charter to become the Royal Albert Docks in 2018, from the water you can see the Liver building the icon warehouses and explore one of the world’s most recognised docks. Several groups run kayak hire and tours in the docks to make sure you’re safe and comfortable whilst you explore.
South Stack Lighthouse
The South Stack Lighthouse is set on a small island just off the far north west side of Anglesey. The coast of Anglesey is a great paddle for intermediate paddlers and above, with beautiful signs and stunning wild life. There are several places to enter the water around Anglesey to explore the wonderful coast, but be prepared for tidal sea kayaking.
Warwick Castle
The impressive and imposing Warwick castle is even more impressive as it towers above you from the River Avon. There are plenty of spots to get in along the river, and the surrounding parks and green land make for a wonderful chilled paddling adventure, whether you’re kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding – with the legendary castle at it’s heart!
The Cliffs of Dover
The iconic cliffs of dover make some beautiful sea kayaking. You can land up and explore beautiful hidden pebble beaches and tour one of the UK’s most recognisable and beloved stretch of coast.
Windermere
Running 11 miles from north to south, Windermere is perhaps the most famous of the Lake District, and certainly one of the most beautiful. You can kayak the length of the lake from Waterhead Car Park in Ambleside down to Fell Foot park on the A592, getting stunning views of the surrounding valleys and get a close look of Belle Isle as you pass. Great for paddlers of all ability ranges.
London Thames
Last but by no means least is the Thames itself – where you can paddle and see some of Britians most famous landmarks, including Tower Bridge, Big Ben, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliment, The Tower of London and HMS Belfast. Truly a tour de force of the best of British from the unique vantage point of the river – however bare in mind there are permits and restrictions on the busy river. And what’s more – if you’re out on the Thames on June the 2nd, you’ll get an unrestricted view of the Platinum Jubilee flypast!
