Somerset: where history meets serene waterways.
Ever considered gliding along picturesque canals or past majestic landmarks?
Discover the best places to paddle board in Somerset, UK.
Immerse yourself in Somerset’s tranquil landscapes and embark on a memorable adventure. Are you up for the challenge?
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Somerset
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 Cheddar Reservoir
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- ???? Access Point: Axbridge Sailing Club (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Generally calm, can be windy
- Popular Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Autumn
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, swans, local bird species
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Cheddar Gorge, surrounding Mendip Hills.
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Use caution in windy conditions, follow access rules.
Cheddar Reservoir, nestled in the heart of Somerset, is a popular spot for paddle boarding and other water sports. The calm waters and beautiful views of Cheddar Gorge make it an enticing destination for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
Make sure to follow access rules and pay attention to the weather conditions.
#2 River Avon
- ????️ Location Type: River
- ???? Access Point: Bath Riverside (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Slow currents, calm waters, sheltered from strong winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Autumn
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Kingfishers, herons, otters
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic City of Bath, Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect private properties, adhere to river regulations
The River Avon, winding through the historic city of Bath, offers a unique paddle boarding experience. Enjoy the incredible views of Bath’s Georgian architecture while gently navigating the calm waters of the river.
Make sure to respect private properties along the riverbank and adhere to river regulations.
#3 Wimbleball Lake
- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- ???? Access Point: Wimbleball Lake Outdoor and Active Centre (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, wind varies
- Popular Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Autumn
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Mallards, swans, herons
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Exmoor National Park, surrounding woodlands
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, adhere to park guidelines
Wimbleball Lake is a picturesque reservoir nestled within Exmoor National Park. The lake is a perfect spot for paddle boarding, offering calm waters and beautiful views of the surrounding woodlands.
Ensure to respect the wildlife and adhere to park guidelines while exploring the lake.
#4 Bridgwater & Taunton Canal
- ????️ Location Type: Canal
- ???? Access Point: Taunton Canal Centre (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, sheltered from strong winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Autumn
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Swans, moorhens, ducks
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Somerset countryside, picturesque canal bridges
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, follow canal access rules
The Bridgwater & Taunton Canal provides a peaceful paddle boarding experience through the lush Somerset countryside. Glide past picturesque canal bridges and enjoy the tranquil waters as you explore the waterway.
Be respectful of wildlife and follow canal access rules while paddle boarding.
#5 River Frome
- ????️ Location Type: River
- ???? Access Point: Wareham (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, minimal currents
- Popular Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Autumn
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Swans, ducks, kingfishers
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Dorset countryside, historic buildings
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect private properties, mind low bridges
The River Frome offers a quiet and scenic paddle boarding experience. Though not in Somerset, it’s a short trip to the nearby Dorset countryside, where you can navigate the river past charming historic buildings and serene landscapes.
Be respectful of private properties and mindful of low bridges during your adventure.
#6 Clevedon Marine Lake
- ????️ Location Type: Oceanfront Lake
- ???? Access Point: Marine Lake Slipway (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, sheltered from strong winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Autumn
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Seagulls, various seabirds
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Victorian pier, Clevedon seafront
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow lake access rules, respect other users
Located along the Clevedon seafront, the Clevedon Marine Lake is a lovely spot to paddle board. The calm waters are perfect for both beginners and experienced paddle boarders to enjoy beautiful views of the Victorian pier and coastline.
Remember to follow lake access rules and respect other users during your visit.
#7 Barle River
- ????️ Location Type: River
- ???? Access Point: Dulverton (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Gentle currents, sheltered from strong winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring, Summer, and Autumn
- Wildlife Encounters: Trout, kingfishers, otters
- ️ Landmarks & Views: Exmoor National Park, Somerset countryside
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Aware of river levels, respect private properties
The Barle River flows through the beautiful Exmoor National Park and offers a serene paddle boarding experience. Enjoy the calming sights and sounds of the Somerset countryside as you navigate the gentle currents of this picturesque river.
Please be mindful of river levels and respect private properties along the river.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Somerset?
In Somerset, you can paddle board at Wimbleball Lake, Cheddar Reservoir, and Chew Valley Lakes.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Somerset?
No, there is no requirement to register paddle boards in Somerset.
When is the best time to paddle board in Somerset?
The ideal time to paddle board in Somerset is during the late spring to early autumn due to favourable weather conditions.
