Places to Paddleboard
IMPORTANT - If you are new to paddleboarding or kayaking, you are advised to stick to populated locations, please ensure you read our safety section.
https://swanagesurfandsup.com/safety
River Frome
Wareham, Dorset
Wareham is a pretty riverside town, flanked on both sides by the River Piddle and the River Frome. The River Frome flows right past the centre of the town at Wareham Quay and it’s a lovely place to get on the water on a paddle board.
Head east and you can paddle past the boats and marinas towards the Arne Nature Reserve and Poole Harbour.
Christchurch Habour
Christchurch
The River Stour in Christchurch is another lovely place to Paddle Board, you can paddle all the way out to Muddeford or head upstream to stay on the River. Plenty of places to stop off and have a picnic.
The place to launch from is Mayors Mead car park, it gives you a grassy area to lay your boards down and the River runs next to the Car Park.
Swanage Bay
Swanage, Dorset
Swanage Bay is a favourite for paddleboarding, especially for beginners. The bay is sheltered with calm waters and a wide sandy beach, perfect for a gentle paddle. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins or grey seals near the pier. After your session, grab a coffee at Java or sit down for seafood at the Pier Bistro while watching the boats drift by.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★★
Surfing: ★☆☆☆☆
Durlston Bay
Swanage, Dorset
Durlston is a bit more rugged, ideal for confident paddleboarders looking to explore the coastline. You might catch a small surf break here when conditions are right, especially on a southwesterly swell. Seabirds nest along the cliffs and it’s a good spot to spot peregrine falcons or even a dolphin if you’re lucky. Seventhwave Café at Durlston Castle serves great food with a view.
Paddleboarding: ★★★☆☆
Surfing: ★★★☆☆
Studland Bay
Studland, Dorset
Studland is one of the best all-rounder spots for paddleboarding. With clear, shallow waters and golden sand, it’s ideal for families or those new to SUP. Look out for sika deer along the heathland or seabirds along the beach. After your paddle, the Bankes Arms Inn is just a stroll away and does a solid pint and pub lunch.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★★
Surfing: ★☆☆☆☆
Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge, Dorset
Kimmeridge is one of the top surf spots on the coast when there’s a clean swell, and it’s also brilliant for paddleboarding thanks to crystal-clear waters and a reef you can glide over. Rockpools are full of marine life, so bring a mask. The area’s remote, but it’s worth bringing a packed lunch or heading into Corfe Castle after for food.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★☆
Surfing: ★★★★★
Chapman’s Pool
Worth Matravers, Dorset
Chapman’s Pool is off the beaten track and not the easiest to access, but it’s peaceful and scenic. Paddleboarding here feels remote and wild, and there’s always a chance of seeing a seal pop up nearby. There's not much around for food, so plan ahead, or walk back up to Worth Matravers for a pint at the Square and Compass.
Paddleboarding: ★★★☆☆
Surfing: ★★☆☆☆
Sandbanks
Poole, Dorset
With golden sand and breath-taking views, it’s not difficult to see why Sandbanks is considered one of the best beaches in Britain.
Paddle boarding around Sandbanks, Studland Bay and Poole Harbour is one of the best things you could do during a holiday in Dorset.
Rockley Park (Harbours Edge)
Poole, Dorset
Harbours Edge at Rockley Park in Poole is a lovely day out on the boards, perfect for family day out at the beach.
Harbours edge has a cafe which sells food, iced coffees and soft drinks. It’s on a secluded beach that’s usually pretty quiet.
You have to drive all the way through the Park to get to Harbours Edge, parking can be tricky if you’re arriving late.
Durdle Door
Wareham, Dorset
Durdle Door is possibly the most iconic location on the Jurassic Coast and the historic arch is a great place to paddle board – going through the arch is an unforgettable experience! The best place to start is at nearby Lulworth Cove, a couple of miles along the coast where the clear water can be accessed via a small shingle beach.
River Frome
Wareham, Dorset
Wareham is a pretty riverside town, flanked on both sides by the River Piddle and the River Frome. The River Frome flows right past the centre of the town at Wareham Quay and it’s a lovely place to get on the water on a paddle board.
Head east and you can paddle past the boats and marinas towards the Arne Nature Reserve and Poole Harbour.
Christchurch Habour
Christchurch
The River Stour in Christchurch is another lovely place to Paddle Board, you can paddle all the way out to Muddeford or head upstream to stay on the River. Plenty of places to stop off and have a picnic.
