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8 best kayaking and canoeing adventures near london.

Last Updated: Sept 2021

This year I really started to enjoy paddling, let that be in a kayak or canoe. As you know I live in London, which at first might not seem like a good place to do any sort of paddling sports. London is a big city full of buildings, constructions, cars and people. There is always some sort of event going on that attracts a crowd. However, London also has canals, the river Thames and thanks to the excellent public transport system it is only a short train ride away to the sea. So many of the UK’s best canoe and kayak trips are within easy reach! Although London has lots of green parks, it is often difficult to find a quiet spot and fully enjoy nature. A lot of people visit the capital to spend  Christmas in London  and enjoy the festive lights and food. However, if you are spending summer or  spring in London  and you want to spend your day a bit different than walking around the city I have a few suggestions for you. Kayaking and canoeing can be very relaxing. It is a great form of exercise, a good chance to get some fresh air and you will also come across some beautiful scenery. I took part in a few kayaking and canoeing adventures in and around London and I really enjoyed all of them. These are some of the best kayaking tours in the London area. You can also do some of these tours on your own if you have a boat. An inflatable kayak is a good way to get started.

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Guide book suggestions for the area

I love the Wild Guide books and have the whole collection. This one focuses on hidden gems, beaches, unique accommodation and canoe/kayak trips within easy reach from London.

This edition covers interesting walks ( all accessible by train) which lead to secret lakes, rivers and seaside beaches. Perfect place for a wild swim or paddle.

Where to stay

All of these kayaking trips are either very central or outside of London. If they are a day trip from London, then I provided information about how to get there by public transport. Your best bet is to book accommodation somewhere central, so you can easily get to the starting point or train station. London is huge, so getting from one side of the city to the other can often take hours and also cost a fortune. So choose your base wisely!

Kayaking and canoeing tours in London

Battersea to Greenwich – Sightseeing London by kayak

This is a great trip to see all of London’s famous landmarks. I can’t think of a more unique way to do sightseeing in London, than by kayaking down the tidal Thames. You will pass The London Peace Pagoda, the Houses of Parliament, London Eye,  St Paul’s Cathedral, Gherkin, Skygarden, HMS Belfast, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and Cutty Sark.

The highlight of the trip: Paddling under the Tower Bridge Who do I recommend this trip: Great trip for tourists who want an alternative way of seeing London’s top attractions. Child-friendly:   The event is for adults only Starting point:  Battersea next to St Marys Church How to get there: Several bus, train and tube stops nearby as it is quite central in London Duration: You will cover 17 km in under 3 hours Price: £64.69 per person, which includes the guides and all the equipment you will need. (double kayak, paddles, buoyancy aids, spraydeck, waterproof trousers and rain jacket) Difficulty: Easy – perfect for beginners, the tide will be in your favour. There will be some waves and it can be busy with boats, but having 4 guides on the trip ensures you will be completely safe. Tip: No need to bring your camera as we had 4 guides with us and they had waterproof cameras. We stopped briefly to take pictures in front of the Tower Bridge and the company sent us all the pictures they took during the day by e-mail. Where to book: The London Kayak Company

Kayaking on the Regent’s Canal in London

This trip is great if you are in London on holiday or you live here and want to get away from the busy city life. Although the tour takes place in central London, it is like you are completely elsewhere thanks to the tranquil settings. The tour starts by Regent’s Park and finishes at Camden Lock. It is a short 90-minute paddle on the canal. We had lovely weather and enjoyed this relaxing kayak trip. Lot of birdlife on the canal as you can imagine and if you go in the spring you will see lots of ducklings as well.

The highlight of the trip:   Entering the “secret tunnel” which was featured in the James Bond Spectre movie. Who do I recommend this trip: Great for beginners, as there is some tuition at the beginning of the tour and it is a short, slow-paced relaxing paddle. Child-friendly: This trip is suitable for children over the age of 9 if they are accompanied by an adult and able to swim a minimum of 10 metres. Starting point: Primrose Hill Bridge, by the Regent’s canal. How to get there: Baker Street, St John’s Wood and Camden Town tube stations are all about a 20-minute walk to the launch site. Alternatively you can take bus  #2, 13, 18, 27, 30, 74, 82, 113, 139, 189, 274, 453 , or C2. Duration: The total distance is less than 3 km and it takes about 90 minutes at a very slow pace. Price:  £39 per person, which includes the guide and equipment (single kayak, paddles, buoyancy aids) Difficulty: Easy – The canal is a safe environment for kayaking and the trip is short and slow, perfect for beginners. Tip: No need to bring your camera, as the guide took some pictures of the guests during the trip and they e-mail them at the end of the day! Where to book: London Kayak Tours

London Canoe/Kayak hire

Location: They have a  Hackney Wick and Limehouse location. Price: For standard weekend hire; Tandem Kayaks are £26 for the first hour and £10 per hour  thereafter, Canoes are £36 for the first hour and £10 per hour thereafter. Highlight: You can paddle past the Milk Floats window to buy a take-away drink to enjoy out on the canals. Where to book: Moo Canoes

Location: Paddington basin for canoe hire. Other locations available for SUP hire Price: Canoes (2 people):  2 Hours £50 / 3 Hours £60 / 1 Day £85 Canoes (3 people):  2 Hours £60 / 3 Hours £70 / 1 Day £95 Where to book: Active360

Kayaking and canoeing day trips from London

Seal colony kayak trip from dovercourt.

Who would have thought that you can be in busy London in one moment and after a train ride, you can be paddling in the sea among with seals ? This trip is really unique. I loved seeing the seals popping up their head from the water and staring at us curiously. Our instructor Kurt shared some interesting facts about their habitat. He is very passionate about nature and wildlife and it was fascinating hearing his stories!

The highlight of the trip: Seeing seals in their natural habitat. Who do I recommend this trip: Great trip if you love nature and wildlife, as you will see seals and birds in their natural habitat. Child-friendly: Must be over 16 years old to take part in this trip Starting point: West End Lane Car Park in Dovercourt How to get there: Take the train from Liverpool Street to Manningtree, then change for a train to Dovercourt. This should take about 1,5 hours. Then another 30 minutes walk by the beach to get to the launch point, or you can also take a bus. Duration: The total distance is 13 km, that you will cover in 5-6 hours. This also includes a lunch/snack break at a beach. Price: £99.99 per person, which includes a guide and all the equipment you will need. (sit on top kayak, paddles, buoyancy aids) Difficulty: Moderate – you will need to be relatively fit, to be able to keep up with the group. Although during the most part the tide will be in your favour, you will still need to paddle quite hard, especially if there is some wind. Tip: Bring a change of clothes, as you are likely to get wet. The kayak has a hatch, where you can store your quite a bit! I suggest coming early and taking a stroll on Dovercourt beach as it is really beautiful! Where to book: Nomad Sea Kayaking

Kayaking in the Seven Sisters Country Park

The Seven Sisters Country Park is a great place to do hiking near London . We did the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk , but there are so many other things to do there. Buzz Active provides many different water sport activities in the area. We decided to try their organised kayak trip to Alfriston. We were lucky as only two of us were booked in for the trip with a guide. The Cuckmere River is home to beautiful wildlife and to our amazement, the river wasn’t busy with people at all. We really enjoyed how peaceful it was. Thanks to the gorgeous views, lovely weather and relaxing atmosphere this kayak trip became one of our favourites. There is a possibility to stop for a drink or food at the pub in Alfriston, however, we preferred to have a quiet picnic on the river bank.

