As the Easter holidays approach and the weather begins to warm, there’s no better time to get the whole family outdoors and onto the water. Kayaking and paddleboarding are ideal family activities because they’re easy to pick up, require minimal equipment, and strike the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.
Unlike more technical sports, you don’t need experience to enjoy a great day out on a kayak or stand-up-paddleboard (SUP). Calm lakes and gentle rivers offer safe environments for beginners, while still giving more confident paddlers the freedom to explore. Whether it’s spotting wildlife, stopping for a picnic, or simply enjoying the scenery together, paddling turns a day out into something memorable.
This Easter, we’ve rounded up some of the best spots across the UK to launch your next family-friendly water adventure.
1. Lake Windermere, Lake District
England’s largest lake is a classic for a reason. Windermere offers a huge expanse of water with plenty of sheltered bays, making it perfect for families trying out kayaking or paddleboarding.
You do not currently need a waterways licence specifically to paddle on Windermere, but you must launch from appropriate access points and be mindful that much of the shoreline is owned or managed by the National Trust or private landowners, so always use designated slipways rather than informal banks.
2. River Cam, Cambridgeshire
The River Cam is perfect if you want a gentle, scenic paddle past meadows and historic colleges without tackling fast-moving water. For a quieter, family-friendly outing, many paddlers choose the stretch between Cambridge and Grantchester, which offers calmer conditions and easy access points.
Local guidance emphasises using recognised access and egress points, avoiding dragging boats on the banks, and giving wildlife plenty of space. Before you go, check the Cam Conservancy’s canoeing information for up-to-date details on where you’re allowed to launch, how to share the river with other users, and any seasonal restrictions.
3. Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire
Barafundle Bay is often compared to a Caribbean beach, with clear water, golden sand and sheltered conditions on calmer days, making it ideal for a coastal SUP or kayak session at Easter if the sun shines. Bringing your own kayak or paddleboard lets you hug the shoreline, explore the base of the cliffs and enjoy a completely different view of this famous bay.
Because this is an exposed section of coastline, it’s important to treat it with respect: stick to settled weather, stay close to shore, and always check tide times and local conditions before you head out. Aim to launch and land from the sandy beach, avoid rocky areas, and make sure everyone in the family has a buoyancy aid and suitable cold‑water clothing.
4. River Stour, Suffolk
The River Stour through Dedham Vale offers calm, meandering water through classic English countryside, perfect for a slow Easter paddle with your own kayak or paddleboard. With flat water and gentle bends, it’s a great place to build confidence, practise strokes and let kids enjoy spotting wildlife from the boat.
There are multiple recognised access points along the navigation, so you can plan short family trips or longer one‑way journeys by shuttling cars. Before you go, check local guidance on where you can launch, any portage points around weirs or locks, and whether you need a waterways licence for your craft; then it’s simply a matter of packing a picnic and making a day of it on the river.
Asgard’s Top Pick for Families: The Spinera Tenaya 160 HDDS
If you’re planning to spend Easter exploring places like Windermere or the River Cam with the whole family, Spinera’s Tenaya 160 HDDS is an ideal companion. At 475 cm long and 93 cm wide, it has the length to track well on lakes and gentle rivers, while the generous width adds the stability you want when paddling with kids or less‑confident adults.
Designed for up to 3 adults (~280 kg), it comfortably handles two parents plus a child or two, along with picnic gear and spare layers, making it perfect for all‑day outings. The reinforced PVC side tubes and 8 cm HDDS drop‑stitch floor create a rigid, confidence‑inspiring platform that feels secure underfoot, yet still packs down small enough to fit in the boot of a car.
This combination of space, stability and portability makes the Tenaya 160 HDDS a great choice for families who want one kayak that can do it all: gentle touring on lakes, relaxed river trips, and easy coastal exploring in settled conditions. You can check out the full details and specs on our product page here.
Making the Most of Easter on the Water
Easter is the perfect occasion to turn family time into adventure time, swapping screens for shorelines and calm water. With so many beginner‑friendly rivers, lakes and bays across the UK, plus stable, spacious kayaks like the Spinera Tenaya 160 HDDS, it’s never been easier to load up the car, inflate your boat and make a day of it together.