5 best paddleboarding days out from London by train

From the latest edition of our must-have SUP guide series, Paddleboarding London & South East England, we’ve handpicked five of the best paddleboarding spots that are easily accessible via train from the capital. 

The region’s waterways have long been the “lifeblood of the region”, and this guide highlights the best rail-to-river adventures with one-way paddling routes and easy return by train. Leave the rush of the busy streets behind and enjoy a day out amid peaceful water meadows and wide coastal estuaries.

Here are five must-visit paddleboarding spots near London:

1. Chichester Ship Canal (West Sussex)

Enjoy a tranquil paddleboarding trip within easy reach of London, on a historic waterway. Kingfishers dart, wildflowers brighten the banks and the views of Chichester Cathedral are unmatched. The Chichester Ship Canal is an historic waterway, originally constructed in the 1820s as part of a broader plan to link Portsmouth and London via an inland route. The canal spans approximately 6.5km from Chichester to Chichester Harbour at Birdham, though only the section between the Canal Basin and Donnington remains navigable, with the stretch beyond serving as a protected nature reserve.

Frequent service from London Victoria to Chichester, 200m walk to canal basin.

2. North Foreland Explorer, Broadstairs & Botany Bay (Kent)

Journey east for a dramatic coastal experience on the Isle of Thanet. This route allows you to discover the seven bays, the jewels of Thanet, between Dumpton Bay and Foreland Point. It is an adventurous paddle where you can explore locations like Botany Bay, which is perhaps the most picturesque of the seven, renowned for its stunning chalk cliffs, two large chalk stacks that stand apart from the headland, and chalk caves in the cliffs.

Rail services from London St Pancras to Broadstairs station.

3.River Mole Box Steps to Leatherhead (Surrey)

An adventurous journey through one of the most picturesque areas of the North Downs passes through the Mole Gap. Here, the river carves through a striking chalk ridge creating a lush green valley. Overlooking this scenic landscape is Box Hill, with the woodlands and farmland of Norbury Park stretching beyond.

Regular services from London Victoria to Box Hill & Westhumble

4. River Thames Marlow to Maidenhead (Buckinghamshire)

One of the most picturesque journeys along the Thames meanders past Cliveden House, charming riverside towns, steep wooded hills, open meadows, and several excellent riverside inns. Start the trip in Marlow, with its iconic William Tierney Clark suspension bridge, the cheerful sounds from the Compleat Angler Hotel, and the peaceful presence of All Saints Church. Head downstream towards Marlow Lock and Marlow Lock Island, portage around the lock cut, then continue past the bypass and Longridge Boating Centre. Soon, the steep wooded slopes of Quarry Wood come into view, featuring the castellated Quarry Wood Hall. This section of the Thames inspired Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, with Quarry Wood portrayed as the “Wild Wood”.

Stations at Maidenhead and Marlow, with regular services from London Paddington

5. Stort Navigation (Hertfordshire)

A rural journey through ancient parkland and peaceful meadows, this 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, enjoying pub stops along the way. The River Stort Navigation stretches for 22.5km through the Hertfordshire countryside, connecting Bishop’s Stortford to the River Lee Navigation near Harlow. In the 18th century it was an important route for transporting grain, malt, and other goods, with the river straightened and widened for barges. Today, it’s a peaceful spot, ideal for a relaxing paddle.

Regular trains from London Liverpool Street to Sawbridgeworth and several other stations along this paddle route.

Top Tips for Safe Paddling:

1. Always wear a buoyancy aid and waist leash.
2. Know your limits and ensure you are a competent swimmer.
3. Always pump the paddleboard to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
4. Use apps and online resources for information on tides, weather, and waterflows.
5. Always take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case.
6. Let someone know details of where you’re going, time on and off the water, and where you’re parked