Where Can I Go Canoeing in Suffolk?

Suffolk has some stunning rivers for you to explore, so if you are thinking of going Canoeing Suffolk, then check out these suggestions for places that offer canoe hire, some are per hour, others for a full day or a half day.

Best Places To Go Canoeing Suffolk

Iken Canoe

Iken Cliff, Aldeburgh IP12 2EN

Iken Canoes offers Canadian canoe hire near the Alde estuary, which is situated just a few miles from the coastal town of Aldeburgh and is accessible via the river.

All of our boats are suitable for a wide variety of skill levels and are equipped with various equipment such as dry bags, buoyancy aids, and paddles.

In addition to a safety briefing, Iken will also provide you with a map and suggestions as to what to explore along the river.

When hiring the Canadian canoes, they are available for 2 or 3 people (4 is possible with two small children and 2 adults).

Captain Cook Canoes

 Low Rd, Harleston IP20 0HJ

At Captain Cook Canoes you can a gentle introduction to river canoeing with the spectacular Canadian “Old Town” Canoe.

More difficult to manoeuvre however this is perfect for a small family e.g. two adults & two small children, to go out on a river trip together and explore the sweet waters of the River Waveney surrounding Wortwell Mill.

Alternatively, you can fit up to 3 adults in a Canadian Canoe – weight limit combined = 363kg .

There are two Canadian canoes available to hire at Captain Cooks.

Stour Valley Adventure Centre

42 Cross St, Sudbury CO10 2DL

At Stour Valley Adventure Centre you have the opportunity to hire canoes to explore the Stour River which is a tranquil waterway that offers beautiful views of the English countryside.

It’s a great way for couples, families, and friends to explore the region’s diverse landscapes.

Take a break from the busy world and enjoy the freedom of paddling on the stable canoes available.

Large stable boats, such as canoes, are ideal for two adults and up to two children under ten.

Half day hire allows you to explore the upper sections of the Stour and take in the beautiful countryside around Sudbury.

Paddling upriver offers you panoramic views of the river and the water meadows.

TheCanoeMan Beccles

Lido, Puddingmoor, Beccles NR34 9PL

The market town of Beccles is situated on the banks of the River Waveney, near to the Norfolk/Suffolk border, and this is where you can find TheCanoeMan. 

The CanoeMan Beccles is located just a few steps away from the town and offers a unique opportunity for both a morning or afternoon fun on the water.

The quiet section of the river below The Locks pub is a must-visit area for anyone who enjoys the tranquil environment of the River Waveney.

Canoes in all different styles and sizes are available to hire, ensuring there is something to suit everyone.

Paddlesports Coaching

76 Head Ln, Great Cornard, Sudbury CO10 0JS

Paddlesports Coaching was formed by Jon Halden with a simple goal. To provide a fun, safe and supportive environment for people to learn how to Kayak, Canoe and Paddleboard.

The award-winning centre is proud to be a British Canoeing Delivery Partner and Award Provider.

Jon is pleased to be a British Canoeing Coach and continues to ensure his professional training is up to date and is qualified and insured for the activities undertaken.

Beginners as well as more experienced canoers are welcome.

For those who want to take their canoeing a little more seriously and achieve some qualifications then this is the place for you.

Three Rivers

Station Rd, Geldeston, Beccles NR34 0HS

At Three Rivers you can have fun on the water whilst hiring canoes! You can choose from either a two-, three- or four-seater Canadian canoe, depending on your needs. Canadian Canoes are paddled with a single sided paddle.

It is possible that they rock and sometimes tip if you lose central balance. 

Three Rivers enjoys a peaceful location and, this area is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends where you can relax and reconnect with nature.

There is the option of camping here too so why not pack up the car and enjoy a lazy weekend on the riverbank with all your favourite humans…and don’t forget the dog!

Thorpeness Meare

 The Meare, Thorpeness, Leiston IP16 4NW

Thorpeness Meare is a fantastic unique boating lake in Suffolk. The lake with its islands and surrounds covers some sixty acres and has over forty acres of water.

Never more than 3 feet deep the Meare is the ideal place for children of all ages to explore and have their own adventures.

It is also the perfect place to learn a paddle sport like canoeing. 

A wide range of boats are available including dinghys which are suitable for one to two people, larger rowing boats, punts, sailing boats, canoes which are great for two people, and kayaks, which are suitable for one person.

Alton Water Sports Centre

Holbrook Rd, Stutton, Ipswich IP9 2RY

Located within the stunning countryside of Suffolk, Alton Water Sports Centre and Park extends across an impressive 400 acres and is the perfect place to enjoy some quality outdoor time with friends and family. 

If you are out for a leisurely stroll, then you are sure to benefit from the many walking trails and nature walks at Alton Water, for more adrenaline-filled action, there is the eight-mile cross country cycling track or a range of water sports on offer.

Speaking of water sports you can hire canoes amongst other things here. There is also the opportunity for canoe tuition for those who are interested in improving their paddle!

In fact, whatever your age, ability or the weather at Alton Water Sports they  have everything you need to get you out on the water.

Looking for more Canoeing options in nearby counties, check out Canoeing in Norfolk and Canoeing in Essex