London


<p>The sun is shining and our thoughts are turning to activities where we can make the most of the good weather in the capital. Handily, author Lisa Drewe&#8217;s book <em><a href="https://wildthingspublishing.com/product/paddle-boarding-london-south-east-england/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paddleboarding London and South East England: 100 places to SUP, Canoe, and Kayak</a></em> is full of inspiring ideas for a day on the water close to home. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="760" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/Lisa-Drewe-mugshot-1024x760.jpg" alt="Lisa Drewe " class="wp-image-11734" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/Lisa-Drewe-mugshot-1024x760.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/Lisa-Drewe-mugshot-300x223.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/Lisa-Drewe-mugshot-768x570.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/Lisa-Drewe-mugshot.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lisa in her element </figcaption></figure>



<p>A paddleboard enthusiast and founder of <a href="https://www.islandeering.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Islandeering</a>, a website dedicated to sharing paddles, swims and walks along the rivers, lakes, canals and coasts of the UK, she&#8217;s a veritable encyclopaedia of top places to make a splash in the city.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-london-isn-t-the-most-obvious-place-for-paddleboarding-what-s-the-appeal"><strong>London isn&#8217;t the most obvious place for paddleboarding, what&#8217;s the appeal</strong>?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/1.-Regents-Canal-Paddington-to-Kings-Cross-17-1024x768.jpg" alt="Paddleboarding in Camden Loch" class="wp-image-11742" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/1.-Regents-Canal-Paddington-to-Kings-Cross-17-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/1.-Regents-Canal-Paddington-to-Kings-Cross-17-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/1.-Regents-Canal-Paddington-to-Kings-Cross-17-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/1.-Regents-Canal-Paddington-to-Kings-Cross-17.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>I have always been intrigued by the blue lines that trace across the map – London’s hidden rivers and unknown tributaries, forgotten stretches of canals, and historic quays – and wanted to explore where they might lead and how they were connected.</p>



<p>Paddleboarding became the perfect way to do that. I discovered a whole different side of the city, peaceful stretches of water, just feet from busy roads, hidden green spaces, and the thrill of slow travel through the heart of the city.&nbsp;I started paddleboarding in London three years ago, when I started to write paddleboarding books, as there were few available detailing routes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-there-more-places-to-paddle-than-people-realise"><strong>Are there more places to paddle than people realise?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/3.-River-Thames-Ham-House-to-Richmond-and-Teddington-3-1024x768.jpg" alt="River thames Ham House " class="wp-image-11743" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/3.-River-Thames-Ham-House-to-Richmond-and-Teddington-3-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/3.-River-Thames-Ham-House-to-Richmond-and-Teddington-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/3.-River-Thames-Ham-House-to-Richmond-and-Teddington-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/3.-River-Thames-Ham-House-to-Richmond-and-Teddington-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Absolutely! I think a lot of people think it’s just the Thames, but London is full of paddleable waterways – canals like Regent’s Canal and the Grand Union, the River Lea, Docklands, the Paddington Basin, along with the best stretches of the Thames like Richmond, Hampton Court, Kew and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-the-health-risks-if-any"><strong>What are the health risks if any?</strong></h2>



<p>The water quality has improved a lot in recent years, that said it is always advisable to take sensible precautions. Avoid paddling for 24 &#8211; 48 hours after heavy rains (<a href="https://theriverstrust.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rivers Trust</a> can tell you if there has been a recent event). On canals check for algal bloom warnings posted along canal towpaths, or with the Canal and River Trust and local paddle groups such as Active360 or Paddleboarding London. Avoid ingesting water where possible, cover cuts, and always wash your hands. This advice isn’t London-specific – it’s the same for paddling in many other places.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-been-your-best-paddleboarding-experience-in-the-capital"><strong>What’s been your best paddleboarding experience in the capital?</strong></h2>



