Active360 Paddleboarding & Canoeing London
Rating
Family of 4
USD 100-160
Duration
1.5-2 hours
Best Ages
8 and up
About
Active360 is one of London's most established paddleboarding and water activity providers, operating sessions on the Thames at Putney and along the Grand Union Canal at Paddington Basin and other London waterways. The variety of venues is a genuine strength: paddling through Paddington Basin on a stand-up paddleboard takes families through the heart of west London on water, passing under canal bridges and alongside houseboats in a way that feels genuinely adventurous. Instructors are qualified and experienced with beginners, and the sessions are structured to teach basic technique before getting on the water.
Participants typically start paddling from their knees if balance is a challenge and progress to standing as confidence develops. Children aged 8 and up typically manage well — younger children can participate but may find the balance and paddle technique challenging. Life jackets are provided and worn throughout.
Wetsuits are recommended in cooler months and available for hire. The company runs both group beginner sessions and private tuition, with family private sessions offering a more relaxed pace and individual attention. The canal sessions are particularly popular with families as the water is calmer and the journey through London's waterway network is genuinely interesting.
Session durations typically run 90 minutes to 2 hours including a safety briefing and instruction on the bank. Booking in advance is essential during summer months.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Nursing / Changing
true
Setting
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Summer mornings on weekdays
Wait Times
Low with advance booking
Nearby Food
Paddington Basin has good cafe and restaurant options waterside; Putney high street has a range of options near the riverside venue
Why Kids Love It
Active360 runs paddleboarding and canoeing sessions on the Thames and London canals, giving kids the chance to paddle through a city most people only ever see from land. The canal sessions in particular take families through a quiet, green corridor of London that feels like a completely different world. Standing on a paddleboard on a canal surrounded by narrowboats and trees is a genuinely novel experience for most London children.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The canal sessions at Paddington Basin are calmer and more scenic than river sessions — recommended for first-timers with children
- Wear or bring a change of clothes — falling off a paddleboard is part of the experience
- Book the first session slot of the day for the calmest water and lightest traffic on the canal
What to Bring
- Swimwear under clothes
- Towel and dry change of clothes
- Old trainers or water shoes that can get wet
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 100-160
Tips to Save
- Book group sessions for better per-person pricing; look for multi-activity deals if they offer both SUP and kayak in one session
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM