The 10 Best Places To Paddle Board In The UK In 2026

Stand-up paddle boarding continues to grow in popularity across the UK and for good reason. From tranquil lakes and estuaries to breathtaking coastal stretches, the UK offers an incredible diversity of locations that suit paddleboarders of all levels. We’ve got a lot of favourite locations for SUP at Red, and we’ve collected some of the best here for you to check out for yourself. Here are our picks for the 10 best places to paddle board in the UK in 2026. 

Kicking off our list of the best places to paddle board is South Milton Sands. Situated in South Hams, South Milton Sands is a stunning, sheltered beach with crystal-clear waters framed by dramatic cliffs and Thurlestone Rock. The calm conditions make it perfect for beginners and intermediate paddlers alike. Explore sea caves or glide along the sandy shoreline at your own pace. How you decide to go about it is up to you.

A SUP session in Norwich’s waterways is a very unique experience, making use of its landscape to create a very rare urban paddleboarding experience. Not something you hear of often, right? Whitlingham Great Broad is flat and calm - which makes it ideal for beginners - while the River Wensum offers gentle current paddling through scenic countryside and city views. We really recommend giving this one a go if you haven’t already.

England’s largest lake isn’t just for summer tourists. It’s by far one of the best places to paddle board in the UK, too. Windermere’s glassy waters make for spectacular paddleboarding even in the shoulder seasons. Enjoy peaceful paddles with mountain backdrops and serene reflections on the water. It’s the perfect traditional, tranquil SUP experience.

The Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary is an iconic SUP location in Devon. Its sheltered water and extensive tidal creeks offer endless routes to explore - from calm estuary paddles to more adventurous routes out to sandy beaches. There’s a little bit for everyone here.

For a serene river paddle, this is a very strong pick. The River Dart winds through lush Devon countryside before opening out near Dartmouth. Paddle under bridges, past riverbanks of wooded tranquillity, and enjoy a refreshing alternative to coastal SUP with plenty of natural immersion to be had.

For the more adventurous paddler, the wild beauty of the Isle of Skye delivers unforgettable coastal SUP. From cliffs and sea stacks to open ocean expanses, this rugged landscape rewards those ready to take on nature at its most dramatic.

It might surprise you to learn, but even in the heart of London, there’s a place where you can paddle board. Paddington Basin’s calm canal waters provide a uniquely urban way to SUP, gliding past colourful houseboats and city architecture.

Surrounded by towering peaks, Wast Water (England’s deepest lake) makes SUP feel like a full immersion in nature. With calm, clear water and dramatic mountain scenery, this is a must-visit for serious paddlers seeking tranquillity and awe.

Connecting river and sea, the Exe Estuary provides versatile paddle boarding, from gentle estuary cruises to more coastal adventures near Exmouth. Launch from Quay or Marina areas and enjoy stunning views of the Jurassic Coast on a calm day.

Featuring stunning beaches and cliffs that stretch for miles, the Gower Peninsula is perfect for coastal paddling. Explore sandy coves, dramatic rock formations and enjoy season-round SUP with quieter breaks available in the off-season.

If you have any questions about our range of excellent paddle boarding gear as you prepare for your 2026 UK SUP adventure, then why not get in touch with us at Red? We’ll be able to walk you through the specs of any of our boards or offer you expert advice on the different accessories you may need.