Kayaking and Canoeing in South East London

Kayaks are an ideal rapid deployment water search craft, which can be used in any waterway, but are especially useful in shallow, narrow, environmentally sensitive or difficult to access waters. Living in a bustling city like London, kayaking you might seem like a far off, wilderness dream but there are actually tonnes of great places to go kayaking in London and just outside the city too.

Built on the Thames, water is at the heart of the UK’s capital and there’s plenty of fun to be had on London’s most iconic river both in and out of the city. You can also find some great UK kayaking spots within easy reach of the city, from whitewater fun parks to chilled river and city tours, there’s a great variety of kayaking right on your doorstep.

The UK's rivers and lakes provide great kayak opportunities for both recreational and competitive paddlers. Before you set off on your trip, please contact The British Canoe Union which has an Access Officer in each region who can advise you about local canoeing waters. If you have some experience and own a kayak, you can explore the waterways without any instruction, but it is best to start on calm rivers or canals and work up gradually to rougher waters or coastal waters.