Kayaking in Somerset: Places, Hire & Access

For kayaking in Somerset, start by comparing the River Brue, the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, Langport on the River Parrett and managed sessions at Wimbleball Lake. Cheddar offers club paddling and visitor sessions, while Porlock Bay is an option to explore with a sea-kayaking guide. The right choice depends on your experience, the conditions and whether you need to hire equipment.

Written by Mark. Access and operator information checked: 6 October 2026. Originally published on 3 October 2020. Booking details can change, so follow the linked operator guidance before travelling.

Where should you start?

New to kayaking? Compare a managed session at Wimbleball, a Cheddar taster or a guided trip near Taunton.
Want countryside and hire equipment? Look at Wall Eden Adventure on the River Brue.
Bringing your own kayak? Research the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal or Langport’s river access, including licensing and current conditions.
Prefer a coastal outing? Ask about a guided Porlock Bay trip. The tidal coast needs a different level of planning from sheltered inland water.

Jump to: Rivers · Canal routes · Lakes · Bath · The coast · Paddleboarding · Trip planning and maps · FAQs

Somerset has many fantastic and enjoyable Kayaking opportunities albeit probably lesser known than the nearby counties of Devon (Kayaking in Exeter for example) and Cornwall (see Kayaking in Cornwall), but quality paddling options are still certainly available.

From tackling the tough tidal currents of the Severn Estuary and the Bristol Channel to the tranquillity of kayaking on some of the lesser known rivers such as the River Tone and the River Brue, Somerset has much to offer the enthusiastic paddler.

Kayaking in Somerset whether it be on one of the many rivers or on the sea offers you a distinct opportunity to view the county from a completely different vantage point.

Here we’ve outlined some of our top picks for Kayaking Somerset including details on where to hire kayaks and source kayak experiences in Somerset (if you don’t have your own).

We also include some maps, routes and info links all of which should ensure you have a well organised and enjoyable kayaking experience in Somerset county.

As always, when planning an excursion to kayak anywhere in the UK, please check the waterways licence requirements and any launch fees or permissions for your chosen spot.

Where can you kayak on Somerset’s rivers?

With rivers criss-crossing Somerset, finding some river paddling options shouldn’t present a problem. Some are little more than tiny streams, but here we list our top picks for river kayaking in the cider county.

River Brue: countryside paddling near East Huntspill

River bordered by yellow wildflowers beneath a cloudy blue sky

The River Brue offers plenty of enjoyment in terms of wildlife, history and scenery. If you’re new to kayaking, the folks at Wall Eden Adventure near East Huntspill can help you plan a suitable outing.

You can physically feel the history as you slowly paddle past some of the Second World War pillboxes dotted along the banks of the Brue. Wall Eden’s route information describes these reminders of the defensive GHQ Line alongside the river’s wildlife.

The river upstream of Glastonbury can present challenges in terms of weirs, water depth and blockages such as weed and reeds. Check the stretch you have in mind locally so you can make the most of your paddle.

Keep an eye out for herons, kingfishers and perhaps even an otter! Watching quietly from the water is one of the joys of paddling here.

Kayak hire with Wall Eden Adventure

The folks at Wall Eden Adventure, just outside East Huntspill, are a good place to start for River Brue kayak hire. Their published season runs April–September, with advance booking and at least two paddlers launching together. Kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid and dry bag are included; check the booking page for swimming requirements and availability.

River Tone: kayaking around Taunton

The River Tone is around 21 miles in length and its watery heritage boasts a farming and industrial past.

The River Tone flows easterly through Taunton to its eventual arrival at the River Parrett near Burrowbridge, taking in sprawling countryside and farmland along the way.

COACH at French Weir Park is a useful local point of contact beside the Tone. Confirm current paddling sessions and access arrangements in advance, and keep clear of weirs and other water-control structures.

The river’s farming and industrial past gives a different perspective on Taunton and its surrounding countryside. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the banks too — an otter sighting is always a positive on any of the UK’s waterways!