The highlight of the trip:  The gorgeous views of the Litlington white horse. Who do I recommend this trip: It is a great trip for wildlife and nature lovers, who are not completely new to kayaking. Child-friendly: This particular trip is more aimed at adults, but the company offers kayak and SUP taster sessions for children as well. Starting point: Buzz Active Cuckmere How to get there: You can get a direct train from London Victoria or London Bridge to Brighton and then change onto bus Coaster 12, 12A or 12X.  You will need to get off at Seven Sisters Park Centre. Another option is to take a train to Eastbourne and then bus to Seven Sisters Park Centre. Either way, the total journey time is about 2 hours. Duration: The total distance was 14 km, but as we travelled with the tide, it wasn’t too exhausting. The total duration of the trip including kitting out, lunch and paddling is about 4 hours. Price: This trip will cost £34.00, which includes all the equipment you will need (kayak of your choice, paddles,  buoyancy aids, wetsuit) Difficulty: Moderate – You will need to be relatively fit to paddle 14 km. Tip: Bring a towel and swimsuit. The company will provide you with a wetsuit and there are nice changing rooms with showers. Where to book:   Buzz Active

Henley to Windsor – Canoe camping trip

This canoe trip on the Thames was my first time doing an overnight trip by a canoe, which was on my bucket list  for a while. We had great weather and we really enjoyed this self-guiding trip. The company gave us clear instruction about how to use the locks and which way to go. You will have a few options about where to spend the night. Cookham Lock or  Longridge Camping are your best options. You will need to book the campsite yourself and think ahead as they tend to fill up quickly.

The highlight of the trip: Seeing the wildlife and the gorgeous view of Windsor Castle at the end of the trip. Who do I recommend this trip: It is a great trip for wildlife lovers, as this part of the Thames is very quiet. We saw red kites, herons, moorhens, great crested grebes, swans, ducks, cormorants, cows and horses. Child-friendly: Suitable for families with children. Starting point:  Henley-on-Thames at the River and Rowing Museum How to get there: You can get a train from London Paddington to Twyford, then change for Henley-on-Thames. This will take you about 1 hour 15 minutes, then a 5-minute walk to the launching point. Duration: The total distance is 38 km, that you will cover in 2 days. It is about 5-6 hours of paddling each day. Price: This 2-day trip will cost about £130, which includes all the equipment you will need (canoe,  paddles,  buoyancy aids, dry bag and tent) Difficulty: Moderate – You will need to be quite fit to paddle 5-6 hours each day. Tip: Feel free to take your camera, as in a canoe you have more space to move around, than in a kayak, and it is very unlikely that you will capsize. I would also take an emergency GPS for peace of mind. Where to book:   CKT Canoe and Kayak Tours

Tonbridge to Yalding – Kayaking the river Medway

A nice relaxing kayak trip on the river Medway in Kent. This section of the river was very peaceful and quiet. There were 6 canoe passes that I really enjoyed. The last one was the biggest with a big splash at the end. It was great fun. No need to worry at all, as very beginner friendly to use these “slides”.

The highlight of the trip:   The canoes passes and the jungle section, where we kayaked in a narrow bit with lots of fallen trees around. Who do I recommend this trip: Great trip for anyone looking for a relaxing paddle. Child-friendly: This trip is suitable for children over the age of 12. You can do the same trip in a canoe, where children under 11 can join free of charge. Starting point: Tonbridge How to get there: There are direct trains from London Victoria and London Bridge stn. Journey time is 45 min-1 hour depending on the route you take, then a 10-minute walk to the launch site. Duration: The total distance is 14 km, that you will cover in 5-6 hours. This also includes a lunch/snack break. Price: £75 per person with transfer from the finish to the start or £65 without transfer. It includes 2 guides and all equipment was provided (single kayak, paddles, buoyancy aids, spraydeck) Difficulty: Easy – This was my first time using the canoe passes, but they were very straightforward. Tip: Bring a change of clothes, as you are likely to get wet. The kayak has a hatch, where you can store quite a bit! Where to book: Kent Canoes

Canoeing from Cambridge to Grantchester Meadows

This is a lovely, relaxing canoe trip. On quiet days you can enjoy the wildlife and peaceful atmosphere. We saw baby herons and ducks along the way! On busier, sunny days, you can stop for a swim, as there are lots of opportunities for this along the way. There is even a rope swing at some point! When you get to Grantchester Meadows you can have a picnic or play some football. The Orchard Tea Garden is only a short walk away, where they serve delicious cakes and sandwiches.

The highlight of the trip:  As we went on a windy and grey day, not many people were out on the water. We enjoyed the peace and quiet and observing the bird life! Who do I recommend this trip: It is a great trip for anyone. A group of friends, families, couples, the elderly. Everyone will find something fun about this trip! Child-friendly: Suitable for families with children as well. Starting point: Granta Place Boatyard, Cambridge How to get there: You can get a train to Cambridge from King’s Cross or Liverpool Street Station. This will take you about 1 hour and then a 25-minute walk to the launching point. Duration: The distance to Grantchester Meadows is 4.5 km and then you will need to paddle back to Cambridge. The 9 km canoe trip should take about 3 hours at a very relaxed pace. However, you can spend a whole day on this section of the river Cam, as there are lots of places to stop for a swim on sunny days. Price:  All day canoe hire costs £132.00 per boat or you can rent £33 per hour. Canoes can hold up to 4 people. The price includes all the equipment you will need (canoe,  paddles,  buoyancy aids, dry bag) Difficulty: Easy – It is a slow flowing river and you don’t need to be particularly fit to do this canoe trip, especially if there are several people paddling in a canoe. Tip: Take a picnic with you to enjoy at Grantchester Meadows. Where to book:   Scudamore’s

Kayaking on the river Stort from Sawbridgeworth

A lovely Saturday morning session on the peaceful river Stort. It is a great place to learn how to paddle. You can have a go at canoeing and kayaking as well. The area is lovely and the organizers are very friendly and helpful. You can learn a lot from them about the area and just generally chat if you are social. They also do cleanups regularly, so if you are keen bring a bag to collect rubbish in!

The highlight of the trip: Learning about the area from our guide Peter, who is very passionate about the outdoors! Who do I recommend this trip: Great trip for beginners, who want to learn and get some practice and for people who just like to be outside and have a chat with friendly people. Child-friendly: Absolutely! They encourage young children to go and have a try and also do trips for scouts. Starting point:  Sawbridgeworth at the Whoosh Explore Canoe Club. How to get there:  Take the train from London to Sawbridgeworth and then a 15-minute walk to the launch point. Duration:  Saturday sessions normally run from 9:30 am till around 12 and cover about 5-6 km. Price: £12.50 for 1.5 hours paddling or £45 Half days paddling session for up to 2 paddlers, which includes basic coaching and all equipment. Difficulty: Easy – perfect for beginners. The river is very calm and a lovely location to paddle. Tip:   Bring some money in case you make a stop at the local cafe, where you can buy some refreshments. Where to book:   Whoosh Explore Canoe Club

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Note: We were guests of these kayak and canoe companies stated above, but as always all opinion is my own!

Disclosure: I may earn a small commission from the companies or products mentioned in this post.

Other water based activities in London

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23 comments.

Since backpacking New Zealand and I have fell in love with Kayaking but would never have thought to do it in London! Such a cool way to see the city! Can’t wait to try when I’m back in the UK.

Wow as a Brit I didn’t know this was possible near London! Great post

I lived in London for 8 years but never thought about Kayaking. Its a great post and you inspired me to do my next adventure :)…

I lived in london for 6 months and I never knew about any of these things! Pinned it for my next trip there xx

Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays

I want to canoe under Tower Bridge!

Kat (Wandering Bird)

Wow- didn’t even know you COULD kayak here. Adding that to the bucket list- thanks 🙂

These all look awesome!!

Do you know about dragon boating? There are some dragon boat teams that practice in the docks in East London. I practiced with them last year and they were sooo welcoming to new people! If you like the idea, let me know and I’ll look up the name of the team so you can find them and try a new way to paddle! 🙂

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[…] The Tower of London, officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It was founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was a resented symbol of oppression, inflicted upon London by the new ruling elite. The castle was used as a prison from 1100 (Ranulf Flambard) until 1952, although that was not its primary purpose. I headed her early on the Sunday morning so I could beat the crowds, and I picked a beautiful day. I wandered around the outside of the building, right across Tower Bridge to get some wonderful shots, before heading inside to explore. You can also head out here on a kayaking tour of The Thames! […]

If you love to paddle, love to travel and looking for a convenient and affordable way to get out on the water, then an inflatable kayak is an excellent way to go. The great thing about inflatable kayaks is that there are lots of choices and no matter what your criteria, you are sure to find the portable kayak that suits your needs and skill level.

Wow! Never have I thought about such an unusual and amazing way to experience London. Thanks for the detailed description. These canoe trips allow to look at London from a different angle.