<p>I thought I knew London but when I experienced it from the water at sunrise, sunset, and under a full moon – it completely transformed. It feels more secretive, the reflections in the water painted with surreal colours, nature’s voice is amplified, and the capital feels even more magical.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-the-worst"><strong>And the worst?</strong></h2>



<p>Thinking that paddling through Camden Market on a sunny bank holiday was a good idea. Tour boat soup.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-essential-kit-do-you-need"><strong>What essential kit do you need?</strong></h2>



<p>Paddleboard (inflatable is perfect to carry on the tube), paddle, personal flotation device, a leash, suitable clothing, water shoes or old trainers, drybag for phone, water and snacks!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-can-anyone-do-it"><strong>Can anyone do it?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/4.-River-Lee-Navigation-Tottenham-Hale-to-Hackney-Wick-2-1024x768.jpg" alt="Hackney Wick by Lisa Drewe" class="wp-image-11744" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/4.-River-Lee-Navigation-Tottenham-Hale-to-Hackney-Wick-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/4.-River-Lee-Navigation-Tottenham-Hale-to-Hackney-Wick-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/4.-River-Lee-Navigation-Tottenham-Hale-to-Hackney-Wick-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/4.-River-Lee-Navigation-Tottenham-Hale-to-Hackney-Wick-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>One of the best things about paddleboarding is that it is incredibly accessible. You don’t need to be super fit, super young, or super coordinated – if you can stand (or kneel) you can paddleboard. My recommendation is to take a few lessons first or join a good club to get to know the ropes and the local waterways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-are-there-any-good-clubs-to-join"><strong>Are there any good clubs to join?</strong></h2>



<p>Absolutely.<a href="https://www.paddlerichmond.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Paddle Richmond</a>, <a href="https://active360.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Active360</a>, <a href="https://paddleboardinglondon.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paddleboarding London</a>, The <a href="https://www.dswc.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Docklands Sailing and Watersports Centre</a>, <a href="https://www.islingtonboatclub.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Islington Boat Club</a>, <a href="https://dpbclub.co" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dittons Paddleboarding</a> and many more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lisa-s-top-5-places-to-paddleboard-in-london"><strong>Lisa&#8217;s top 5 places to paddleboard in London</strong></h2>



