Kayaking & canoeing holidays

Canoe and kayak holidays UK

Whether you're brand new to canoeing or a seasoned pro, a few hours on the water nearby our holiday cabins is an experience you won’t forget. From tranquil Scottish lochs and meandering rivers to white water adventures, we’ve got a canoe or kayak holiday that’s perfect for you. After tuition and a safety briefing, you’ll be kitted out with everything you need…and off you go! 

Stay in our log cabins at Forest of Dean, Thorpe Forest, Ardgartan Argyll or Strathyre to turn your Forest Holidays break into a proper adventure holiday on the water. Pre-book your canoeing session through your account, or give us a call on 03330 110 495.

Beautiful kayaking routes around England

The River Wye is one of the best known rivers for canoeing in the UK. An enjoyable 9-mile canoe trip takes you through the peaceful Gloucestershire countryside at Symonds Yat, one of the most photographed river stretches in the country. Bring a picnic, for a great family adventure. If you’re after a few more thrills, then kayaking is the answer. The scenic Wye Valley gives you the opportunity to negotiate white water stretches too. On our Kayaking Experience, a qualified instructor teaches you the basic skills you need. Another enjoyable river canoe route runs beside our cabins at Thorpe Forest. Here the River Thet wends its way through the Norfolk countryside and taking out a canoe is a great idea as part of a family holiday.

Kayaking on tranquil lochs of Scotland

In Scotland, stay at Strathyre or Ardgartan Argyll and enjoy canoeing or kayaking in the glorious natural setting of a Scottish loch. The calm waters of Loch Long at Ardgartan Argyll, framed by the surrounding mountains, are perfect for canoeing. Loch Lubnaig at Strathyre is another canoeing beauty spot, in the heart of the Trossachs.

Frequently asked questions

Is kayaking easier than canoeing?

Yes and no. You can get going in a kayak in calm waters and it looks easier, but safe kayaking needs more technique and skills than canoeing. A canoe is more stable in the water and if there are two of you to paddle, it’s probably the easiest for a gentle river trip.

What's the best type of kayak for a beginner?

For your first kayak, look for a shorter boat length with a wider, flatter base. This makes the boat slower and more stable on the water. A length of 10 to 12 feet is about right. Also consider how easy the boat is to move out of the water, as you will probably need to transport it. An inflatable kayak may be worth considering. And throw into the mix what you’ll be using the boat for: fishing; recreation; touring; will you be on your own or with a partner; on calm waters or choppy waters? There are different specs for each of these considerations, such as weight, storage room, seating and other design features.

Best places to kayak in the UK?

From the mighty River Wye in Gloucestershire to the crystal clear lochs of Scotland, a UK kayaking holiday offers breath-taking scenery and exciting adventures. For experienced kayakers looking for action, the rivers of the UK offer lots of choice.

Best places to kayak in Scotland?

Scotland offers kayaking like nowhere else in the UK featuring some of the most remote destinations, breath-taking mountain ranges and vast wild green spaces. There are over 31,000 lochs, which often provide a more sheltered environment for kayaking - an ideal option for beginners. 

We recommend Loch Lomond, Loch Tay, and Loch Awe. You can’t beat the Scottish lochs for an all-round outdoor experience, with ample space to kayak, calm waters, opportunities to fish and spectacular scenery.

Best places to kayak in Hampshire?

For world class kayaking, look no further than the Solent coastline. Offering some of the best places to kayak in Hampshire with a variety of trails and routes, boasting attractive harbours, marinas and estuaries the Hampshire coastline provides an ideal location for watersports.

Whether you enjoy to be out in the open in places like Southampton Water, or you prefer more comfortable exploring, along Beaulieu River, there is plenty to discover in Hampshire. 

Best places to kayak in Cornwall?

If you are feeling brave, sea kayaking off the coast of Cornwall is sure to get the adrenaline flowing.