Helen Lessard

As for me, it took about two months to learn canoeing for me. Can you please also give more advice about tandem paddling. I know that I need practice more 🙂

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[…] I headed her early on a Sunday morning so I could beat the crowds, and I picked a beautiful day. I wandered around the outside of the building, right across Tower Bridge to get some wonderful shots, before heading inside to explore. You can also head out here on a kayaking tour of The Thames! […]

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[…] There is a lot to do in the area. You can go hiking, cycling, kayaking or SUP paddleboarding. Buzz Active offers some great watersport activities on the Cuckmere River. Their kayak trip to Alfriston is a lovely paddle with nice wildlife and gorgeous views to Litlington White Horse. They also offer kayaking and SUP taster sessions, where you can get to know these sports if you haven’t tried them before. A great kayaking experience near London! […]

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[…] with wonderful riverside campsites along the way, plus plenty of charming pubs. You can also go kayaking in Central London with an organised tour. We did the Henley to Windsor section in two days, which covered 38 km. But […]

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London Kayaking

Our main return trips either run from Greenwich west towards London Bridge and back or east to the Thames Barrier and back. Want to see more of the city of London? Then the Kayak Bus trip is for you. Read more about the options below…

There are a range of tours to choose from if you decide to go kayaking in Central London. These tours operate over a distance of twelve-miles along the River Thames between the Millennium Footbridge and the Thames Barrier. Our routes for kayaking in Central London are flexible, as we prefer to tailor the experience to suit you so you can get the most out of your time with us. All trips for kayaking in Central London are planned around the tide to ensure that it assists you in whatever direction you’re paddling, allowing you to relax and enjoy the views.

The kayaks we use for London kayaking are stable tandem kayaks and are suitable for paddlers of all levels. Our guides have a great amount of experience paddling and leading on this stretch of the river, so you have complete reassurance that you’re in good hands.

What are the trips available and pricing?

To the tower and return (westwards) – £45 per person.

From Greenwich passing the Isle of Dogs, Canary Wharf and Wapping on your way to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Turning at London Bridge you will pass HMS Belfast and with the tide in our favour we will be carried back to Greenwich. This is one of our most popular trips and is perfect for groups, especially Stag or Hen parties!

Thames Barrier and Return (Eastwards) – £40 per person

From Greenwich passing the Cutty Sark, Royal Observatory, London Dome, London’s only lighthouse at Trinity Wharf. Then onward to the Thames Barrier, London’s world famous flood defence.

Kayak Bus – £55 per person

Kayak Bus can either go Westwards or Eastwards right across the centre of London. Depending on the tide on the day that you want to go we either start in Greenwich (East London) or Vauxhall (West London). After you have finished your 3 hour paddle you will take the bus back to your start location. This is a brilliant sight seeing trip, passing all of London’s top landmarks that can be easily viewed from the water.  You will pass the Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Bankside and the Globe, St Pauls, South Bank, London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Lambeth Palace, Mi5 and many other landmarks.

Journey time is a good 3 hours and with the tidal flow making the trip suitable for all abilities including complete beginners.

* All trips include full safety equipment, instruction on the basics of paddling and a safety brief prior to launch.

Stag and Hen parties

We love organising Stag and Hen parties for kayaking in London. For these groups we would highly recommend either the Tower and Back trip, or for those wanting a longer day out, the Kayak Bus option.

We cannot mix booze and kayaking, however these are extremely popular as a pre-party activity. We can also point you in the direction of many nearby eateries and pubs near to your finish location should you want it.

8 Of The Best Companies To Take You Kayaking in London This Summer

A city that has the Thames coursing through its heart can make you wonder what it is like to take the plunge. So why not go kayaking in London this summer? Here's a list we (c)rafted of the best spots for hiring a kayak in London.

You may have been living here in London for years but if you haven’t yet sailed around on the waterways, you’ve probably missed one of the best ways in which to see the city. Kayaking in London is a great way to unwind, and you’ll see some hidden gems and iconic landmarks as you go. Here’s a roundup of some of the absolute best companies to take you kayaking in London:

1. Back of Beyond Adventures

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These adventurers offer an unmissable excursion for everyone in the British Capital. The Luxury Travel Guide award-winning Back of Beyond provides guided kayaking in London on the River Thames during the Summer months.

They offer two-and-a-half hours’ worth of self-guided and guided tours, and the ‘Grand Self-Guided Kayak Adventure’ which takes you down the River Lane in Richmond for five hours. Even if you haven’t been kayaking before, then this is a great option, as the staff will be on hand throughout to give you all the help and advice that you need.

They also organise ‘Kids Paddle Parties’ for groups of kids aged 8-17, with a minimum of six people in a group. Plus, they have two options for kids’ kayaking adventures; one in Richmond and the other in London. The London-based trip explores the Thames for almost two hours, while the hour-long excursion in Richmond will take you on an adventurous journey through dense woodland and past nearby islands that wouldn’t look out of place in the Swallows and Amazons .

📍 You’ll find Back of Beyond Adventures at Petersham Drawdock, River Lane, Petersham, Richmond, Surrey.

🚇 N earest tube station is Richmond.

2. London Kayak Company

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Ever been to Battersea? Then odds are you’ve spotted people kayaking in the boats of the London Kayak Company ! One of the most famous operators for kayaking in London, they offer many options that will give you a different perspective of the capital.

You can take a one-way or 17-kilometre-long return trip between Greenwich and Battersea via ‘The Kayak Bus’ route, or you can go for a moonlit paddle onboard ‘The Night Paddle Kayak’ route. If you plan that excursion with your colleagues, they also organise ‘The Corporate ‘Bespoke Kayaking Trip’ – perfect for a work social we say! Other trips include the ‘Tower Bridge Return’ from Poplar to Tower Bridge, and the ‘Barrier and Back’, a to-and-fro trip between Greenwich all the way out to the Thames Barrier.

Only adults are allowed on board these trips, so this is probably one to do with your mates. The company provides you with all the protective gear, and they’ve also got waterproof cameras, so you don’t have to worry about capturing the views and can just focus on the kayaking instead.

📍 You’ll find London Kayak Company at Qube Self Storage, Tunnel Avenue, SE10 0PA.

🚇 Nearest station is North Greenwich.

3. Secret Adventures

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If you have done kayaking in London before, you may have heard of Secret Adventures . Theirs are among the most famous kayaking excursions in and around London and offer daytime and nighttime tours. They also organise overnight camping trips to add even more fire to your experience on the water.

You can opt to float from London’s oldest canal in Limehouse to Crate Brewery in Hackney Wick – one of the best breweries in the city . Or, you can choose the three-hour-long daytime kayaking from Greenwich to Battersea , or a journey under a star-lit night sky in the opposite direction. Perfect for that date night you’ve been planning!

📍 You’ll find Secret Adventures at the beach next to St. Mary’s Church, Battersea, SW11 3LX.

🚇 Nearest station is Imperial Wharf.

4. Active360

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One of the best water sports organisers in London, Active360 , provides a beautiful trip through Central London along their main route that runs from Richmond to Hammersmith. Kids and people of all abilities are welcome to join in the fun, so this is a great one for all the family.

They based are at Kew Bridge on the Thames, in Paddington Basin by Little Venice on the Grand Union Canal, and at Brentford Lock too. Of these, their Brentford Lock centre is child and family-friendly, so you can be a beginner in kayaking and still get involved with a fun day out! Their Paddington trip takes you through some of the most picturesque parts of London on their two, three and full-day trips, and they even do SUP yoga and pilates on paddle boards too!

📍 You’ll find Active360 at various different locations in London. You can find out more here .

5. The Pirate Castle

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You can hire a kayak in London not only for fun but for charity too. You probably would have heard of The Pirate Castle . They provide excellent guided tours for charity and contribute 100% of their sales to give free boating adventures for children and vulnerable local community members. They take you from Camden Town to the London Zoo along Regent’s Canal and back again in 90 minutes.

Kids above 8 years of age are allowed on their trips, and this is a great day out for them as they’ll be able to spot the animals as they go!

📍 You’ll find The Pirate Castle at Gilbey’s Wharf, Oval Road, NW1 7EA.

🚇 Nearest station is Camden Town.