Guided kayaking and local information near Taunton

For a paddling outing near Taunton, the team at Somerset Adventures offers kayaking sessions and guided trips. Have a chat about the right outing for your group and where you’ll meet.

River Parrett and River Yeo: start your planning at Langport

The River Yeo joins the River Parrett near Langport in South Somerset. Its quieter stretches can be a very enjoyable place to whittle away a day, though water levels, reeds and other vegetation affect how far you can paddle. Check your intended stretch locally before setting off.

If you’d like to explore the Parrett as well, Langport’s local kayaking information identifies the slipway at Huish Bridge and riverside pontoons. Check river levels and bridge clearance when planning; a trip farther downstream onto the tidal river needs separate planning.

Kayak hire and launch information in Langport

Langport’s visitor information confirms options for kayak, canoe and paddleboard hire. Check the current provider, launch location and permitted route before booking. The Inland Waterways Association’s River Parrett guide is useful background for understanding the non-tidal navigation and its tributaries.

Well known canoe paddler Andy Ballard has documented traversing some of the River Yeo in this awesome short clip from Forest Films. Whilst Andy is obviously in a canoe and not a kayak you can get a real sense of this northern part of the River Yeo to its confluence and beyond.

East Lyn: an Exmoor white-water option for specialists

The East Lyn River is definitely NOT for the faint hearted and one of the best waterways to provide challenging white water grades. The river itself rises in Somerset in the Exmoor but actually meets the ocean at Lynmouth which is just over the border in Devon.

One of Britain’s exciting white-water rivers, this is definitely a waterway for advanced paddlers. Water levels and obstructions shape the trip, so get current local river information and choose conditions that suit your white-water experience.

Where to develop white-water skills

If you’re gutsy enough to tackle white water, you’ll want the skills to enjoy it properly! The folks at Somerset Adventures offer kayaking and white-water courses — a useful starting point if you’d like to build your confidence.

Check out the challenging drops on the East Lyn River as captured by Hugh Graham below!

Can you kayak on the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal?

Much of Somerset’s canal network now lies derelict, but there is still plenty of paddling enjoyment to be found on the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal.

A rural canal paddle from Maunsel Lock

At 14.5 miles long, the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal passes through Somerset’s lowland countryside. Much of the route is rural, with wildlife and canal heritage to enjoy at a relaxed pace.

Maunsel Lock is also the centre of the Somerset Space Walk, with its model of the sun and planets along the towpath. It is a useful landmark when planning a paddle or combining time on the water with a walk.

The canal has seven locks. Plan to carry your kayak around locks using permitted access; do not paddle into an operating lock. The Canal & River Trust’s Maunsel Lock to Creech St Michael trail describes an eight-mile return outing from Maunsel Lock, TA7 0DH. Choose a shorter turnaround if that better suits your group, and check current notices and licensing first.

Kayak hire at Somerset Boat Centre

The friendly people at Somerset Boat Centre — almost smack bang in the middle of the canal at North Newton — are a useful contact for a canal outing. Give them a shout about current kayak and canoe availability before you visit.

Orange touring kayak and paddle resting on a pebbly bank

Which Somerset lakes allow kayaking?

Here is our take on two of Somerset’s lakes for kayaking. Wimbleball and Cheddar each have their own arrangements for hiring or bringing a boat, so we’ve included those details below.

Wimbleball Lake: hire, lessons and self-launching

Somerset’s Wimbleball Lake on the south-eastern fringe of Exmoor National Park offers an attractive setting for a first kayaking session. South West Lakes runs the activity centre, with equipment hire and instructor-led activities; check its current programme for a session suited to your experience.

South West Lakes’ published self-launch fee is £16 for one permit, including parking, checked on 6 October 2026. Third-party insurance and an online disclaimer are required, and inflatable craft must be checked by staff before launching. Confirm the current price and conditions when booking.

