Best Places to Paddleboard in Staffordshire

Stand up paddleboarding has increased in popularity over the last few years and it is easy to see why. It is a peaceful way to spend time on the water, and a paddleboard is easy to transport, inflate, and put away. In addition, a paddleboard is pretty stable so you have a high chance of staying dry …. that is not a promise though! We love to spend time exploring the UK, and we love nothing more than a weekend at hime. There are some pretty epic family days out in Staffordshire. But when the weather is nice, you just want to get outside… so where are the best places to paddleboard in Staffordshire? Well… we have been searching for some of the best locations to paddleboard in Staffordshire (and nearby). Read on for our best places to take a SUP.

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Paddleboarding in Staffordshire

Okay so the nearest beach is around an hour away from Staffordshire. But the sea is not always the easiest place to paddleboard, especially if you are paddleboarding with kids. We often jump in our converted campervan and head off to a family campsite in the UK, and there are some epic campsites with direct access to water for swimming or paddleboarding.

If you live in and around Staffordshire then there are still plenty of things to do and see and places you can get outside and enjoy a wild swim,. But if you have been specifically searching for paddleboarding near me….. then look no further. We have the best Staffordshire paddleboarding locations covered.

Paddleboarding in Staffordshire

Do you need a license to paddleboard?

Stand up paddleboarding is a fun activity you can enjoy on canals, rivers, lakes and oceans. It’s a great full-body workout and an excellent way to spend a few hours outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the waters. You will need a licence (Waterways license) if you plan to paddle on some waterways in England and Wales. The licence costs £47 for the year when you purchase through Paddle UK 

Best locations to paddleboard in Staffordshire

We have a portofino SUP (available to purchase here). and an EZ Shopper paddleboard for the kids. We also have an inflatable kayak which is great for our travels. So without further ado here our a few places to take a paddleboard in and around Staffordshire.

Pillaton Hall Farm, self launch paddleboarding

Pillaton Hall Farm, Pillaton, Penkridge, Staffordshire ST19 5RZ

Pillaton Farm offers self launch sessions and provides an opportunity to use your own paddleboard, or inflatable kayak in the activity pool. You can also camp here (Click here for the Best Campsites in Staffordshire.

You must have your own individual paddleboarding equipment and you must have a buoyancy aid.

These sessions are supervised by a lifeguard and water safety team and are available from May 2024 to September 2024. .

Children aged 8 years plus can participate but must be accompanied by an adult in the water.

For prices and to book head over to Pillaton Farm website

Whitmore lakes

Whitmore Lakes, Three Mile Lane, Whitmore, ST5 5HW

Whitmore Lakes is based in Whitmore in Newcastle – u – Lyme, Staffordshire and is one of our favourite locations for outdoor swimming. Grebe Lake features a 200-meter canal leading to a 1.5-acre lake with a depth of 6-8 feet. It has a designated entry/exit point and two emergency exits. Parking is free. There is also an option to hire a SUP too (inclusive of life jacket).

Whitmore lakes is a great location for wild swimming in Staffordshire and there is a training lake for your wild swimming in a beautiful unspoilt natural surroundings. There is also a sauna that is now open too and the gorgeous cake shack for you to grab a bite to eat and a drink.

For more information and to book

Rudyard Lake, Staffordshire -self launch paddleboarding

Rudyard Lake, Off Lake Road, Rudyard, ST13 8XB

Rudyard Lake covers some 168 acres and is over 2.5 miles long. It is owned by the Canal & River Trust and the commercial leisure activities are managed by Rudyard Lake Ltd. There is so much to see and do at Rudyard Lake, including sailing, boat hire, fishing, cycling and a steam train.

There are a number of places around the lake where you can grab a bite to eat or you can pack a picnic and sit at one of the benches/ picnic tables around the lake.

If you want to bring you canoe, kayak or stand up padlleboard to Rudyard Lake, you will need to purchase a day launch ticket at a cost of £12.

This ticket permits one person to launch their own Kayak, Canoe or SUP (paddleboard) on the day from 9:00am – 5:00pm and includes parking at the Dam Head. Be mindful that the Dam Head Car Park shuts at 5:30pm. The ticket also includes Life Jacket rental.

If you wish to bring you dog paddleboarding then this is also okay at Rudyard – but 100% at your own risk.

For more information and to book Paddleboarding at Rudyard Lake

Tittesworth Reservoir – stand up paddleboarding (SUP)

Tittesworth Water Visitor Centre, Meerbrook, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 8SW

Tittesworth Water Sports and Activity Centre is based on the shores of Tittesworth Reservoir, near Leek in Staffordshire. 
The reservoir is Staffordshire’s second largest at 190 acres and managed by Severn Trent Water , renowned for it’s stunning views of the Roaches, a dramatic gritstone edge, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Launch your own Canoe, Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) at Tittesworth Water Sports and Activity Centre

Do make sure you book in advance online. Tickets include parking during your activity, access to toilet and changing facilities and safety cover whilst on the water.  One thing to add – You MUST have your own Buoyancy aids or PFD belts to go on the water or the jetty and they must be worn by all water users at all times. Prices start from £13.00.

If you don’t have your own paddleboard you can also book taster sessions for paddle boarding and kayak taster sessions.

For more information and to book

Paddleboarding for exercise

Paddleboarding is a great full body and cardio workout alone but if you may want to add in a fun exercise routine. So if you want to try out paddleboarding for exercise – Why not try SUP yoga, SUP Pilates or SUP HITT sessions?

SUP HITT class

Pillaton Hall Farm offer 30mins of High Intensity Training on a paddleboard! All sessions are provided by a fully qualified PT instructor. All abilities welcome.

Times and dates to be announced – price is £15.00 plus booking fee per person, per session and the fee included all equipment hire.

For more information and to book

SUP Yoga, near Staffordshire

Sup yoga class Saturdays at Aldridge SUP school

£15.00 for members of Aldridge SUP school, £20 for non members

WS9 8BQ

SUP Pilates – Tittesworth Water

SUP Pilates with Sarah at Tittesworth Water

Email suppilateswithsarah@gmail.com to book

Paddleboarding near to Staffordshire – Carsington Water

Carsington Water is located between Wirksworth and Kniveton, and has everything you need for a great day out, with plenty of activities and things to do including paddleboarding and kayaking.

You can book a paddleboard launch pass to launch your own SUP at Carsington and you can also hire a sailing dinghy, rowing boat or paddleboard too (hire costs from £20.00)

Launch passes MUST be booked in advance and there is limited changing facilities available so it is advisable to come ready to launch. Launch fees include car parking, one thing to note – dogs are not allowed on the water or on a craft.

For more information and to book