England · CANOES & KAYAKS
Good kayak trips fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 5 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Meet at Newquay Activity Centre on Fore Street for a two-hour sea kayak lesson and coastal tour. You’ll learn the basics in a sit-on-top kayak, then follow an instructor such as James around coves, caves, and cliffs. Groups are capped at eight, with wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, and paddles provided.
“James was brilliant, such a friendly chap, knowledgeable about the area and generally a nice guy”
Paddle tandem sea kayaks along Devon’s UNESCO Global Geopark with guide Kieran, entering sea caves, watching for seals and birds, hunting fossils, tasting a wild marine herb, and warming up with marshmallows beside a beach fire.
“This tour was so much more than what we expected. We had a great time and memories made for life for us and our two girls. Kieran was excellent and had so much knowledge which he happily shared with everybody. We were part of a big group and amazingly Kieran was able to remember almost everybody's names. I would highly recommend anybody to do this tour. You won't be disappointed 😊”
Join Woody from MobileAdventure for a three-hour beginner-friendly paddleboarding session on Derwentwater. You’ll receive a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, board, paddle, and practical coaching before heading onto the lake. The small group size keeps the session personal, with Keswick scenery and wildlife all around.
“Woody brought the gear and guided us through a really fun paddle experience on Derwent Water. With hurricane Agnes slowly making her way to the Lake District, Woody guided us out onto the water. The winds picked up by the end of the outing, but Woody had engineered our trajectory such that we were blown back to our starting point by the gently increasing breeze.”
Meet at The Crescent in Bude at 3:00 pm for a two-hour paddle along the calm canal. Freewave Surf Academy supplies the inflatable board, paddle, and wetsuit if needed. Your guide, including James on some outings, teaches you from kneeling to standing in a group of no more than 12.
“Great experience did this with my 15yr old son we both enjoyed it James the instructor was a great guy and made our experience enjoyable all the equipment was spot on and the canal was so peaceful”
Paddle from Teignmouth with guides such as Nils, Nile, or Dave, learning the basics before a relaxed 1.5-hour sea-kayak outing. Stop at Teignmouth Town Beach or another beautiful beach for 30 minutes, then paddle back. Bring your own wetsuit or clothing that can get wet.
“Brilliant on all front, well looked after by our 'leaders' always felt safe, and well looked after. Highly recommend this trip.”
Pick a city, a castle or a coach out of town.
