On the Water

On the Water

Scroll down

Blue Adventures

Whether hiking through smooth glacial carved valleys or relaxing riverside with a picnic, you’ll see how water has shaped the surrounding iconic landscape over thousands of years. The National Parks are a source of high quality drinking water for millions of people and havens for wildlife. They’re also packed with places to learn new skills or to simply be near the water to unwind and feel calmer.

If you want to chill out or make a splash, the lovely lakes, wonderful waterways, picturesque waterfalls and stunning coastlines offer something magical for everyone to enjoy.  Hoist the ropes and set sail. Paddle out for a new perspective. Stroll by the canal. Learn to surf. Picnic by a lake.

Try these ideas to dip your toe into the blue

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)
Discover

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Surrounded by a patchwork of green hills, fields, meadows and hedgerows, Llangorse Lake is a beautiful spot to get out on the water. Launch your own craft from the boat hire centre or sailing club on Llangorse Common on the northwest shore. Hire a dinghy, windsurfer, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, pedalo or rowing boat and get afloat.

Broads
Discover

Broads

Home to more than a quarter of Britain's rarest animals and plants the Broads is a paradise for boaters. Its 125 miles of lock free waterways make it perfect for first time skippers and seasoned navigators. Take the helm and learn to sail, hire a boat or hop on board an electric boat trip. Eight paddle trail maps give kayakers plenty of choice too, from an hours paddle out to a full day excursion.

North York Moors
Discover

North York Moors

The Yorkshire Coast is particularly good for beach breaks - the best type of wave to learn to surf on. It’s becoming a surf mecca. Good beach breaks for beginners are found in Saltburn, either side of the pier and best at high tide, and at Sandsend.  West Cliff beach in Whitby is an ideal place to learn or progress your skills in surfing or SUP.

Northumberland
Discover

Northumberland

With its high, rolling hills and stunning river is the perfect picnic spot to explore the the haugh land (pronounced ‘hoff’) alongside the River Breamish. This area has a significant concentration of prehistoric hillforts built by ancient Britons 2,300 years ago. You can download a trail to help you explore as you walk up to the hillforts and imagine what life was like.

Eryri (Snowdonia)
Discover

Eryri (Snowdonia)

Canolfan Tryweryn - The National Whitewater Centre is situated on the bank of the river Tryweryn near Bala. Adrenaline seekers will love white water rafting, kayaking and canoeing. The Centre caters for visitors of all experience levels with activities for the whole family. Afon Tryweryn is a dam released river from Llyn Celyn reservoir. This means water is often flowing when other British rivers are dry creating a unique year round whitewater venue.

Yorkshire Dales
Discover

Yorkshire Dales

As well as offering an array of watersports, Semerwater Lake high above Bainbridge in Wensleydale also inspires artists and photographers. Painted by JM Turner on one of his tours, the annual spectacular display of thousands of flowering yellow water-lilies in July is captivating. The water-lilies used to be known as 'brandy bottles' because of their shape and smell.

Did you know?

Avon is the Celtic Word for river. The River Avon begins its life in Dartmoor at Avon Head Mires, near Ryder’s Hill the highest part of the southern moor. It flows 25 miles to the coast at Bigbury on Sea.

Did you know?

Seven rivers flow through the Peak District. In the 18th century the rivers provided power for the world’s first factories including cotton mills at Calver, Cressbrook, Litton and Lumford.

National Park Experiences Collection

Get afloat with the National Park Experiences. Hoist the sails and take the helm as you learn to sail a classic boat in the Norfolk Broads. Pick up a paddle and enjoy different countryside views as you explore the waterways of the South Downs. Explore Hickling Broad – the largest of all the Norfolk Broads by kayak on a guided wildlife spotting adventure.

National Park Experiences is a curated collection that brings the stories of our National Parks to life. Each experience offers an authentic insight into the landscape and special qualities of a National Park.

#nationalparksuk

National Parks are stunning. Instagram is a great way to follow us. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.