Camping and paddle boarding in England offers a great outdoor adventure combination and a ticket to explore more of the natural beauty of Britain. With England’s diverse blue spaces, paddle boarders can explore a variety of amazing waters—gentle rivers, mountain lakes, peaceful canals and stunning coastline.
Ideal for everyone from beginners to seasoned paddlers, for a full immersion in blue space there is nothing better than camping by the water’s edge. Here are some of our favourite camping sites with water access in England – we’ll be covering Wales and Scotland in upcoming blogs.
1. Ullswater, Lake District, Cumbria
The Paddle A lovely lake surrounded by stunning mountain scenery to its south, and gentle hills to the north. The lake is the second largest in England at 12km long, but is less than 1.5km wide. Launching from the Glenriding-end it is possible to explore tiny Norfolk Island on a short journey, or take the Ullswater Steamer to Pooley Bridge at the north end of the lake and paddle back.
Camping Side Farm Campsite sits on the lake shores, near Glenriding, with direct access for paddle boards. A small simple site but with all the basic’s you’ll need for tents and small campervans (no groups).
Access requirements: No
2. Prussia Cove, Marazion, Cornwall
The Paddle Coastguard cottages and ramshackle buildings overlook this tiny rock-hewn harbour that is great for paddling and snorkelling or head west along to coast to the stunning sand beach and huge sea cave of Piskies Cove.
Camping Port-en-Alls 10 minute walk above Prussia Cove has 12 generous pitches and great sea views. Simple facilities, but with a large brick built pizza oven for anyone to use. Suitable for tents, caravans and campervans.
Access requirements: no
3. Hayling Island, Hampshire
The Paddle Explore the salt marshes on the east coast of Hayling Island, or paddle up the creek to Emsworth village to enjoy the incredible bird life and occasional seal.
Camping Fishery Creek Touring Park is connected to the stunning Chichester Harbour, and hires paddle boards/offers lesson on site; plus there is easy launching from its tidal slipway. Suitable for tents, camping cans, caravans and motorhomes.
Access requirements: pay Harbour Dues to patrol staff on the water, or call the Harbour Office on 01243 512301 or visit the Harbour Offices in Itchenor or Emsworth.
4. Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk
The Paddle Launch from Burnham Overy Staithe to explore the generally sheltered waters and wildlife-filled salt marshes and creeks around the harbour or explore the southern coast and samphire beds of Scolt Head Island
Camp Burnham Deepdale Camping quiet and located close to the sea suitable for tents, campervans, motorhomes & trailer tents with good facilities (short drive/bus to Burnham Overy Staithe).
Access requirements: no permit
5. Kennet and Avon Canal, Wiltshire
The Paddle Launch from Honeystreet and head east 6.5km along the canal to Pewsey Wharf past the Vale of Pewsey’s rolling countryside. Either return the same way or use local bus.
Camping The canal-side Barge Inn Campsite, Honeystreet, sits in the shadow of one of Wiltshire’s chalk white horses. The inn is renowned for its connection to aliens and crop-circles. Tents, caravans, and motorhomes, with all camping facilities, and the fabulous Honeystreet café just over the canal.
Access requirements: permit required (PaddleUK Membership)
6. Edgerley, River Severn, Shropshire
The Paddle A lovely 12km meander (one way) along the River Severn, England’s longest river, leaving from the campsite at Edgerley to Montford Bridge, the site of the first bridge designed by Thomas Telford.
Camping Royal Hill Caravan Park And Campsite (adults only) adjoins the excellent Royal Hill Inn on river. Full facilities and suitable for tents, caravans, motorhomes.
Access requirements: no permit required
7. Peak Forest Canal, Derbyshire
The paddle Often described as one of the most scenic canals in the country, its 24km length passes lovely woodland, meadows and historic mills. Close to the Peak District National Park, it’s a great place for paddling, walking and camping. Launch from Bugsworth Basin and paddle towards Marple Locks fleet of locks, or park at Whaley bridge and paddle to Bugsworth Basin, then head up towards New Mills near the Swizzels sweet factory.
Camping A very short drive away from the canal, but close to the River Goyt, is Whitecroft Farm (for Caravan and Motorhome members only).
Access requirements: permit required (PaddleUK Membership)
Final thoughts….
These are just a handful of favourites blue spaces with camping and paddleboarding England and we’ll be sharing more in upcoming blogs. There are also plenty more ideas in our books “Paddle Boarding South West England’ and ‘Paddle Boarding Wales’.