6. London Kayak Tours

The tours with London Kayak Tours are all qualified by the British Canoe Union. They run on three different routes; along the Regents Canal up to Camden Lock, on the Thames in Richmond, and out in Windsor in Berkshire. Their 90-minutes-long Regents Canal trip promises you a new, never-seen-before view of the city. They also take you through the ‘secret tunnel’ that was seen in the beloved James Bond movie Spectre .

Kids above the age of 9 years of age who can swim a bit are allowed on all their trips, but they will need to be accompanied by at least one adult.

📍 You’ll find London Kayak Tours at various different locations in London. You can find out more here .

7. Moo Canoes Limited

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The friendly team at Moo Canoes Limited will provide you with you kayaks at Limehouse Basin – an excellent spot to hire a kayak in London. Paddle your way up and down the canal and enjoy the views of the Thames as you go. Want something even better? Well you can even take your four-legged friends with you on board – what better day out for you and your pooch, hey?!

They’ve also got another site up in Hackney Wick with a floating bar-come-cafe , and they also do paddleboard and canoe rentals too.

📍 You’ll find Moo Canoes at Limehouse Basin, 30 Pinnacle Way, E14 7JZ.

🚇 Nearest station is Limehouse.

8. Whoosh Explore

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If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Central London, then look no further than Whoosh Explore . They’ll take you on scenic and guided kayaking trips down the River Stort – a lovely spot in the countryside bordering Essex and Hertfordshire. There are plenty of quaint pubs along the way, so this is a great one for weekends!

They’ll provide all the gear for the excursions, but they recommend you bring warm clothing and an extra pair of dry clothes for trips during the Winter months. Note that their paddling and kayaking sessions are for adults-only, but they do run taster sessions that suit kids and families too. They also run training sessions regularly for beginners.

📍 You’ll find Whoosh Explore at 82 Rainsford Road, Mountfitchet, Stansted, CM24 8EA.

🚇 Nearest station is Stansted Mountfichet.

So there you have it – a roundup of the best companies to take you kayaking in London. So if you’re looking to see the city from another angle, then grab your paddle and let’s go!

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Where to go kayaking in London (canoeing and SUP too!)

Disclosure: I may earn a small commission from the companies or products mentioned in this post.

Kayaking in London is a great way to spend a sunny day in the capital. Whether it’s floating down north London’s canals with a cocktail in hand, cruising along the River Thames taking in the capital’s best sites, or even litter picking to keep London’s waterways clean, there are plenty of ways to enjoy kayaking in London.

Can you go kayaking in London?

Kayaking in London is definitely possible and makes for a fun activity for friends and families, a unique way for visitors to see the capital from a different perspective, or even an alternative form of exercise.

Where can you go kayaking in London?

There are two main places you can go kayaking in London; in the canals and in the Tidal Thames (the section of the River Thames  which is subject to tides and runs through central London).

Can anyone go kayaking in London?

If you do own your own boat or board, you can take it out in London, however, there are some important things to know first and rules you need to abide by…

If you want to kayak, canoe or paddleboard on London’s canal system you need to have either a Canal & Rivers Trust permit or British Canoeing membership.

For taking part in any type of paddlesport on the Tidal Thames, you’ll need to check out the Port of London’s Tideway Code .

If this all sounds like too much hassle, the next easiest way to go canoeing or kayaking in London is to hire a boat or board from a registered company or join an organised tour where you’ll be escorted by an experienced guide.

Below are 8 of the best places to go kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding in London…

Kayak, Canoe & SUP Hire in London

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Emily | Travel Blogger (@londoncitycalling)

Moo Canoes, Hackney

Moo Canoes is my personal favourite place to hire a canoe or kayak in London, especially on a hot summer’s weekend, and I think it’ll become pretty obvious why…

Where? Located in the cool East London neighbourhood of Hackney Wick , Moo Canoes offer canoe and kayak hire from the Milk Float – a quirky bar & cafe on a ship moored at the side of the canal. You can then head out on an adventure around North London’s historic canals , taking in the view of the Queen Elisabeth Olympic Park as you head north towards Tottenham and back.

You can also hire kayaks from their Limehouse location.

The best part? Moo Canoes is one of the most unique places to hire a canoe or kayak in London because once you’re in your boat, you can paddle past Milk Floats sail-up window to grab a take-away cocktail to enjoy out on the canals. Ideal for those looking for a fun activity with friends rather than more strenuous exercise.

• Canoes (2-3 people): £36 (1st hour) + £10 per hour.
• Kayaks (2 people): £26 (1st hour) + £10 per hour.

Skill level: No prior experience needed.

Social responsibility: Moo Canoes offer CSR events and volunteering sessions where you can jump in one of their boats and help to clean up London’s canals by removing litter and dangerous plastics from the water.

Active 360, Paddington

Another spot you can find canoe hire in London is Active 360 .

Where? Active360 offers canoe and SUP hire in Paddington which you can then take out into the Paddington basin. SUPs can also be hired from the company’s other venues in Kew Bridge, Richmond & Brentford Lock.

The best part? Active360 also hosts regular SUP yoga and pilates classes where the paddleboard becomes your new floating yoga mat.

• Canoes (2 people): 2 Hours £50 / 3 Hours £60 / 1 Day £85
• Canoes (3 people): 2 Hours £60 / 3 Hours £70 / 1 Day £95
• SUP: 2 Hours £30.00 / 3 Hours £40.00 / 1 Day £60.00 / Weekend £85.00

Skill level: Active360s canoes can be hired by anyone, however, SUPs are only available for people with previous experience. If you’re new to the activity you can opt for one of the SUP group or private classes. They also offer Thames Skills & Knowledge (TSK) courses for those who want to take SUPs out on the Tidal Thames independently.

Social responsibility: You can also take part in a paddle and pick session to help get involved in clearing a section of the canal of plastic waste.

Kayak, Canoe & SUP Tours in London

Secret Adventures

Secret adventures offer without a doubt one of the coolest and most unique kayak tours in London; a nighttime kayak adventure across the capital .

Where? Secret Adventures night kayak tour takes you along the River Thames through central London , from Battersea in the west to Greenwich in the east, past many of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge and the Old Naval College.

• Night Kayak (3 hours): £69.33 per person in a double kayak.

Where to book: Secret Adventures.

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London Kayak Co

London Kayak Co.

Where? London Kayak Co. run three main tours for those wanting to go kayaking in London; one of which takes you from Greenwich to the Tower of London and back, one which takes you from Greenwich eastwards towards the Thames Barrier and back, and finally, their longest 3 hour ‘Kayak Bus’ in which you’ll paddle all the way through central London during either the day or night, past the city’s top landmarks on the Thames, before returning to your starting point by bus.

• Kayak Bus from Battersea to Greenwich (3 hours): £64.69.
• Night Kayak Bus from Battersea to Greenwich (2.5 hours): £69.
• Greenwich to Tower of London and return (2 hours): £58.10.
• Greenwich to Thames Barrier and return (2 hours): £56.82.

Where to book: London Kayak Co.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by The Pirate Castle (@thepiratecastle)

The Pirate Castle, Camden

The Pirate Castle is an amazing boating charity , running since 1966, which provides free and affordable activities so that local children, disability groups and vulnerable members of the community can experience the benefits of being on London’s many waterways.

The charity also runs regular kayak tours from which 100% of ticket sales help to fund their projects for local people.

Where? The Pirate Castle is located in Camden Town and their kayak tours take you on a leisurely adventure along the picturesque Regent’s Canal towards London Zoo and back again.

• Regents Canal Kayak (1.5 hours): £30 per person.

Where to book: Airbnb experiences. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paddleboarding London (@paddleboardinglondon)

Paddle Boarding London, Camden

Paddle Boarding London offers a whole variety of fun SUP activities, including group and individual classes, tours, special events and more.

Connected to The Pirate Castle (above) , all of their sessions include a donation to the charity. Yet another opportunity to have fun and help the local community!

Where? Based out of The Pirate Castle in Camden Town , with sessions and tours taking place on the beautiful Regents Canal . They also offer SUP sessions, plus canoe and kayak hire, in historic Windsor.

• 90 minute group SUP class:  £46
• 1:1 SUP lesson: £119
• 2 hour paddleboard tour: £60
• Paddle & prosecco socials: £49
• Full moon paddles: £35
• Sunrise sessions: £46
• SUP yoga: £42

Skill level:  No prior experience needed.

