Glamping places near great kayaking spots

There’s no need to hire a kayak at Bowcombe Boathouse, they’re provided by the owners at this sailing sanctuary overlooking the estuary. Launch them from the private jetty when the water is calm and set a course to the pubs and cafés of Kingsbridge for lunch. You can also hire paddle boards from nearby Crabshell Inn.  

At the end of each day, relive your nautical adventures on the deck, nursing one of the “welcome gins” from the collection on the dresser, as you gaze out over the water. The interior of the boathouse is as atmospheric as the views, decorated in dark teal and aged brass with a huge mahogany kitchen island and owner Miranda’s artworks hanging on the walls.

The stunning Wye River sets the standard for kayaking experiences and it runs directly below Russet in Herefordshire. If you’re bringing your own kayaks there’s space to store them at the cabin, otherwise you can hire them in Glasbury and set out on a 5 mile trip to Hay. The hire firms will pick you and your canoes up at the end. 

Luxurious Russet is set right on the Herefordshire Way with doorstep access to miles of hiking trails, not to mention Brilley Dingle Nature Reserve and local woodland teeming with wildlife. The cabin is a labour of love built by the owners and their son, with a hot tub on the deck, a cosy wood burner and kingsize bed inside, plus a modern kitchen and bathroom. The views over the hills are spectacular and it’s a picturesque one mile stroll to The Rhydespence Inn for home-cooked food.

Deep in the heart of Cornwall, The Boat House Cabin overlooks a natural lake at Pengelly Retreat, an award-winning glamping site near St Ives and Hayle. Go for a wild swim in the lake, then warm up in the outdoor bath with a glass of fizz before cuddling up on the private deck, cantilevered over the lake, to watch the sun set and the stars appear. 

It’s a very romantic spot at night lit up by fairy lights. If you can tear yourselves away from all this blissful tranquillity, head for Lizard Adventures for a kayaking adventure. They cater for all abilities and rent out all the equipment you’ll need for kayak trips in Hayle on the estuary or on the Lizard Peninsular. They also offer coasteering, paddleboarding and survival skills training.

Tucked behind the sea wall, you’re surrounded by water at Samphire in Essex – a cabin on stilts overlooking Ray Channel marshes. Bring your own kayaks or hire them from the owners on arrival, along with life jackets. The estuary is tidal so you’ll need a tide timetable to avoid getting caught out. Samphire sleeps four in a light, modern uplifting space, with a gorgeous deck outside and a cosy corner sofa you’ll gravitate towards to watch the sunrise with a mug of hot coffee. 

You can walk to the pub in the village of Peldon or it’s a short drive to Bonners Barn or Mersea Island for shops and supplies. Less than half an hour’s drive away, the historic maritime town of Maldon has iconic Thames Sailing Barges, saltmarshes and a wide range of independent cafés, restaurants and shops to explore.

Cool, cosy, and just 20 minutes’ walk to the beach, The Sea Shed is tucked away at the bottom of the owner’s expansive garden, overlooking a green expanse of woodland. Huge Manorbier Beach, on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, is the perfect place for sea kayaking. While you’re bobbing about on the waves with the surfers and paddleboarders, look back at the bay for dramatic views of medieval Manorbier Castle that presides over the landscape. 

Iconic Tenby is a short drive away and nearby Carew Castle offers a jam-packed programme of events throughout the year, including have-a-go archery, interactive Horrid Histories talks, ghost tours, open-air theatre and knight school. The Sea Shed has a kitchenette, but if you’d rather someone else did the cooking, head to The Castle Inn, the owner’s favourite local pub with live music and delicious food.

You’re not near the water – you’re on it at The Floathouse Amelie, a beautiful houseboat that sleeps six, bobbing on the estuary near Falmouth. You can launch your kayaks from the large deck if you’ve bought your own, and if you need to hire them you’re surrounded by great options from Glylly Adventures, to Elemental UK at Swanpool and West Country Watersports. Many of these offer kayaking tours to explore the water with an expert guide, as well as rentals. 

If you still don’t want to return to dry land, there’s also a rowing boat at The Floathouse that you can use for trips down the Penryn River, where you might spot seals and can try crabbing with the lines aboard. When you finally flop back on the deck, it’s easy to lose hours gazing at the panoramic views and when stomachs start to rumble, Muddy Beach Café is conveniently located next-door.