The 9 Kayak Trips in Britain That Earn Their Price

1.Glencoe: 2 Hour Kayak Hire, explore the loch and islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 17 reviews · 2 hours · from $47Our pick

Paddle Loch Leven near the Isles of Glencoe Hotel in a single or tandem Tahe kayak. This unsupervised two-hour hire includes a briefing, wetsuit, booties, and route tips. You need prior kayaking experience, but the sheltered water and islands make a calm setting for your own Highland outing.

“Beautiful way to see Glencoe. Sian was an excellent host with great communication and customer service.”

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2.2 seater Canoe Rental in Ladbroke Grove

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · 1 - 2 hours Top rated

Set off from Canalside Basin in Ladbroke Grove in a stable Canadian canoe for two. Active 360 provides buoyancy aids and patient instruction, with guide Tyla praised for helping first-time paddlers. Practice in the basin, then paddle toward Westbourne Park and Little Venice at your own pace.

“Tolles Personal und jede Menge Spaß. Aber geringe Anzahl an Zweierkanus. Dann vielleicht darauf hinweisen beim Buchen, sonst gibt’s einen Viersitzer.”

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3.Newquay: Sea Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 12 reviews · 2 hours · from $80

Learn coastal kayaking with an English-speaking instructor, then paddle from a secret cove past Adventure Gulley and Dead Man’s Cove. Your two-hour trip includes a wetsuit, helmet, buoyancy aid, kayak, paddle, safety briefing, wildlife spotting, heated changing rooms, and hot showers.

“We really enjoyed this activity. It was hampered by bad weather. The mist that was present and worsening meant we couldn’t kayak out as far as we probably would have. Appreciate that safety comes first and the guide still tried to make it enjoyable, so well done to her.”

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4.Norwich: Kayak down the Norfolk Broads

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8 reviews

Meet at Gibraltar Gardens in Norwich for a two-hour kayak trip on the River Wensum. Your English-speaking instructor provides paddles, lifejackets, dry bags, and a safety briefing before you set off in a two-person kayak. The quiet route has no boats to dodge.

“Equipment was great, really pretty area and we were just allowed to go wherever we wanted.”

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5.Loch Ness, Family-Friendly, 1-Hour Discovery Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $39Best value

Set out from Fort Augustus with an English-speaking canoe guide for a gentle one-hour paddle along Loch Ness. You’ll explore the River Oich mouth, pass the old steam-train pier, hear local legends, and finish with hot soup, oatcakes, and local cheese.

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6.Group Kayak Experience on the beautiful Thames at Richmond

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 7 reviews · from $87

Meet under Richmond Bridge for a two-hour lesson and river outing with Paddle Richmond. Instructors including Peter, Nigel, Harry, and Sarah teach steering, stopping, navigation, and self-rescue before guiding you toward Eel Pie Island, Teddington, Richmond Lock, Kew, or Chiswick, depending on tide and wind.

“Kayaking in Richmond was definitely a lovely experience. Nigel and Harry were amazing hosts and clearly taught us how to Kayak and enjoy our time.”

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7.Herefordshire: River Wye Half day unaccompanied canoe trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 3 hours · from $50

Set off from Tresseck Campsite for a self-guided three-hour canoe journey on the River Wye. Your English-speaking instructor supplies equipment, explains strokes and hazards, and transports you to the launch point. Expect gentle rapids, wildlife, quiet bends, and a return to camp.

“Everything was great, the guide guy was fun and gave clear instructions, would definitely go again :)”

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8.Loch Ness, Scenic 2.5 Hour Tour Guided Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · from $71

Join a qualified English-speaking guide for a 2.5-hour canoe trip from Fort Augustus. Paddle a stable Canadian-style canoe past Cherry Island, the Abbey, and canal waters, then walk to a secluded waterfall for hot drinks, shortbread, and a light local lunch.

“it was a fun activity with a bit of exercise and amazing scenery. well worth the cost”

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9.Loch Tay, 1.5-Hour Guided Discovery Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $52

Set out from Loch Tay Highland Lodges in a stable two or three-person Canadian canoe. Your English-speaking guide covers paddling, local stories, wildlife, and games on the water. Abbey has been praised for fun, useful information. Small groups are limited to 10 people.

“Well organised. Guide was fun and knowledgeable about the loch and surrounding area.”

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