Surrey: where picturesque landscapes meet winding rivers.
Have you ever considered gliding through serene waters, surrounded by lush greenery?
Discover the best places to paddle board in Surrey right here.
Embark with us on a journey through Surrey’s tranquil waterways. Let’s make a splash!
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Surrey
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 Thames

- ????️ Location Type: River
- ???? Access Point: Shepperton Lock, Desborough Island (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river water, mild currents, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Swans, ducks, geese, fish
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Hampton Court Palace, Eel Pie Island, picturesque riverside towns
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Familiarize yourself with river regulations, respect private properties
The River Thames flows through the heart of Surrey, offering fantastic paddleboarding opportunities. With its gentle currents and beautiful riverside views, it’s a picturesque and accessible place for water enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Explore charming riverside towns and historic landmarks like Hampton Court Palace while paddling along this iconic river.
#2 Frensham Great Pond

- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- ???? Access Point: Frensham Common car park (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, fish
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Sandy beaches, nearby Frensham Little Pond
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect no-swimming zones, sensitive wildlife areas, and follow local rules
Frensham Great Pond is a popular spot in Surrey for paddleboarding and watersports. Surrounded by heathland and with sandy beaches, this picturesque lake offers calm waters suitable for beginners and experienced boarders alike.
Enjoy the scenic views and diverse wildlife that call Frensham Great Pond their home.
#3 Dapdune Wharf

- ????️ Location Type: River
- ???? Access Point: Dapdune Wharf, National Trust Site (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm river water, gentle currents, mild winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Ducks, geese, fish
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Wey Navigation, Guildford Cathedral
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Adhere to River Wey navigation rules, respect private properties
Paddleboarding at Dapdune Wharf offers a tranquil experience along the picturesque River Wey. Glide past beautiful countryside landscapes and enjoy the calm water, perfect for a relaxing paddleboard session.
Take in the sights of historic Guildford Cathedral and the charming Wey Navigation as you explore this serene waterway.
#4 Thorpe Lakes

- ????️ Location Type: Lake
- ???? Access Point: Thorpe Lakes Watersports Centre (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, occasional winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, ducks, geese
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Thorpe Park, lakeside beaches
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Follow rules at the watersports centre, wear appropriate safety gear
Thorpe Lakes offers a great opportunity for paddleboard enthusiasts who enjoy variety. This watersports centre provides a lively and controlled environment with several calm lakes to explore.
Take advantage of the nearby Thorpe Park theme park for a day of fun on and off the water.
#5 Bushy Park

- ????️ Location Type: Pond
- ???? Access Point: Heron Pond (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm still waters, gentle winds
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Herons, ducks, swans, deer
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Hampton Court Palace, serene gardens
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Check local rules on paddleboarding, respect wildlife and sensitive areas
Bushy Park’s Heron Pond provides a unique setting for paddleboarding within this charming Royal Park. With its calm waters and idyllic surroundings, it’s a peaceful spot for beginners and experienced boarders alike to enjoy a tranquil session on the water.
Marvel at the graceful herons, admire the nearby Hampton Court Palace, and enjoy the serenity of Bushy Park’s gardens while paddleboarding on Heron Pond.
#6 Basingstoke Canal

- ????️ Location Type: Canal
- ???? Access Point: Britannia Wharf (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm waters, little to no currents
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Dragonflies, ducks, moorhens, swans
- ????️️ Landmarks & Views: Historic canal bridges, picturesque countryside
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be mindful of other canal users, respect private properties and moored boats
The Basingstoke Canal, though outside Surrey, is a popular option for paddleboarding enthusiasts seeking serenity away from bustling rivers. With calm waters and picturesque countryside views, it provides a peaceful and relaxing setting for a gentle paddleboard adventure.
Take in the historic canal bridges, local wildlife, and the charming surrounding villages while you glide through the peaceful waters of the Basingstoke Canal.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Surrey?
Frensham Ponds, Southwater Country Park, and the River Wey are popular paddle boarding locations in Surrey.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Surrey?
No, you do not need to register paddle boards in Surrey.
When is the best time to paddle board in Surrey?
The optimal time for paddle boarding in Surrey is from late spring to early fall due to milder weather.
