Take to the Water
With miles of rivers, coastline and sandy beaches, Suffolk and Essex are watersport hotspots.
Take to the Water
With miles of rivers, coastline and sandy beaches, Suffolk and Essex are watersport hotspots. Head to calm waters to enjoy a boat ride or wild swim, learn a new skill on a guided watersports session, or visit an aqua park to make a splash during your stay!
Alton Water, Ipswich (30-minute drive)
Make a splash at Alton Water! The reservoir is open year-round and is a great spot for water sports, cross country cycling, nature walks and fishing. Whether you fancy a spot of sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding or windsurfing, there’s a range of watersports on offer to suit all ages and abilities. Pack a picnic or stop by the Watersports Café to refuel after your day on the water.
Orwell Lady River Trips, Ipswich (33-minute drive)
Sail away onboard the Orwell Lady, taking in the wildlife and picturesque views along the River Orwell. Listen to fascinating historical tales as your skipper provides a full commentary during your river trip. Choose from 1, 2.5 and 3.5 hour sightseeing trips, or indulge in an Afternoon Tea or Sunday Lunch Buffet river cruise.
Curve Water Sports, St Osyth (38-minute drive)
A fun day out for all the family! Splash and slide on the Aqua Park, a giant inflatable obstacle course featuring over 30 slides, drops, jumps, balance beams, monkey bars and more. Take a serene paddle in a kayak or paddleboard, or book a wakeboarding lesson or tube ride for an adrenaline rush. If you don’t fancy getting wet, treat yourself to coffee and cake from the Café on the Lake.
River Stour Trust Boat Tours (16-minute drive)
Soak up the beautiful views along the River Stour on a scenic cruise. The River Stour Trust run regular scheduled trips between Sudbury and Great Henny, and either side of Dedham Lock between Stratford St Mary and Brantham. Take in the views of farmland, woodland and riverside meadows, home to over 1500 plant and 175 bird species, as you meander along the river.
Mersea Island Watersports, Colchester (44-minute drive)
Explore the creeks and small islands of the Mersea coastline from the water. You’ll find a variety of activities on offer at Mersea Island Watersports, from kayaking and sailing, to windsurfing and wing foiling. Book a lesson with one of their experienced instructors to hone your skills, or simply hire your kit and hit the water!
Seal Watching, Harwich (42-minute drive)
Head to the Walton backwaters, home to around 250 seals, for a spot of seal watching! Departing from Harwich, hop onboard a 2-hour seal watching boat trip where sightings are guaranteed. You’ll journey through Hamford Water National Nature Reserve (a Site of Special Scientific Interest), where in addition to seals, you’ll also be able to spot a variety of birds.
Rowing Boat Hire, Dedham (16-minute drive)
Enjoy a leisurely journey along the River Stour in a wooden rowing boat, a fantastic way to take in the sights of the Dedham Vale AONB. Set off from The Kitchen @ Dedham and head towards neighbouring Flatford – approximately a 25-minute jaunt away. Boats are available to hire from the Boathouse from March to October, with no advanced booking required.
Wild Swimming in the River Stour (16-20-minute drive)
Fancy a dip? The River Stour offers some great wild swimming spots, so you can swim amongst the wildlife and take in the beautiful scenery. Dedham and Flatford are popular choices, with areas of small gravelly beach for easy access into the river. Be careful of rowing boats and small crafts on the river if swimming at busy times. Recommended for competent swimmers.
Constable Park Watersport Centre (21-minute drive)
Take to the water at Constable Park, Brantham and enjoy the wildlife and scenery along the River Stour from a kayak or paddleboard. Advanced booking isn’t required to hire a craft, but you could book onto one of their guided trips which run throughout the summer if you’d like to pick up some tips! After your paddle, pull up a deckchair and savour an ice cream at the Coffee House.
Paddleboarding, Sudbury (20-minute drive)
Enjoy a paddle ‘n’ pub trip with a visit to the Henny Swan in Sudbury. Paddleboards are available to hire for unsupervised or guided sessions from The Paddle Company, or enjoy a scenic cruise along the River Stour between Sudbury and Great Henny onboard a River Stour Trust boat trip. Once you’re back on dry land, stop for a bite to eat or relax with a drink in the riverside garden.
Mersea Boating Lake (42-minute drive)
Adventure awaits at Mersea Boating Lake! This man-made saltwater lake is only 1.5m deep, so it’s a great place to build confidence on the water. There’s an activity on offer to suit everyone, including kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, rowing boats, an Aqua Park, dinghies, pond dipping, model boats and open water swimming sessions!
