Watersports & Boating Adventures | Boat Hire & Kayaking

Discover some of the best watersports and boating adventures in South East England, from boating holidays on the River Thames to kayaking along the Beaulieu River and exciting watersports in Kent, South East England offers countless opportunities to get active on the water. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day afloat, a family adventure or the chance to learn a new skill, there's an experience waiting for you.

How Will You Spend Your Time On The Water

• Boat Hire
• Boating Holidays
• Canoeing and Kayaking
• Watersports
• Learn New Skills
• Family-Friendly Water Adventures

Five Watersports and Boating Adventures You Should Try

1. Captain Your Own Boat on the River Thames

There's no better way to enjoy South East England's waterways than from the helm of your own boat. Explore riverside towns, historic landmarks and beautiful countryside at your own pace.

Where to try it

• Henley-on-Thames, Southern Oxfordshire
  Hire a range of craft with Hobbs of Henley, from eco-friendly electric boats to elegant Edwardian launches for an exciting day out on the Thames with family and friends.
• Lechlade, Cotswolds Gateway to the Thames
  Discover quieter stretches of the river with Cotswold Boat Hire, perfect for relaxed days exploring the upper Thames.
• Datchet, Near Windsor, Berkshire
  With a choice of boats seating between 2 up to 12 people, Kris Cruises offers the chance to head out on the River Thames from Datchet to Bray and Maidenhead for a great day out on the water.
• Maidstone, Kent
  Kentish Lady offer a range of self-drive boats for hire along the Upper Medway in Kent, for between two or four hours.

2. Escape on a Boating Holiday

Swap busy roads for peaceful waterways and enjoy a slower pace of life. Boating holidays allow visitors to explore riverside destinations whilst deciding their own itinerary.

Where to try it

• Datchet, Berkshire
  Set off on a self-drive boating holiday with Kris Cruisers and explore the Thames over a weekend, short break or holiday. Stop at riverside villages, exploring historic attractions and waterside pubs along the way. Explore a little bit or the whole 124 miles from Teddington to Gloucestershire for a holiday with a difference.

Extend your adventure

Discover Windsor, Maidenhead, Sonning, Abingdon and other Thames Valley destinations during your journey.

3. Explore the Beaulieu River by Canoe or Kayak

The Beaulieu River offers one of Southern England's most beautiful paddling environments, with peaceful waters, abundant wildlife and hidden creeks waiting to be explored.

Where to try it

• Beaulieu River, New Forest, Hampshire
  Join New Forest Activities for canoeing and kayaking adventures, suitable for beginners, families and experienced paddlers alike. Don't miss some of the fun seasonal activities including Paddle to the Pub, Halloween Tours and Easter Egg Hunts.

Extend your adventure

Visit Beaulieu, Home of the National Motor Museum, explore the New Forest National Park or enjoy lunch in Buckler's Hard. Stay overnight at the charming Montagu Arms Hotel perfectly located in the village of Beaulieu.

4. Try Watersports

Whether you're looking to learn a new skill, enjoy an active day on the water or take part in a fun group challenge, South East England offers a wide range of watersports experiences suitable for beginners and more experienced adventurers alike.

Where to try it

• Lydd, Kent
  Action Watersports offers a variety of water-based activities and experiences, making it an ideal location for visitors who want to challenge themselves and try something new. Don't let your four legged friend miss out - they also offer fun pups on SUPS sessions, alongside, water skiing and wakeboarding programs, jet ski sessions, flyboarding and more.
• Buckinghamshire, Berkshire & Oxfordshire
  Team Activity Group offers a range of water-based experiences including canoeing, paddle boarding, raft building, rowing, river trips and dragon boat racing at locations across the Thames Valley and surrounding counties. These activities are ideal for families, groups and visitors looking for a different way to experience the region's waterways.

Extend your adventure

Explore Romney Marsh, visit the Kent coast or discover riverside destinations including Henley-on-Thames, Marlow, and Oxford.

5. Discover Traditional Punting in Oxford

Few activities feel more quintessentially English than punting. It's a wonderfully peaceful way to discover Oxford and offers views you simply can't enjoy from the streets.

Where to try it

• Oxford, Oxfordshire
  Hire a punt from Cherwell Boathouse and glide along the river whilst taking in the city's famous colleges, green spaces and riverside scenery.

Extend your adventure

Stay a little longer and enjoy lunch or dinner at Cherwell Boathouse before exploring Oxford with a hop-on and off bus tour with City Sightseeing Oxford. Want to stay a little longer? The Royal Oxford Hotel is located in the heart of Oxford making it easy to explore more.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I hire a boat on the River Thames?

Boat hire is available at several locations along the Thames including Henley-on-Thames with Hobbs of Henley, Lechlade with Cotswold Boat Hire and Datchet near Windsor with Kris Cruisers, giving visitors access to both busy and quieter stretches of the river.

Where can I go on a boating holiday in South East England?

The River Thames is one of the UK's most popular boating holiday destinations. Operators such as Kris Cruisers allow visitors to explore up to 124 miles of navigable waterway, stopping at riverside towns including Windsor, Maidenhead, Henley-on-Thames and Abingdon.

Which is the best place to try kayaking in Hampshire?

The Beaulieu River in Hampshire offers one of the South East's most scenic paddling locations. Guided experiences and hire sessions from New Forest Activities allow visitors to explore the river's wildlife-rich creeks and waterways.

Can beginners try watersports in South East England?

Yes. Many experiences are designed for beginners, including paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking and introductory watersports sessions at locations such as Action Watersports in Kent and New Forest Activities in Hampshire.

Where can I go punting in Oxford?

Traditional punting is available through Cherwell Boathouse in Oxford. It's one of the city's most iconic experiences and provides unique views of Oxford's colleges, parks and riverside scenery.

Are watersports suitable for families?

Yes. Many providers offer family-friendly experiences suitable for beginners, including self-drive boat hire, canoeing, kayaking and introductory watersports sessions.  Family activities are available throughout the Thames Valley, Hampshire and Kent.