While anyone can go on a walking tour of London or get on a sightseeing bus, it takes some imagination to get into a kayak and enjoy the capital of the UK from the water. But we assure you that it’s worth the effort! Although located inland, London has always been a maritime city. That’s thanks to the River Thames, England’s greatest river, which flows through the heart of the nation’s capital on its journey to the North Sea.

It’s not just the Thames that makes this a fantastic place for kayaking. A network of smaller rivers and canals crisscross the city, passing through less well-known neighbourhoods and districts. Finally there are lakes, reservoirs and pools - hidden pockets of tranquillity in the bustling urban environment. Some of the places are more suited for relaxing paddling than sightseeing, some of them are great for learning to use a kayak and others are perfect for discovering the hidden faces of London. Whichever you’d like to do, you’ll find our tips and tricks below.

Where are the best places to go kayaking in London?

A lot of the best kayaking experiences in London take place on the Thames. We’re going to follow the current, from Hampton Court Palace to Greenwich, before moving onto other rivers, canals and bodies of water in the metropolis.

• Kingston upon Thames: This southwest London borough was the crowning place of Saxon kings and the royal legacy continues to this day. One of the most popular kayaking experiences in the area is a tour upriver to Hampton Court Palace, the favoured residence of King Henry VIII and the Tudor Court.

• Richmond: The stretch of the Thames that winds through Richmond is one its most beautiful. It’s characterised by tree-lined banks, pub gardens at the water’s edge and numerous islands. These include Eel Pie Island, site of a famous jazz club in 1960s swinging London and Swan Island (also known as Cinema Island) and you can explore them from the river by kayak. Or simply let the current carry you past Kew Gardens to Kew Bridge - but remember that you’ll have to paddle back!

• Chelsea: It’s no surprise that one of the most fashionable neighbourhoods in London hosts one of the most popular watersports around. Children’s kayaking sessions take place several times a week at Cremorne Gardens, on the opposite side of the river from Battersea Park.

• Westminster: Tensions can run high in Westminster. We believe that a lot of progress would be made if the politicians went kayaking on the River Thames together! The local launch site is in the charming neighbourhood of Pimlico, just around the riverbend from the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.

• Shadwell Basin: We move to East London now. Shadwell Basin is a relatively modern addition to the north bank of the Thames with historical roots. It’s a residential and leisure complex built on the site of an old dock. If you want to see Tower Bridge from the river, this is the best starting point.

• Limehouse: Not far away is another regenerated area of the docklands, Limehouse. As well as trips along the Thames, there’s a tour that starts here and leads up London’s oldest canal to Hackney Wick.

• Docklands: The Docklands around Canary Wharf are a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Georgian public buildings and warehouses sit in the shadows of skyscrapers fashioned from steel and glass. Water is everywhere, from the Thames that cradles the area in one of its meanders, to canals and pools throughout the area.

• Greenwich: Once upon a time, Greenwich was a village a few miles downstream from London proper, and it still retains its unique identity. You can discover it by kayak, paddling past the O2 Arena and the National Maritime Museum and enjoying views of the hill top observatory in one direction and the London skyline in the other.

• Brentford Lock: The Thames isn’t the only river that flows through the capital. The River Brent runs southeast through leafy suburbs and open parkland to meet the Thames near Richmond. Relatively unknown to people who don’t live in the area, it’s a fantastic place to take a tranquil paddle.

• Paddington Basin: This area of the West End, between Hyde Park and Regent’s Park, includes a district called Little Venice. It owes the name to the network of canals that are found here. Canal boats and moorings line the banks while quaint footbridges span the waterways.

• Camden Lock: The Regent’s Canal traverses Paddington Basin before reaching Camden Town. This area is known for its quirky character, best seen in the famous market, so why not swap your habitual mode of transport for a kayak?

• River Lea: Another of London’s less famous but truly beautiful rivers is the Lea. It rises in Hertfordshire and flows almost directly south through Tottenham, Walthamstow and Hackney. The Lea Valley is a broad avenue of green in the metropolis where numerous channels and reservoirs provide habitats for wildlife and drinking water for the city.

• Wimbledon Park: Finally, there’s SW19 - Wimbledon. We associate this district with tennis at the All-England Club but just across the road is Wimbledon Park. Kayaking on the heart-shaped lake is a guaranteed grand slam!

Options for organising this experience

With so much on offer, you can enjoy kayaking on your terms in this great city. For first-timers, we recommend a class or lesson. Usually taking place on stretches of calm water, they’re a fantastic way to get the hang of paddling with the help of an experienced instructor. A lesson could last anywhere from one hour to half a day, while longer training courses are also available in many locations.

Kayaking tours of a couple of hours or the best part of a day are fantastic too. You can see the best that London has to offer while enjoying the sensation of kayaking across the water’s surface. You can choose between tours led by knowledgeable guides, or self-guided tours where you follow a suggested itinerary at your own pace.

Of course, kayak hire is also an option. You can rent kayaking equipment in many of the locations mentioned above and go where the current takes you. Single and double kayaks can be found in London. The double versions are particularly good for parents with young children.

Specific kayaking sessions for young people are also common in London. These are a great way for children and teenagers to get some exercise in the open air - something that residents of London can’t always take for granted!

Necessary requirements to do a tour

The best part about kayaking is that you don't need any prior experience, and it's a great activity to enjoy with others. As we said, depending on how much paddling you want to do, the kayaks can be two-seater or single-seater. Before you begin, the teachers will demonstrate how to do it so that you do not experience any difficulties.

What can we do to help you organise your kayaking activity? Make your reservation now!