There is plenty of water to enjoy at Wimbleball. Check the operating area and rescue-cover times with the activity centre; paddling beyond that cover or area needs to be agreed with staff and uses their buddy system.

Wimbleball is not just for kayakers: with its café, walks and other activities, this Somerset lake makes a lovely family day out. Have a look at the activity centre’s current programme to see what else takes your fancy.

Booking a kayak at Wimbleball

Anything to do with hiring of kayaks or the launching of kayaks is administered by South West Lakes via the activity centre and it’s best to pre-book everything just to be sure you don’t miss out.

Cheddar Reservoir: club access and visitor sessions

Paddlers have been able to kayak at Cheddar Reservoir since 2017, although there is a catch! To bring your own kayak under the club arrangements, you need paid membership of Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club. The club is run by members for members; visitor sessions are another option below.

Again, much like Wimbleball, this piece of paddling water is better suited to families as with its proximity to the town of Cheddar the entire area is a bit of a tourist magnet truth be told.

Nevertheless, there is plenty to see in terms of wildlife when kayaking around Cheddar Reservoir, with an abundance of bird life on and above the water. Wash your craft before launching, and follow the club’s buddy arrangements when safety cover is unavailable.

Can visitors try kayaking at Cheddar?

Cheddar Watersports advertises kayak and SUP sessions for visitors as well as members. Ask which sessions are running and whether equipment is included. A booked taster session and permission to self-launch your own kayak are different arrangements.

What about kayaking in Bath?

Kayaking in this area is actually a topic that requires a full article of its own.

Luckily for you guys, we’ve now written that article: our guide to kayaking in Bath, so please do check it out as well. Have a read and find out in depth about kayaking Bath. It’s a great spot for a paddle, by the way!

Where can you go sea kayaking in Somerset?

Two green sit-on-top kayaks on a pebble beach below cliffs

As the coastline of Somerset runs along the Bristol Channel it has an impressive tidal range so kayaking on the sea should not be attempted alone as the water can be incredibly dangerous at the wrong time of day especially for beginners. Safety 101 dictates that you should have definitely checked out and had a thorough understanding of the tides and weather conditions before you attempt sea kayaking in Somerset.

The RNLI has some of the best information available for ensuring you prepare adequately for any paddling excursion on the sea so check out their Kayaking and Canoeing Page now.

Sailing boats moored in a narrow harbour beside a shingle beach

Porlock Weir: a guided view of the Exmoor coast

The small settlement of Porlock Weir is a great starting point from which to explore the sea in north Somerset.

The dramatic coastline of the Exmoor National Park is a fantastic paddling backdrop, with much of this coastline inaccessible on foot. Sea kayaking can open up a whole world of brilliant paddling options, with some amazing views that few people ever get to see: cliffs, hidden bays and more!

The developing saltmarsh in Porlock Bay is home to many different bird species — another lovely part of a paddle here. Give them space as you enjoy the view.

Guided kayaking with Exmoor Adventures

The awesome team at Exmoor Adventures offers guided kayaking around Porlock Bay, as well as paddleboarding. Have a chat about a trip to suit your group’s experience and enjoy seeing this coastline from the water.

Small boats moored beside a stone harbour wall — Minehead Harbour on Somerset’s coast; pictured separately from the Burnham-on-Sea location below.

Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater Bay

Burnham-on-Sea stands at the mouth of the River Parrett, where the estuary meets Bridgwater Bay and the Bristol Channel. It is a distinctive stretch of Somerset’s coast, with its beach and historic pier.

Several small rivers flow into Bridgwater Bay, home to the Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve and its extensive intertidal habitats.

The RNLI’s Burnham-on-Sea guidance warns of strong currents and shifting deep mud, and lists the beach as permanently red flagged. So again folks, research the tides and seek current local launch advice before planning a paddle here.

Red and yellow sit-on-top kayaks resting on sand

Can you go paddleboarding in Somerset too?