Where to book: Paddle Boarding London / Airbnb experiences.

London Kayak Tours

London Kayak Tours , as the name suggests, offers fun kayaking tours all around the capital run by qualified BCU (British Canoe Union) instructors.

Where? London Kayak Tours runs kayaking trips along the Regents Canal in central London, on the River Thames close to Hampton Court Palace in Richmond, and in historic Windsor.

How much? TBC.

Where to book: London Kayak Tours / LKT also regularly offer deals through companies such as Buyagift , Virgin Experience Days & Lastminute.com – I’ll be sure to add links as I find them!.

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Back of Beyond Adventures (@backofbeyonduk)

Back of Beyond, Richmond

Last but certainly not least, Back of Beyond Adventures is another fantastic company offering SUP, canoeing and kayaking.

Where? Richmond upon Thames in London, as well as in nearby Kent and down on the Cornwall coast.

• Self Guided Kayak or Canoe Adventure (2.5h): £37.50
• The Grand Self Guided Kayak or Canoe Adventure (5h): £70
• Eel Pie Island Kayak Guided Adventure: £60
• Stand Up Paddleboard Lesson: £60
• SUP with your PUP Lesson: £60
• Self Guided SUP Adventure (2.5h): £65

Where to book: Back of Beyond Adventures.

Enjoyed this post about kayaking in London? Pin it for later:

Emily is a born and raised London girl, starting life in the north of the capital then moving down to Fulham in the southwest. She has a master’s degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology from University College London and now works full-time running this blog and as a freelance travel writer, splitting her life between London and travelling the world as a digital nomad.

Find me on: Instagram

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Kayaking London - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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You are here: Things to Do > Boating on the River Thames > Kayaking

Moose Canoe and SUP Hire

Kayaking on the river thames, the river thames provides a great location for kayaking which appeals to all ages, level of ability and fitness..

The hiring of Canoes, Kayaks and SUPs is permissable following some social distancing and hygiene rules. 

You can join a club or attend a course from an early age and the whole family can enjoy the fun of kayaking even into retirement. 

What if I haven't been in a kayak before?

Don't worry – you’ll be shown how to paddle a kayak and tours include a health & safety brief and all necessary equipment including recreational touring kayaks and buoyancy aids. The British Canoe Union instructors are experts, approachable and fun.

Moose Canoe Hire, Marlow - Single and Double Sit on Top Kayaks

Hire a single or double sit on top kayak for the day from Moose Canoe Hire based at Bisham Abbey, Marlow. Ideal for adults and children (8yrs+) and perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers. Park for free at our base and experience a fun day out on the river.

London Kayak Tours (not operating during 2020)

Float leisurely along the Thames or canals and paddle London from a unique angle in your own Kayak with London Kayak Tours . You can view the historical Hampton Court Palace, see the wildlife along Regents Canal or join a tour in Windsor and glide past the royal home of the Queen at Windsor Castle.

For information on rowing on the tidal Thames, from Teddington to the sea, download The Rowing Code .

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The complete App solution for planning your leisure activities during your trip on the  non-tidal and tidal River Thames; from Lechlade to the Thames Barrier. For smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops; iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, macOS, Windows

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KAYAKING ON THE RIVER THAMES Paddling on the River since 1996

London Kayak Company is led by Harry Whelan who has over 20 years experience of leading groups on the Tidal Thames, solo paddling and has circumnavigated both Ireland and Britain by kayak previously holding the record for the fastest times around both countries. All London Kayak Company guides who lead trips have a minimum of five years guiding experience on the Tideway and regularly contribute to improving the safety of kayaking on the Thames.   We are a strong team who are committed to keeping you safe on the river. London Kayak Company is 100% Port of London compliant and is a British Canoeing Delivery Partner. Our calendar can be found here .

Our bookings are made using eventbrite , which can be found here ., covid-19 in line with the current government covid 19 restriction, london kayak company will be operational and back on the water from 29/03/21 . clean equipment, hand washing facilities, and anti-bacterial hand gel is supplied for all participants you can currently book trips, we advertise two months in advance on the website. your safety has always been our number one priority. you can get us on the phone and by email . stay safe and see you on the tideway soon. 23 feb 2021, location london kayak company?is based on the greenwich peninsula, look at the trip description on the website as each trip has its own start and finish point. all our trips start no more than 15 minutes walk from public transport.? contact us if you need more information., our address is.

London Kayak Company 8, Springham Walk, River Gardens Walk, London SE10 0YP

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• our terms of use here, • and our privacy and cookies policy here, to book a trip please contact us 07741 205 515 [email protected], 07741 205 515 | [email protected].

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• Canoeing and Kayaking In London

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Canoeing and Kayaking in London

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Canoe or Kayak Hire in London

• Outside of London, further east: Basingstoke and Deane Canoe Club
• East London: Moo Canoes (Hackney and Limehouse Basin)
• North / West London: Active 360, Paddington Basin

Kayaking Clubs in London

• Regents Canoe Club
• Castle Canoe Club
• Leaside Canoe Club
• Tower Hamlets Canoe Club
• Barking and Dagenham Canoe Club
• Meridian Kayak Club
• Bromley Canoe Club
• Clapham Canoe Club
• Blue Chip SUPer Club
• Putney Bridge Canoe Club
• Richmond Canoe Club
• Epic SUP (Twikenham)

Canoeing and Kayaking Near London In Surrey

• The Thames: winding its way through Surrey and eventually into London past Kingston, the stretch just before this is well worth a day out. Paddle up from Kingston to Hampton Court to take in the palace there, and enjoy a few riverside refreshments at Kingston on your return. It’s a lively stretch of river but with various parks lining it’s banks it makes for an enjoyable session on the water.
• River Mole, Dorking to Hampton Court: this is a lovely stretch of river, though not paddled often, which can be good or bad depending on your perspective! For experienced paddlers looking for a mini-adventure then the 34km between Dorking and Hampton Court can be a challenging day trip. There are likely to be trees across the river, but on the other hand there are very few people, plenty of kingfishers, and the river is recorded as far back as the Doomsday book, with mills dating back to Saxon times dotted along the banks. See More for Canoeing and Kayaking in Surrey

Canoeing and Kayaking Near London In Kent

• Medway Canoe trail: what better way to explore the heart of the Kent countryside than this 18 mile route from historic Tonbridge, passing plenty of heritage alongside the lush banks and reed beds that line the river all the way to Allington Lock.
• The River Stour: the best section for this is downriver from Canterbury. Starting from Forwich there’s a lovely section approximately 8 miles in length running to Plucks Gutter. Passing through some tranquil marshes it has some lovely clear water, making it a perfect habitat for white clawed crayfish, as well as bream, brown trout and European eels.
• Ramsgate Coastline: perhaps the safest and most picturesque stretch of Kent’s coastline is around Ramsgate, and kayaking is a fine way to explore the coast and get a different perspective of it. Active Ramsgate have handily come up with two canoe trails to help you make the most of it, one being self-guided and the other a group guided trail. The self-guided route is better suited to experienced paddlers, and sets off from Ramsgate before following the coastline for 2 miles to the pretty town of Broadstairs. The guided trail takes a route through both open sea and river and includes Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve - one of the UK’s most protected bird sites - which gives you a fantastic chance to spot wetland birds and even seals.

Safety Advice for Canoeing and Kayaking

• Weather, flow, tides and visibility : Attention should be paid to the flow of the river by checking the environment agency website and others. A significant flow on the river can be caused by excessive rain, often hundreds of miles away, that over a number of days, pour into the river can cause significant currents. Whilst its often hard to see ‘flow’ just by looking at the river the National River Flow Archive can provide specific information on the flow to enable you to decide if it’s worth the outing. Often, it’s much nicer to paddle in calmer waters, rather than battling a surging river and having greater risk around meanders, bridges and other boat vessels, so this is something to consider. Likewise, wind, tide, weather and visibility should be taken into consideration when planning your canoeing or kayaking trip.
• Conditions within your level of capability Always err on the side of caution when going out in your canoe or kayak and make sure you’re comfortable with the conditions of the water
• Tell your friends: Let people know where you’re going and when you expect to be back. Ideally go with a group of people so if someone falls in, you’ll have others to help or raise the alarm
• Get training: Book in a canoeing or kayaking instructor course or experience days on Beyonk
• Practice falling in drills: In calmer waters and with the supervision of an instructor, practice how to fall in and what to do when you do fall in, so you’re prepared on what to do
• Consider wearing safety equipment such as buoyancy aids, which can be life-savers in many scenarios even if you’re a strong swimmer. The water temperature, flow or taking a knock to the head can all present risks that will make your swimming skills useless and a buoyancy aid life-saving
• Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions of your paddle. Don’t risk getting soaking wet and cold in the rain if you’re going out for prolonged periods
• Be aware of waterway restrictions, from boating lanes, military operations and more, to avoid any dangers
• Make sure to get stacked up on nutrition and water to maintain energy levels if you’re going for over an hour's paddle.
• Take a communication device , mobile or radio in case of emergency and call 999 if needed.