The place to launch from is Mayors Mead car park, it gives you a grassy area to lay your boards down and the River runs next to the Car Park.
Dream Boats (River Stour)
Wimborne, Dorset
The River Stour by Dream Boats is another lovely spot for Paddle Boarding on the River Stour.
Park down at Riverside Park Industrial Estate from here you can pump up your board, and follow the path down to the river. There is a floating jetty owned by Dreamboats to make it nice and easy to get on your boards.
Sandbanks
Poole, Dorset
With golden sand and breath-taking views, it’s not difficult to see why Sandbanks is considered one of the best beaches in Britain.
Paddle boarding around Sandbanks, Studland Bay and Poole Harbour is one of the best things you could do during a holiday in Dorset.
Rockley Park (Harbours Edge)
Poole, Dorset
Harbours Edge at Rockley Park in Poole is a lovely day out on the boards, perfect for family day out at the beach.
Harbours edge has a cafe which sells food, iced coffees and soft drinks. It’s on a secluded beach that’s usually pretty quiet.
You have to drive all the way through the Park to get to Harbours Edge, parking can be tricky if you’re arriving late.
Durdle Door
Wareham, Dorset
Durdle Door is possibly the most iconic location on the Jurassic Coast and the historic arch is a great place to paddle board – going through the arch is an unforgettable experience! The best place to start is at nearby Lulworth Cove, a couple of miles along the coast where the clear water can be accessed via a small shingle beach.
Swanage Bay
Swanage, Dorset
Swanage Bay is a favourite for paddleboarding, especially for beginners. The bay is sheltered with calm waters and a wide sandy beach, perfect for a gentle paddle. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins or grey seals near the pier. After your session, grab a coffee at Java or sit down for seafood at the Pier Bistro while watching the boats drift by.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★★
Surfing: ★☆☆☆☆
Durlston Bay
Swanage, Dorset
Durlston is a bit more rugged, ideal for confident paddleboarders looking to explore the coastline. You might catch a small surf break here when conditions are right, especially on a southwesterly swell. Seabirds nest along the cliffs and it’s a good spot to spot peregrine falcons or even a dolphin if you’re lucky. Seventhwave Café at Durlston Castle serves great food with a view.
Paddleboarding: ★★★☆☆
Surfing: ★★★☆☆
Studland Bay
Studland, Dorset
Studland is one of the best all-rounder spots for paddleboarding. With clear, shallow waters and golden sand, it’s ideal for families or those new to SUP. Look out for sika deer along the heathland or seabirds along the beach. After your paddle, the Bankes Arms Inn is just a stroll away and does a solid pint and pub lunch.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★★
Surfing: ★☆☆☆☆
Sandbanks
Poole, Dorset
With golden sand and breath-taking views, it’s not difficult to see why Sandbanks is considered one of the best beaches in Britain.
Paddle boarding around Sandbanks, Studland Bay and Poole Harbour is one of the best things you could do during a holiday in Dorset.
Rockley Park (Harbours Edge)
Poole, Dorset
Harbours Edge at Rockley Park in Poole is a lovely day out on the boards, perfect for family day out at the beach.
Harbours edge has a cafe which sells food, iced coffees and soft drinks. It’s on a secluded beach that’s usually pretty quiet.
You have to drive all the way through the Park to get to Harbours Edge, parking can be tricky if you’re arriving late.
Durdle Door
Wareham, Dorset
Durdle Door is possibly the most iconic location on the Jurassic Coast and the historic arch is a great place to paddle board – going through the arch is an unforgettable experience! The best place to start is at nearby Lulworth Cove, a couple of miles along the coast where the clear water can be accessed via a small shingle beach.
River Frome
Wareham, Dorset
Wareham is a pretty riverside town, flanked on both sides by the River Piddle and the River Frome. The River Frome flows right past the centre of the town at Wareham Quay and it’s a lovely place to get on the water on a paddle board.
Head east and you can paddle past the boats and marinas towards the Arne Nature Reserve and Poole Harbour.
Christchurch Habour
Christchurch
The River Stour in Christchurch is another lovely place to Paddle Board, you can paddle all the way out to Muddeford or head upstream to stay on the River. Plenty of places to stop off and have a picnic.
The place to launch from is Mayors Mead car park, it gives you a grassy area to lay your boards down and the River runs next to the Car Park.