sea kayaking UK coastal locations

Here are some of our top places to sea kayak around England's coast. From brilliant cliff lines to fascinating historical landmarks, these coastal paddling adventures have it all to offer.

However, before setting out on your adventure you need to make sure you are dressed appropriately for kayaking, have all the right equipment, the weather and conditions are ok and you are skilled enough to cope with the sea.

Best sea kayaking places in England

Whitby

For coastal beauty

On the Yorkshire coast, Whitby is an old fishing town that is synonymous with picturesque coastline and vampires. High up on the east cliff are the ruins of Whitby Abbey, a seventh century monastery that is a well known landmark on the coast. Running through the centre of the town is the River Esk, a tidal river that offered shelter to fishing boats.

Accessing the sea for paddling is easy here. Either paddle down the River Esk into the harbour and out round the harbour walls into the North Sea. Or make use of the two miles worth of beach to launch from the sandy shores.

Once at sea you will be able to take in the fishing town from a whole new perspective. From water level you will be able to look up the steep sided valley and see the brick and stone buildings. Just outside the town, dolphins and seals are often spotted playing in the waves.

Cuckmere Haven

For historic landscapes

Cuckmere Haven is situated in the Seven Sisters Country Park, where the Cuckmere River meets the English Channel. Steeped in smuggling history from the 16th century onwards, the floodplains are home to a meandering river, oxbow lakes, and long stretches of sandy beaches. Along the beach are the famous Seven Sisters cliffs, impressively high white chalk cliff faces. An impressive view as they span for miles.

With only two hamlets within the country park, a rural paddle awaits with just a backdrop of rolling hills and sandy beaches. If you set out paddling during low tide, you may come across the wreck of a German sailing ship from 1890 emerging from the sea.

You can find a paddling route that takes you along the River Cuckmere, out into the sea and along the Seven Sisters. Just be mindful of the tides for paddling back to the car park! There is also a Paddle UK delivery partner based on the river, Buzz Active, where you can hire kit and go on guided tours.

Mersea Island

For a circuitous route

Found in the East of England is the island of Mersea. Accessible by road, the island is mostly green fields, boarded by sandy beaches.

Mersea has been inhabited since pre-Roman times, providing lots of historical landmarks and artefacts. Along the shores you may be able to spot remnants of fishing traps dating back to the seventh century! The history continues to flow through the island, with evidence of Tudor forts, canons, smuggling operations, and WW1 importance.

Being an island covering only seven square miles, a paddling route circling the whole island is very doable… at the right tide. You would need to be reaching the north of the island at high tide to cross the road and continue on. The sands of Monkey Beach and West Mersea Beach make for an ideal launch and landing point for this east coast adventure.

Jurassic coast

For beginner to experienced kayakers

The Jurassic coast stretch of coastline runs for 96 miles between Exmouth in Devon and Studland Bay in Dorset and spans 185 million years of geological history. You will be able to see the fossilised remains of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods where the land was desert, tropical sea, and marshlands. All this is only visible due to coastal erosion across thousands of years. In 2001 it was listed as a World Heritage Site.

Sea kayaking adventure on the the south coast

With its expansive coastline offering countless launch points and diverse paddling routes, this region caters to paddlers of all abilities. Enjoy leisurely paddles or extended adventures, knowing you can easily access the water from numerous towns with dedicated parking and launch spots. After your aquatic escapade, reward yourself with classic fish and chips – the perfect family day out!

Morecambe Bay

For wildlife and breathtaking habitats

Morecambe bay in Lancashire in the North West of England is home to an abundance of bird and marine life. A truly special place to paddle, the bay has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest thanks to being home to rare and special wildlife, with unique habitats.

Five different rivers flow into the bay, making the coastline varied in shape. It's also one of the UK’s biggest intertidal mudflat and sands, which means there are many spots that are popular with kayakers, paddleboarders, and paddlers of all kinds.

Nearly every town along the coastline offers access to the sea water and the base for an adventure. And if the weather isn’t right, use England’s only coastal canal route just off the beach to head out on the sea.

Paddle UK is the national governing body for paddlesports in the UK and is the umbrella organisation for the home nation associations in Scotland (Scottish Canoe Association), Wales (Canoe Wales) and Northern Ireland (Canoe Association Northern Ireland). They are the membership body for England and are responsible for developing the sport within England.

Paddle UK provides support and opportunities for everyone to enjoy and realise their potential within all aspects of canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding regardless of their age, background or ability.

Best sea kayaking places off the coast of England: five locations perfect for coastal paddling adventures