Where can I go canoeing or kayaking in London?

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Canoeing and Kayaking on the tidal Thames

Canoeing on the tidal Thames. Access to the Thames in central London is not easy. The river was once busy with boats and ferries carrying passengers along the river, but most of the old public steps are now fenced off and locked.

Kayaking on the tidal Thames in central London

Many visitors to the capital, and many Londoners themselves, do not realise that the River Thames is tidal. The tides reach as far west as Teddington Lock, some 17 miles from the center of London, where a system of weirs and locks block the incoming tidal water.

In the heart of London, where the river is squeezed between high river walls, there can be a difference of seven metres (23 feet) between high and low tides. The tide can flow at up to five miles an hour and the river can be very choppy. Waves from passing boats also add to the challenge.

The tidal Thames is not the place for an inexperienced kayaker or canoeist, but several kayak clubs actively paddle on the River Thames, and will ensure that inexperienced kayakers can go out under the guidance of experienced canoe coaches or leaders. See  Canoe training in London .

If you have the experience to take a canoe on this fast, tidal river, the following tips may be useful.

• Access point are few and far between – and should be inspected before you set off. Most of the River Thames in central London is enclosed by sheer walls. Once in the water it may be impossible to get out.
• At low tide, access points may be inaccessible due to deep mud.
• River Thames steps can be very poorly maintained and slippery. It may be very difficult to use these steps if the tide is flowing over them.
• Tidal information for the River Thames is published by the Port of London Authority and is available free from their website .
• Trips can be planned to travel with the tide, going from one side of London to the other. If you have more time, you can travel with the tide one way, stop for lunch, and then return. Bear in mind that the slack water between tides can last for several hours.
• Many barges, piers and boats are moored along the River Thames. The tide rushes under these and will drag a paddler with it. Avoid such obstacles.
• The tidal sections of the River Thames are under the control of the Port of London Authority . You may wish to contact them to inform them that you are on the river.
• River traffic should keep to the right of the main channel. Kayakers can generally avoid the busy, central channel and can paddle on the quieter water on the side of the river.
• Other river traffic may not see you. Small craft such as kayaks and canoes are not common on the river. Maintain a good distance from larger craft and be particularly vigilant around piers and other mooring points. It is better to travel as a fairly tight group rather than as a dispersed group – you are more likely to be noticed.
• River craft cannot approach within a certain distance of Parliament. This includes kayakers. The area to avoid is marked by buoys. Occasional bridge works may mean that the river is closed to river traffic below one or more bridge arches. Such closed arches are marked by a sign bearing three large, red circles.
• Do not attempt to paddle the river using inappropriate craft, such as sit-on-tops.
• Pollution. Every year an estimated 39 million cubic metres of raw sewage travels down the river. The problem is particularly bad after heavy rain, when the sewage system cannot carry the extra load and empties directly into the river. Wash your hands before eating and after paddling.
• Safety. Please read Canoe London’s  canoe safety tips before heading out onto the water.
• As well as informing a contact ashore it is recommended that canoeists about to go on the river should contact London VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) on 020 8855 0315. VTS can give you details of anything happening on the river that might affect your trip. You must always remember to tell them when you have finished your trip.

Kayaking on the tidal Thames – useful links

Port of London  Using canoes and kayaks on the tidal Thames.

Guide to London and SE England Sea Access – useful advice from Tower Hamlets Canoe Club

Tower Hamlets Canoe Club

Chelsea Kayak Club

Cremorne Riverside

London Kayak Company (guided tours on the River Thames)

Moo Canoes  – Guided kayak tours on the Thames and canoe hire

Access to the River Thames – Detailed map showing steps, stairs and landing places along the tidal Thames. Not all of these are accessible to the public.

Map showing possible public access points to the River Thames in central London. The map is for guidance only. Indication of an access point does not mean that public access is allowed. View Map of access points on the tidal Thames in central London

Disclaimer: The River Thames can be a dangerous river and should not be attempted by the inexperienced. The information given here is for guidance only. If you wish to paddle on the river we strongly suggest you join one of the many canoe clubs that use the river.

Image credits: Ian Tokelove

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As the light start’s to fade join us for an evening paddle right through the centre of London. Seeing all of London’s landmarks brightly bathed in light, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s, Bank Side, The City Tower Bridge and the Old Naval College to name a few.

This adventure starts on the beach by St Mary’s Church in Battersea and finishes in Greenwich. It is planned to coincide with the falling tide, making the trip suitable for all abilities. We use stable double kayaks with rudders, all kit provided and staffed by professional guides. The event is for adults only.

The trip will finish at Greenwich next to the Enderby House Pub. The adventure will take around 3 hours, this includes kitting out and safety talks before going out on the water. From May to August this trip will not be in full darkness, and will be a gradual fading light.

Please note: we recommend arriving 15 minutes before the start time as these events are time sensitive and organised around the tides.

What's Included?

•  Buoyancy Aids
•  Paddles
•  Lights when required
•  Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)
•  Professional instructors
•  Optional gloves

What happens to my stuff?

What to wear, booking terms, age criteria.

NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED

Unique and awe inspiring, it filled me with giddy child like excitement, magic in the city, you may also like, canoe across scotland.

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A culinary adventure in the woods

KAY AK Get more ideas on what to do in Windsor

Call Us: +447585 907734

Email: [email protected]

KAYAK TOURS LONDON 

RIVER THAMES ADVENTURES FROM WINDSOR

£40 under 4 hours

£50 over 4 hours, need more info.

Our kayak and canoe hire is very reasonable £40 under 4 hours and £50 over four hours and this includes paddles and bouyancy aids, Instruction and directions will be given before you set off. 

KAYAK TOURS LONDON

Family day out in one of our Canadian Canoes or Double Kayaks paddling down the River Thames with one of our Hire boats. Kayak Tours in London on the River Thames.    

We can arrange to meet you with the boats and bouyancy aids and paddles at the Ferry Pub at Cookham, if you contact us before the date. This is about a 4/5 hour paddle down to Windsor with plenty of watering holes on the way, or just stop for a picnic some where along the route. Plenty to see and some great locks to go through.

The Cliveden reach is one of the most scenic area's of the Thames and is a must to paddle through and enjoy on a sunny weekend or weekday. Wildlife is all around you and peaceful tranquillity to take that stress away , what more can I say ,, Hire a boat for the day and get away from it all,  

Take the family with you or take the work people and have an adventure or even a Hen or stag party, what a way to spend the day, messing about on the river.

Don't be afraid, we give full instruction before you set off for your adventure and if you negotiate with us we will come too, just to look after you and keep you company.

You don't have to hire for the whole day. You can just paddle around Windsor explore the back waters or paddle up through Boveney Lock and on to the area of Dorney Lake where the Olympics took place and back to Windsor this is about a two hour paddle and see great views of the castle and Eton.

+44 7585 907734

[email protected].

Find cheap flights to London from $116

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to london departing on 9/8. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to london.

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Cheap flight deals to London

Flights to london - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to london to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest flight to london.

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight to London was $116 for a one-way ticket from New York and $281 for a round-trip. The most popular route searched for by our users was for flights from Los Angeles to London and the best round-trip deal found in the last 3 days was $344.

How much is a flight to London?

