Family Fun on the Water!
Looking for something a bit different to do with the kids this summer? Hire a canoe, kayak or paddle board and explore some beautiful, sheltered stretches of water. Guaranteed fun for all the family and you'll see some fantastic wildlife too!
Published: 17th June 2020
SOUTHWATER WATERSPORTS
What's for hire?
* Single sit on top kayak – age 8+*
* Double sit on top kayak – these can be for families with children under 8 years old
* Stand up paddle board – age 8+*
* Open canoe hire - hired to families with children under 8 years old
What else can I do there?
Click here to find out more about Southwater Country Park. Take a leisurely lakeside walk. Grab a takeaway snack from the café.
Southwater Country Park, Nr. Horsham, West Sussex
When? Weekends in June and all week in July and August (weather dependent)
How to book: Online booking
ARDINGLY ACTIVITY CENTRE
What's for hire?
* Double sit on top kayak - for adult + young person aged under 9 years
* Single kayak - for children aged 9 years and above
* Stand Up Paddle Board - for children aged 9 years and above
All hirers under 16 years of age must be accompanied afloat by a responsible adult and be under their direct supervision at all times.
What else can I do there?
Discover the Kingfisher Trail – a lovely gentle walk, suitable for the whole family, with spectacular views across the water. Click here for a route map and guide. NB: Toilets and cafe remain closed at this time, but there is a lovely green space to enjoy a picnic!
Ardingly Reservoir, Nr. Haywards Heath, West Sussex
When? Daily
How to book: Bookings must be made by phone before arrival. Click here for further information.
THE KAYAK COACH (TKC)
What's for hire?
* Sit on top kayak
* Tandem sit on top kayak – there is a half size centre seat that allows a child to sit in the middle between two adults
* Stand up paddle board
* 2 person Canadian Open Canoe – with loads of space for a picnic or even a dog!
When? Tues-Saturday through to September
What's nearby?
Just a 10-minute drive from the village of Bramber, discover the ruins of Bramber Castle (a great picnic spot) or go for a peaceful walk along the banks of the River Adur on the access for all path (suitable for pushchairs).
River Adur, Nr. Steyning, West Sussex
How to book: Book online
FLUID ADVENTURES
What's nearby?
Pulborough: Discover the Pulborough WildArt Trail. Prepare to be mesmerized(!) as you are guided by the friendly Pulborough Giant (a 3D augmented reality character) on a unique walk.
Chichester Harbour: Discover wonderful Chichester Marina – one of the largest in the country on this varied walking and cycling route that is suitable for the whole family.
What's for hire?
* Single kayak
* Double kayak
* Open canoe* Pulborough only
When?
Pulborough: Daily through to 27th September
Chichester Harbour: Mon-Fri only (to end August) then 7-days/week during September.
River Arun, Pulborough, West Sussex & Chichester Harbour, Chichester, West Sussex
How to book: Online booking Pulborough and Chichester
TILGATE PARK WATERSPORTS
What's for hire?
* Family (rowing) boats – 2-4 person or 5-6 person
* Canoes (2 or 3 person)
* Double sit on top kayaks
* Single sit on top kayaks
* Stand up paddle boards
What else can I do there?
Explore huge Tilgate park, with its woodland and lakeside trails and walled garden. Click here for further information - please note the Nature Centre is not currently open.
Tilgate Park, Crawley, West Sussex
When? Fri-Sun during June and daily during July & August.
BODIUM BOATING STATION
Northiam, North of Rye, East Sussex
What's for hire?
* Row Boat – 4 people max. Suitable for all ages (except babies <10kg)
* Kayak - children who are co-ordinated can usually handle their own kayak at around 7yrs. Smaller children can sit between the paddler's legs. Suitable for all ages (except babies <10kg).
* Tandem - maximum 2 adults either end & small child <7yrs in the middle
* Stand up paddle board - maximum 1 person & child <5yrs. Suitable from around 7yrs to adult for solo paddling
* Canadian Canoe - 4 people max. Suitable for all ages (except babies <10kg)
What else can I do there? Enjoy a lovely takeaway lunch from the on-site Lime Wharf Café to enjoy in the field.
When? Daily
How to book: By phone. Click here for further information.
If you would like your family water-based activity venue to be added to the list, please get in touch:
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