Yes. Wall Eden Adventure on the Brue, South West Lakes at Wimbleball and Cheddar Watersports advertise paddleboarding alongside other paddlesports. Exmoor Adventures also offers SUP activities at Porlock Bay. Choose a session that matches your experience and ask the provider about equipment and conditions.

How to plan your Somerset kayaking trip

Choose your session or route first. Ask about age limits, swimming ability, supervision and whether equipment is included.
Confirm permission and cover. Check the waterway’s rules, any launch fee and insurance requirements. Our UK kayak licence guide explains the distinction between a licence and permission to launch.
Check conditions before leaving. Look at weather, river levels, closures and, for coastal paddles, tide times. Choose a day when the conditions suit your group.
Plan the return. Account for wind, current, daylight and your group’s pace. Leave time to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Bring suitable kit. Wear an appropriate buoyancy aid and clothing for the conditions, carry accessible communication, and take spare dry clothing. Follow the operator’s briefing and clean your equipment between waterways.

Find the centres and route information

These map links will help you find the activity centres and local landmarks. Confirm your meeting point and parking with the operator, and use the official Maunsel trail linked above for the canal route.

More paddling ideas in the South West

If you are planning a longer trip, explore our Exeter kayaking guide and Cornwall kayaking guide alongside the Bath guide above. There’s plenty more paddling to enjoy in the South West!

Choosing your Somerset paddle

There are, of course, many more places to Kayak in Somerset than these few destinations we’ve listed in our blog.

Perhaps you have some insights into decent kayaking options around Bath or Glastonbury, or a favourite Somerset kayaking destination of your own — we’d love to hear from you.

Happy paddling everyone!

About the author: I’m Mark, enthusiastic paddler and owner of Kayak Mad! Read more about me and Kayak Mad.

Kayaking in Somerset: your questions answered

Where is a good place for beginners to kayak in Somerset?

Wimbleball Lake, Cheddar Watersports and kayaking providers near Taunton offer sessions worth exploring for a first paddle. Ask about an instructor-led or managed session that suits your age group and experience.

Where can I hire a kayak in Somerset?

Wall Eden Adventure advertises kayak hire on the River Brue, and South West Lakes offers equipment hire at Wimbleball. Somerset Boat Centre is another contact for canal outings. Confirm availability and booking requirements directly; guided trips and taster sessions are alternatives to independent hire.

Can I kayak with Wall Eden Adventure on the River Brue?

Yes. Wall Eden Adventure at East Huntspill advertises seasonal kayak hire from April to September. Advance booking is required, and the operator requires a minimum of two paddlers to launch together. Check its current swimming, equipment and booking conditions before reserving.

Do I need a licence to kayak in Somerset?

It depends on the waterway. The Bridgwater & Taunton Canal falls under Canal & River Trust licensing rules. Lakes and private launch points may have separate permits, membership or fees. Check the exact location rather than assuming one licence covers every Somerset paddle.

Can I take my own kayak to Wimbleball Lake?

South West Lakes allows self-launching under its conditions. Its published fee is £16 for one permit including parking, checked on 6 October 2026. Third-party insurance and an online disclaimer are required; inflatable craft must be checked by staff. Confirm operating areas and current conditions before launching.

Can non-members kayak at Cheddar Reservoir?

Cheddar Watersports advertises kayak and SUP sessions for visitors as well as members. Bringing your own craft under club access arrangements is different from attending a booked session. Contact Bristol Corinthian Yacht Club to confirm the appropriate option and fees; membership is not free.

Where can I go paddleboarding in Somerset?

Wall Eden Adventure, Wimbleball Lake and Cheddar Watersports advertise paddleboarding options. Exmoor Adventures offers SUP activities at Porlock Bay. Ask about instruction, age requirements and conditions, especially for coastal sessions.

Is the Somerset coast suitable for a first independent kayak trip?

The Bristol Channel coast has tides, currents and landing hazards that require careful planning. For a first outing, choose a managed inland session or speak to a local provider about a guided coastal trip. Burnham-on-Sea’s currents and shifting mud make it a poor casual beginner choice.