On average, a flight to london costs $717. the cheapest price found on kayak in the last 2 weeks cost $123 and departed from miami. the most popular routes on kayak are los angeles to london which costs $762 on average, and new york to london, which costs $676 on average., see prices from:, what is the cheapest day to fly to london, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to london is wednesday where tickets can be as cheap as $817. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is saturday, where prices are $892 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to london, the cheapest month for flights to london is january, where tickets cost $558 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are june and july, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $995 and $922 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is january with an average price of $535., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to london, the cheapest time of day to fly to london is generally in the evening, when flights cost $593 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to london is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $665., what is a good deal for flights to london, if you’re looking for cheap airfare to london, 25% of our users found tickets to london for the following prices or less: from new york john f kennedy intl airport $314 one-way - $559 round-trip, from los angeles $339 one-way - $591 round-trip, from chicago o'hare intl airport $499 one-way - $706 round-trip., how far in advance should i book a flight to london, to get a below average price, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 87 days before departure., which is the cheapest airport to fly into in london, prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in london is london southend airport, with an average flight price of $65., which airlines fly to london, airlines flying the most to london from united states are british airways, american airlines and virgin atlantic. see the amount of flights per week for popular airlines flying to london., which airline offers the most flights to london, of the 6 airlines that fly to london, british airways offers the most flights, with around 473 per week, followed by easyjet with 314 flights per week., how many airports are there in london, there are 6 airports in london: london heathrow airport (lhr), london gatwick airport (lgw), london stansted airport (stn), london luton airport (ltn), london city airport (lcy) and london southend airport (sen). the busiest airport is london heathrow airport (lhr), with 50% of all flights arriving there., how long is the flight to london, the duration of your flight to london depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to london on kayak are from boston , which takes 6h 20m, new york , which takes 6h 50m, miami , which takes 8h 45m, and san francisco , which takes 10h 19m., how many direct flights to london are there each day, there are around 226 direct flights from within united states to london every day. most flights depart in the evening, with 6:00 pm the most common departure time and 56% of flights departing in the evening., how many direct flights to london are there each week, each week there are around 1,576 direct flights from within united states to london. the most common day for departures is friday, with 15% of flights taking off on this day., how many long-haul flights are there to london each week, each week, there are 1,480 long haul flights (6-12 hour flight duration) and 103 medium-haul flights (3-6 hour flight duration) to london. there aren't any short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration)., how many cities have direct flights to london, from the united states, there are direct flights to london from 30 cities. the city with the most direct flights is new york, with 376 direct flights each week., good to know, when to book flights to london, faqs - booking london flights, how many terminals does heathrow airport have.

Heathrow Airport (LHR) has four terminals: Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. Travelers can walk through the pedestrian underpass from terminals 2 to 3 and vice versa. You can use the free shuttle trains or underground London services when connecting to other terminals. Moving from one airport terminal to another takes about 20 minutes.

Which airport is closest to Buckingham Palace?

Buckingham Palace is recognized worldwide as home to the royal family. The state rooms are open to the public for ten weeks during the summer and selected days during winter and spring. London City Airport (LCY) is the closest to the palace, 9.2 miles away. Heathrow Airport (LHR) is 15 miles, London Gatwick Airport (GBR) is 34 miles, London Luton Airport (GBR) is 34.3 miles, and London Stansted Airport (STN) is 39.5 miles from the palace.

How do I get to the city from London City Airport (LCY)?

There are various ways to get into the city from London City Airport (LCY). First, you can take a public bus which takes 50 minutes to the city and will cost £5 (about $6). A Taxi ride costs £41 ($50) and takes 15 minutes. A train ride costs £5 (about $6) and takes 21 minutes and lastly, a shuttle ride costs £58 (about $50) and will take you 21 minutes.

What services are there for business travelers in Heathrow?

Heathrow has bookable meeting rooms, such as its Regus Express business lounge, which can be rented by the hour. Along with their premium lounges, business travelers can also rent cell phones and pre-order foreign currency in advance, ensuring that the required currency will be available upon arrival. These services further enhance the convenience for business travelers.

Which London airport is closest to downtown?

London City Airport (LCY) is the closest in terms of physical proximity to the downtown area and can be reached via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and city buses. However, most of its flights are short hauls to mainland Europe. If your flight to London originated across the Atlantic, chances are that Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the best airport option for quick access to the city.

Which London airport offers good services for families traveling with children?

Both Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London Gatwick Airport (GBR) have excellent facilities for families and children. Heathrow’s Stay & Play is available in Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5 and features slides, play spots, and separate areas for babies and young children. At Gatwick, there are Kids zones in both the North and South Terminals, both of which provide play areas and free TV for young travelers.

Can I store my luggage at Heathrow Airport (LHR)?

Layovers are frequent at Heathrow Airport (LHR). The airport has excellent luggage storage facilities managed by Excess Baggage Company, where storage duration determines charges. Baggage and luggage can be stored for a few hours or up to 90 days. 0-3 hours will cost you £7.50 and 3-24 hours will cost you £12.50.

Are there good restaurants in Heathrow?

Heathrow Airport (LHR) has an expansive restaurant selection, ranging from fine dining to quick bites. Additionally, you can even order your food in advance from participating restaurants via the LHR London Heathrow Airport app. Furthermore, many restaurants in Heathrow offer 15-minute menus, as they understand that every minute counts during your travels.

Which London airport is closest to central London?

Out of the 6 airports in London, London City is the nearest to the city center (8 miles). You'll travel 14 miles to reach the center of London if you land in London Heathrow Airport, 24 miles if you land in London Gatwick Airport, and 28 miles if you arrive in London Luton Airport.

On average, a flight to London costs $717. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $123 and departed from Miami Airport.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to London?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to London.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to London?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to London is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to London?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to London with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to London?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to London up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to London

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest London flight deals.
• Landing at any of the six international airports in London guarantees an excellent travel experience. These airports have passenger assistants to help travelers navigate through the airports and special assistance programs for those who require extra help. Programs such as the Sunflower Lanyard at London Luton Airport (GBR) and London Southend Airport (SEN), as well as the Blue Badge scheme at Heathrow Airport (LHR), assist airport employees in identifying travelers who may need additional assistance.
• Inter-terminal movements are often unavoidable at Heathrow Airport (LHR). If you land at the airport, you will need to obtain a free inter-terminal ticket from one of the machines at the station in order to use the airport shuttles. However, if you have a connecting flight at Heathrow, you won't need to use the shuttles. The airport provides frequent flight connections and buses to take you to the next terminal without leaving the passenger-only area.
• Flights to London can land you in any number of airports serving the greater London area . Six international airports service London and, in terms of number of passengers served, they rank as follows: Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (GBR), London Stansted Airport (STN), London Luton Airport (GBR), London City Airport (LCY) and London Southend Airport (SEN). Lucky travelers flying to London have a plethora of options.
• The most popular airport, Heathrow Airport (LHR) easily connects to the London Underground and can be reached via the Piccadilly Line. Travel time should be under an hour and a single-way fare will be upwards of £6 (around USD $8.00). Heathrow has three separate stations on the London Underground: one for terminals 2 and 3 and one each for terminals 4 and 5.
• Landing at London Gatwick Airport (GBR)? There are several popular ways to reach the city from the airport. Trains run to London Bridge and Victoria, and many locations around the city are reachable from London Blackfriars. As if that weren't enough, coaches and shuttle buses also offer services to numerous other locations across the city.
• When traveling with a lot of luggage and flying to Heathrow Airport (LHR), you can request porter services available at the airport. You can hail a porter in the baggage halls, and they will assist you with your luggage. Porters charge £30 for 1-8 bags and operate from 6 am to 9 pm.
• If you love animal therapy, you should consider landing at London Southend Airport (SEN). The airport has partnered with Essex Therapy Dogs to provide therapy dogs. These dogs roam around the airport's terminals seeking to ease the anxiety and stress travelers face.
• The No1 Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3 is a serene refuge in one of the world's busiest airports, perfect for travelers on long layovers . It features snack machines, cozy seating, and complimentary buffet-style food options. The fully stocked bar offers a wide selection of premium beverages. The lounge provides various seating areas, including a mini cinema, a bistro with high tables for work and snacks, a lounge area with comfortable sofas, and private meeting spaces.
• Are you landing at Heathrow Airport (LHR)? If you would like a quiet place to meditate , take advantage of the multi-faith prayer rooms available. You can find the rooms at Terminal 2 Gate A21, Terminal 3 Gate 24, Terminal 4 Mezzanine Level, Terminal 4 Gate4, and Terminal 5 Gates A8, B34, and C52. The prayer rooms are open from 7 am to 7 pm.
• If duty-free shopping is one of the perks you enjoy while traveling, then Heathrow Airport (LHR) is definitely the airport to visit. Not only do they offer an extensive range of luxury stores and products, but you can also save time by pre-ordering purchases a day in advance, allowing you to skip the lines. Additionally, Heathrow Reward members earn points with every purchase, which can later be redeemed for miles and various other perks.

