Paddleboarding Routes in London and the South East – No Car Required!
Catch the tube to paddle London’s urban shores, past royal palaces, the Olympic Stadium, and Hackney Wick’s creative scene. OS Champion Lisa Drewe shares a collection of 10 perfect paddleboarding routes in London and the South East.
Just a train ride away, explore wild meadows, ancient wetlands, and literary landscapes. From city vibes to countryside escapes, find inspiration for your next paddleboarding adventure in London and the Home Counties – no car required.
1. River Thames Hampton Court to Kingston – London Paddleboarding
A 6km one way journey passing Thames islands, luxurious houseboats, the grandeur of Hampton Court Palace, cosy inns, and serene riverside landscapes stacked with royal history. Launch from Hampton Court Bridge (150 walk from Hampton Court rail station) and float downstream, with one lock with canoe rollers to portage. Egress just beyond Kingston Turks Pier. Notes: regular trains from London Waterloo (southwesternrailway.com)
2. Regent’s Canal Paddington to Kings Cross – London Paddleboarding
Leave behind the glittering towers of modern businesses of Merchant’s Square (adjacent to Paddington rail station) on a 5km one-way trip offering unique views of the capital’s heritage, green spaces, vibrant boating communities, and even the occasional monkey or wolf. Passing Little Venice, with its Regency architecture, Regent’s Park, enclosures of London Zoo, and the characterful Feng Shang Princess in Cumberland Basin before reaching Camden Lock with its eclectic mix of street food and bars. Continue to St Pancras Basin and its iconic gasholder frames for a 500m walk to Kings Cross Station. Notes: 700m portage of Maida Hill Tunnel, and three locks to portage.
3. Limehouse Cut and Olympic Stadium Loop – London Paddleboarding
A fascinating 10.5 circular exploration of the network of East London waterways starts on the city’s oldest canal, where regenerated urban landscapes, striking graffiti, and historic sites lead to a unique circuit around the iconic Olympic Stadium. Launch at Limehouse Basin (300m walk from Limehouse DLR Station) and follow the Limehouse Cut, then wind through Bow Back Rivers around the 2012 Olympic site, including the twisting red steel structure of the ArcelorMittal Orbit.
4. River Lea Navigation Tottenham Hale to Hackney Wick – London Paddleboarding
Paddling 6.5 km one-way along the River Lea between Tottenham Hale and Hackney Wick offers a nique mix of urban grit and natural beauty, where industrial and residential areas meet wild spaces. Launch from Tottenham Hale (400m walk from Totenham Hale rail station). The river meanders past the Lea Valley reservoirs, ancient wetlands of Walthamstow Marshes, and the vast open fields of Hackney Marshes to reach the colourful graffiti-covered warehouses of the artistic neighbourhood of Hackney Wick – a great spot for a post-paddle drink. Note: Tottenham Hale is served by tube from London Victoria; and regular trains from London Liverpool Street (greateranglia.co.uk).
5. Royal Victoria Dock – London Paddleboarding
Beach vibes, overhead cable cars, roaring jets, and watersports fun all come together at Royal Victoria Dock (600m walk from West Silverton DLR Station), a lively waterfront spot full of historic and modern attractions. Once the heart of London’s global trade, the Royal Docks has been transformed into a vibrant area with iconic buildings and a hub for watersports, all set against the impressive Docklands skyline. Look out for the UK’s only superyacht hotel, historic cranes, and the Oiler Bar, set in an old Royal Navy refuelling barge.
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Go to the shop6. River Medway Yalding to Maidstone – Kent Paddleboarding
Discover historic oust houses, orchards, and ancient bridges on the way to Maidstone’s medieval centre on this 11km section of the Medway Canoe Trail. Launch in Yalding (110m walk from Yalding rail station) and head downstream passing Wateringbury Marina’s quirky café then grasslands and meadows of Teston Bridge Country Park. In Maidstone look out for 14th century Archbishops Palace and historic barge café, or extend the journey another 4km to Allington Lock. Note: Regular trains from London Charing Cross to Yalding (southeastern.com).
7. Stort Navigation Sawbridgeworth to Rye House – HertfordshirePaddleboarding
A rural journey through ancient parkland and peaceful meadows, this 15km one way trip provides a quiet escape from North London’s urban sprawl. With several rail stations along the route, paddlers can easily adjust the trip length. Launch at Sawbridgeworth (250m walk from Sawbridgeworth rail station), passing converted mill buildings, skirt the edge of Harlow and enjoy the unfolding beauty of the countryside and ancient hay meadows. Notes: Trains from London Liverpool Street to Sawbridgeworth, Harlow Town, Roydon, and Rye House (greateranglia.co.uk).
8. River Thames Marlow to Maidenhead – Buckinghamshire Paddleboarding
One of the most picturesque journeys along the Thames meanders past Clivedon House, charming riverside towns, steep wooded hills, open meadows, and several excellent riverside inns. Start the 11km one way trip in Marlow (800m walk from Marlow rail station) and head downstream along the section of the river and Quarry Wood that inspired Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows. Downstream Clivedon Reach offers one of the Thames’ most striking views. Towering chalk cliffs, covered in trees from around the world, rise above the river, crowned by the majestic Clivedon House. Notes: Rail stations at Marlow and Maidenhead, regular services from Paddington (gwr.com).
9. Oxford Canal and Wolvercote Loop – Oxfordshire Paddleboarding
A 11.5km circular route along the Oxford Canal connects to the Thames via Duke’s Cut, with some classic landmarks and pitstops to see. Start from Isis Lock (250m walk from Oxford rail station) on the Oxford Canal to reach the cut into Wolvercote Mill Stream which joins the Thames at King’s Lock. Continue to the Trout Inn, of Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse fame, then on past the ruins of Godstow Abbey and favourite swimming spot, Port Meadow. Note: Oxford rail station, regular services from Paddington (gwr.com) and London Marylebone (chilternrailways.co.uk)
10. Kennet and Avon Canal Midgham to Theale – Berkshire Paddleboarding
A peaceful 9.4km one way journey along a section of the canalised River kennet that retains many of its chalk stream characteristics. With a couple of rail stations along the route, paddlers can easily adjust the trip length. Launch from Woolhampton Bridge (150m walk from Midgham rail station), near the lovely Rowbarge Inn. Drift past wooded banks to reach historic Aldermaston Wharf and café. Continue along further peaceful stretches of the canal to Sheffield Bottom Swing Bridge and 400m walk to Theale station. Note: Rail stations at Midgham, Theale and Aldermaston served by regular services from London Paddington (gwr.com).
I hope you have enjoyed looking through these paddleboarding routes in London, be sure to take a look at the guidebooks and maps we have available to take with you on your next adventure.
EXPLORE THE
OS Shop
We are with you every step of the way. Shop our trusted walking and hiking maps and guidebooks so you can explore the outdoors with confidence.
Go to the shopLondon Maps and Guidebooks
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