Discover the hidden gems of the North East coast.
Have you ever imagined paddle boarding alongside scenic coastlines and tranquil rivers?
The best places to paddle board in the North East are waiting for you.
Embark on a journey through this beautiful region and experience its charming waters. Are you ready for the adventure?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in North East
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 River Tyne, Newcastle

- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Newcastle Quayside (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate Currents, Can Be Windy
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Cormorants, otters
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Tyne Bridge, Millennium Bridge, The Sage Gateshead
- Safety, Environment, and Rules: Watch out for boat traffic, wear a life jacket
The River Tyne in Newcastle is a vibrant urban paddleboarding spot with iconic bridges, modern architecture, and lively waterfront.
Paddling along the Tyne is an excellent way to explore the city and enjoy a unique perspective.
#2 Tees Barrage, Stockton-on-Tees

- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Tees Barrage International White Water Centre (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Calm River with Potential for White Water Experiences
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Salmon, seals, birds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Tees Barrage, Infinity Bridge
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Check conditions and water flow before paddling
Tees Barrage in Stockton-on-Tees offers a paddling experience suitable for beginners and experienced SUP enthusiasts alike.
Glide along the calm River Tees, or challenge yourself at the International White Water Centre.
#3 Derwent Reservoir, Northumberland

- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Derwent Reservoir Sailing Club (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally Calm, Can Be Windy
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Brown trout, migratory birds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Picturesque countryside, woodland areas
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Wear a buoyancy aid, abide by club rules
Derwent Reservoir in Northumberland is a tranquil and picturesque location for paddleboarding. Surrounded by rolling hills and woodland, it’s perfect for a calming retreat amidst the beauty of the North East UK.
#4 Kielder Water, Northumberland

- Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Tower Knowe Visitor Centre (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Generally Calm, Can Be Windy
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Ospreys, salmon, otters
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Kielder Dam, Kielder Observatory, Kielder Forest
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow local regulations, respect environment
Kielder Water is the largest man-made lake in the UK, set within Kielder Forest Park. Offering a vast expanse of tranquil and picturesque waters, Kielder Water is perfect for paddlers seeking a true escape into nature.
#5 Sandsend Beach, Whitby

- Location Type: Oceanfront
- Access Point: Sandsend Beach Access (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Moderate Waves, Ocean Currents
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Seabirds, occasional seals
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Whitby Abbey, picturesque cliffs
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch tide times, stay safe amongst waves
Sandsend Beach in Whitby offers a scenic coastal paddleboarding experience. Glide along the water with beautiful sea cliffs as your backdrop and be captivated by the charm of the North East coastline.
#6 River Wear, Durham

- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Durham Boathouse (Google Maps)
- Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, protected from strong winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- Wildlife Encounters: Waterfowl, otters
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Durham Cathedral, Castle, surrounding countryside
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for other rivercraft, follow local rules
The River Wear meanders through the historic city of Durham, offering an urban-meets-nature paddleboarding experience.
Paddling beneath the iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites of Durham Cathedral and Castle is a unique and memorable experience for SUP fans.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in the North East?
Key paddle boarding locations in the North East include Lake Erie, the Hudson River, and Lake Ontario.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in the North East?
No, paddle boards do not require registration in the North East region.
When is the best time to paddle board in the North East?
Optimal conditions for paddle boarding in the North East occur from late spring to early fall.
