Places To Stay When Paddleboarding In The Cotswolds

Paddleboarding can be a lot of fun, and for those who don’t want to invest in their own equipment, there are many places in the Cotswolds where you can hire everything you need.

Once you’ve finished paddleboarding, our range of nearby boutique hotels are the perfect place to stay the night with cosy beds, family rooms and excellent breakfasts.

The Beckford Inn

The Beckford Inn is a beautiful and newly refurbished 19th-century Cotswold pub and hotel in the village of Beckford, near Tewkesbury. With 12 boutique bedrooms full of comfy furnishings and personal touches, we offer the ideal base for thrill seekers about to embark on a day of paddleboarding, while also offering easy access to Stratford-upon-Avon and the M5. Inside, you’ll find cosy interiors, stone floors, open fires and an open-plan restaurant space where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Outside, you can relax in our spacious beer garden with a pint of our award-winning Butcombe ale.

The Prince Of Burford

The Prince Of Burford is a traditional pub and hotel converted from an 18th-century coaching inn, located in Burford on the edge of the Cotswold hills. We have 16 charming and comfortable ensuite rooms with dog-friendly and family-friendly options available, offering the ideal base for paddleboarders or those wishing to explore the Oxfordshire countryside and historic Oxford. On the menu, our focus is locally sourced seasonal dishes and exciting takes on pub classics, with a cracking selection of award-winning Butcombe beer, cocktails and wines behind the bar.

The Fleet Inn

Welcome to The Fleet Inn, in Twyning, near Tewkesbury. We are a riverside pub, hotel, and restaurant with a history dating back to the 1800s, three boutique bedrooms, a huge beer garden, and heated pergola terrace. We’re close to Tewkesbury, many of the other famous Cotswold attractions and are well-positioned for those visiting the Cotswolds to try their hand at paddleboarding. On the pub menu, our focus is locally sourced produce, seasonal ingredients and pub classics, while behind the bar, we offer a wide range of real ale, craft beer, lager and cider from our award-winning brewery, Butcombe, and a cocktail menu with all the classics.

Before You Start Paddleboarding

There are a lot of places to paddleboard in the Cotswolds, so you should think about whether you want to try stand-up paddleboarding along the River Avon or at one of the many lakes.

Then you should consider whether you want to bring your own paddleboard – if you have one – or if you’d rather hire a paddleboard in the Cotswolds.

If you’re new to SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), a thick and wide paddleboard is generally best, but if you’re more experienced, you might prefer something thinner and more agile. The ideal length of your paddleboard is around 9-10 inches taller than your height.

It’s best to check the weather before you go paddleboarding, as strong winds and waves can make it more challenging.

Finally, you’ll need to research whether you’d like a guided paddleboard session or you’d prefer to go it alone.

Places For Paddleboarding In And Around The Cotswolds

There are plenty of places for paddleboarding in the Cotswolds during your visit.

You’ll see a totally different side of the Cotswolds on your SUP (stand-up paddleboard) as you take to the waters.

Here are our recommendations for where to paddleboard in the Cotswolds

River Avon

There are several start and finish points along the River Avon that are ideal for paddleboarding.

Whether you would like to explore the edge of the Cotswolds around Bristol, dip into the South of the Cotswolds near Bath, or go deeper into the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Westonbirt Arboretum, the River Avon ticks all of the boxes.

4 Lakes

If you’re looking for a supervised paddleboarding session (ideal for children or those new to SUP), 4 Lakes Water Ski School is a great choice.

Offering supervised watersports for the whole family, you can have fun and get fit at the same time.

Waterland Outdoor Pursuits

Situated at Lake 32 in the Cotswold Water Park, Waterland Outdoor Pursuits boasts a lake that has been divided so that multiple watersport activities can be enjoyed at the same time.

It also offers an onsite café and is approved by all of the National Governing Bodies for watersports.

South Cerney Outdoor

Located between Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, South Cerney Outdoor offers its own lightweight SUPs for you to hire during your paddleboarding session.

You can also enjoy canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking, or indulge in a tasty treat or a drink at The Lodge.

Cotswold Country Park & Beach

Whether you prefer paddleboarding, kayaking, or you’d like to captain your own pedalo or rowboat, Cotswold Country Park & Beach has it all across 2 lakes.

Visitors can also opt to take a leisurely stroll around the lakes, enjoy a hot drink or snack in the cafe or bring their four-legged friend for a bit of fresh air by the water.