<p></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-regents-canal-paddington-basin-to-kings-cross"><strong><a href="https://www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-paddington-to-kings-cross/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Regents Canal</a>: Paddington Basin to Kings Cross</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/1.-Regents-Canal-Paddington-to-Kings-Cross-9-1024x683.jpg" alt="Regent Canal paddleboarder" class="wp-image-11735" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/1.-Regents-Canal-Paddington-to-Kings-Cross-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/1.-Regents-Canal-Paddington-to-Kings-Cross-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/1.-Regents-Canal-Paddington-to-Kings-Cross-9-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/1.-Regents-Canal-Paddington-to-Kings-Cross-9.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Paddle 5km from Merchant’s Square to Camden Lock, passing Litle Venice, Regent’s Park, and London Zoo – where you might spot monkeys! Pass the floating Feng Shang Princess before reaching eclectic Camden. Finish at St Pancras Basin, a short walk to Kings Cross. Note: Maida Hill Tunnel and three locks require portages.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limehouse-cut-and-olympic-stadium-loop"><strong><a href="https://www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-limehouse-cut-and-olympic-stadium/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Limehouse Cut</a>: and Olympic Stadium Loop</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/2.-Limehouse-Cut-and-Olympic-Stadium-8-1024x683.jpg" alt="Lisa Drewe paddleboard Limehouse" class="wp-image-11737" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/2.-Limehouse-Cut-and-Olympic-Stadium-8-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/2.-Limehouse-Cut-and-Olympic-Stadium-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/2.-Limehouse-Cut-and-Olympic-Stadium-8-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/2.-Limehouse-Cut-and-Olympic-Stadium-8.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Discover East London’s waterways on this fascinating 10.5km circular route. Launch at Limehouse Basin, then follow Limehouse Cut and Bow Back Rivers around the Olympic Park. Expect regenerated cityscapes, vibrant graffiti, historic sites, and views of the iconic ArcelorMittal. Limehouse DLR is just a 300m walk from the start.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-river-thames-ham-house-to-richmond-and-teddington"><strong><a href="https://www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-richmond-to-teddington/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">River Thames</a>: Ham House to Richmond and Teddington</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/3.-River-Thames-Ham-House-to-Richmond-and-Teddington-7-1024x683.jpg" alt="River Thames by Lisa Drewe " class="wp-image-11738" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/3.-River-Thames-Ham-House-to-Richmond-and-Teddington-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/3.-River-Thames-Ham-House-to-Richmond-and-Teddington-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/3.-River-Thames-Ham-House-to-Richmond-and-Teddington-7-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/3.-River-Thames-Ham-House-to-Richmond-and-Teddington-7.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Explore two scenic paddle routes along the tidal Thames from Ham Street; one downriver to Richmond passing iconic landmarks like the Petersham Meadows and the wooded Glover’s Island, and the other upriver to Teddington Lock, passing Eel Pie Island. There are some great pubs and cafes in either direction.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-river-lea-navigation-tottenham-hale-to-hackney-wick"><strong><a href="https://www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-tottenham-hale-to-hackney-wick/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">River Lea Navigation</a>: Tottenham Hale to Hackney Wick</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/4.-River-Lee-Navigation-Tottenham-Hale-to-Hackney-Wick-9-1024x768.jpg" alt="River Lea by Lisa Drewe" class="wp-image-11739" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/4.-River-Lee-Navigation-Tottenham-Hale-to-Hackney-Wick-9-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/4.-River-Lee-Navigation-Tottenham-Hale-to-Hackney-Wick-9-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/4.-River-Lee-Navigation-Tottenham-Hale-to-Hackney-Wick-9-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/4.-River-Lee-Navigation-Tottenham-Hale-to-Hackney-Wick-9.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Paddle 6.5km from Tottenham to Hackney Wick, where urban grit meets natural beauty. Pass reservoirs, Walthamstow and Hackney Marshes before arriving at Hackney Wick’s vibrant, graffiti-clad warehouses – perfect for post-paddle drinks. Launch 400m from Tottenham Hale Station, with tube and rail links from Central London.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-royal-victoria-dock"><strong><a href="https://www.islandeering.com/paddleboarding-royal-victoria-dock/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Victoria Dock</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/5.-Royal-Victoria-Docks-12-1024x683.jpg" alt="Victoria Dock by Lisa Drewe " class="wp-image-11740" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/5.-Royal-Victoria-Docks-12-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/5.-Royal-Victoria-Docks-12-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/5.-Royal-Victoria-Docks-12-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/5.-Royal-Victoria-Docks-12.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Beach vibes, cable cars, roaring jets and watersports await at Royal Victoria Dock (600m from West Silverton DLR). Once London’s trade hub, now a restored waterfront with historic cranes, iconic buildings, the UK’s only super yacht hotel, and the Oiler Bar – an old Navy refuelling barge turned cool hangout.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="862" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/Paddle-Boarding-south-east-3d-862x1024.jpg" alt="paddle boarding south east England " class="wp-image-11741" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/Paddle-Boarding-south-east-3d-862x1024.jpg 862w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/Paddle-Boarding-south-east-3d-253x300.jpg 253w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/Paddle-Boarding-south-east-3d-768x912.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/Paddle-Boarding-south-east-3d-1294x1536.jpg 1294w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/06/Paddle-Boarding-south-east-3d.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px" /></figure>



<p><em><a href="https://wildthingspublishing.com/product/paddle-boarding-london-south-east-england/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paddleboarding London and South East England: 100 places to SUP, Canoe, and Kayak</a></em> by Lisa Drewe (£18.99, Wild Things Publishing).</p>


What’SUP? The best places to paddleboard in London

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