Prefer to fly non-stop to London?

Find which airlines fly direct to London, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Nonstop departures

United States to London

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +121 more

ANA, AccesRail, +122 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +122 more

ANA, AccesRail, +123 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +123 more

ANA, AccesRail, +124 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +119 more

ANA, AccesRail, +120 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +125 more

ANA, AccesRail, +126 more

ANA, AccesRail, Aegean Airlines, +124 more

ANA, AccesRail, +125 more

Nonstop returns

London to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to london.

Everything was great except for the seat. The backrest would not stay in the upright position.

I usually have a positive experience with Delta. Complimentary upgrades are always nice!

Flight delayed about 2 hrs so it made it a VERY late night

The crew, food, and entertainment were all good. But my screen had some sort of bug where if I turned it off, it would turn back on after 2-5 minutes. At full brightness. It made it very hard to get any shut-eye on the overnight flight. Also, the older Boeing plane, while nicely cared for (and no doors fell off 😅👏) doesn't have the nice air quality of newer planes. So I felt a bit greasy by the time we landed in Sweden.

It was a crowded flight. They did the best they could.

Service was good for such a short flight. Small plane but smooth flight.

Worst flight in my life. Only was scheduled for a 45 min flight to get our connection flight. It was late by 40 minutes and we missed our connection. Delta was totally useless trying to help and unable to get my family on the next flight because they overbooked it Thus had to get a hotel at my expense and lost a day at Disney as a result. Cost me about a $1000 if you add 2 hotels meals shuttles etc to get thru the day Awful customer service by Delta in Detroit totally useless people

The experience was good and the flight departed on time and landed early

The flight was delayed but we got to our final destination.

Boarding was great. The flight landed early. It took the crew over an hour and a half to bring out drinks. I paid to upgrade my seat to Comfort+ only to be near a crying/screaming baby who was seldom quiet. Noise-cancelling earbuds didn’t even help. Waste of money to upgrade.

My ticket was for Premium Economy and all the seats were taken, I was placed in Economy class and I’m looking for a refund.

The delay was an issue. Other than that. Every thing good

Staff didn’t check cabin well for landing seemed more interested in chatting to each other. Food was poor and differed from pre order.

We were in the last group to be called to the flight - which was 30 minutes late taking off. While we were lucky enough to have been given bulkhead seats (due to a medical condition I’d told them about beforehand) the seats weren’t particularly comfortable. A crying baby for the whole trip made things worse, so the crew managed very well with coping. The final thing I’d say was that there wasn’t enough food served during the flight.

Very good. Glad we had Premium for the flight out.

From the start everything was perfectly fine. First meal was fantastic. Breakfast needs a lot of work and food was overcooked and not very nice for breakfast. Staff were fantastic friendly nice they came round and check we need anything else to eat or drink

From the start everything was perfectly fine. First meal was fantastic. Breakfast needs a lot of work and food was overcooked and not very nice for breakfast. Staff for a fantastic friendly nice we came round and check we need anything else to eat or drink

From the start everything was perfectly fine. First meeting was fantastic. Breakfast needs a lot of work and food was overcooked and not very nice for breakfast.

We originally had a window seat. Our seats were changed to the center isle between 2 bathrooms. This was a red eye flight and we were traveling with an infant. Due to the light from the bathroom doors opening and closing throughout the night our infant would not sleep and cried the whole night which kept us awake and everyone around us. It was a very unpleasant experience for everyone trying to sleep.

Tai-City to Atlanta :Lots of legroom on the flight. No interaction from the staff at all on the plane. They only attended to the First Class passengers. There was no entertainment. Security I was body scanned even though I hadn't set off an alarm, my father-in-law in his 80s, was stopped and subjected to a through body search, told that they would have to place their hands in intimate places. There were several border guards present, and as we walked off we could hear the TWA officer talk about the procedure as if he was training. My father-in-law was a little upset about the whole process. A kind explanation that training was taking place would have been more acceptable, and it felt dehumanizing to him. Atlanta to London: Check in was difficult we had been unable to do this online for 2 of the family members on the same booking both in their mid to late-80s. No seats had been allocated for them and we were all travelling Premium Economy. After several phone calls to the booking agent and conversations with Delta staff at TriCites airport, we were told that seats would be allocated at the gate in Atlanta. When we arrived at Atlanta, and spoke to a member of the boarding staff at the gate, he was curt and repeated back exactly what we had just told him, that only one of us was checked in. I explained that we had been unable to check-in online for the 2 family members (I had tried twice). He again repeated back that we needed to check-in. As we were in transit, I was at a loss at what he wanted us to do, but he kept repeating that we needed to do this. I asked where we should do this. No answer. In fact all he did throughout was look at his screen. He told us that there were no seats in Premium Economy, and that he could offer my parents-in-law 'two seats at the back'. I asked if he meant at the back of Premium Economy, and he replied, 'No, at the back of the plane'. At this point, myself and my father-in-law pointed out that they had paid for Premium Economy tickets and expected seats there. He never took his eyes off the screen once. Then he hit a button and it printed out two boarding passes for my parents-in-law. The seats were directly across from my seat. He had gone from saying there were no seats to somehow finding two together. No explanation, no eye contact, nothing. The flight: As we boarded, our first introduction to the flight was the stewardess at the entrance addressing a passenger with an annoyed and loud voice about a bag that belonged to them. That was not promising. The seats were good, and so were all the accessories. The food, etc.: we had flown with Virgin on our outward journey and I could not fault it. The service and food was excellent, the stewards very helpful, offering additional drinks and snacks. The toilets were more accessible than Delta, which were in the economy area and were told in no uncertain terms that we should not use the First Class toilets, even though they were much closer to our section of the plane. We had a menu for both flights, yet when I asked for the chicken dish on Delta, I was told that there was none left and that there was another chicken dish with mashed potatoes and that 'it was fine'. This was almost pushed on me before I could answer. I was sitting 3 rows from the front of the section, so I was surprised that they had already run out. I repeated that I would like the chicken dish on the menu, and asked whether she would be able to get one from her colleague who was serving in the other aisle. The stewardess replied 'No, that's not how it works!' It always has on previous flights, so I was a bit confused. I accepted that I would have to opt for the pasta option (no choice), but was a little perturbed by her response. Minutes later she returns and hands me the chicken dish I had originally asked for. I had already started eating the other one, but was told curtly that I could have both. This was the same stewardess who was shouting at a passenger as we boarded the plane. The food was very poor in the end, nowhere near as good as Virgin's. Unlike Virgin, there was no starter, no bread roll, just a main and a brownie served in a cardboard container. Virgin had provided real china and glass. Unlike Virgin, they did not return to ask if we wanted more drinks, and there was no tea or coffee served after the meal. The breakfast that was served later was equally poor and inedible, apart from the fruit. At the time, the stewardess, a different one, completely walked past my mother-in-law and did not offer her a hot drink. Both my parents-in-law are in their mid to late 80s, they have been world travellers in their time and had decided that this would be the last flight that they ever take. They have health problems, including memory issues. I feel that overall the journey back to London was pretty unpleasant for them especially, and that they were treated badly, especially by the ground staff. We have lived on two continents and are used to long haul flights, and I have to say that this is up there in the worst flight category. Bearing in mind that we had paid extra money expecting comfort and additional attention, it was extremely disappointing. I would fly Virgin again, but never Delta. The two flights were incomparable.

The return trip was a customer service disaster. American Airlines needs an overhaul of how they treat their customers.

Was flying in premium eco and there were around 5-6 movies I wanted to watch and none of those could I play for some reasons. Not just me we checked w the person sitting next to me. Few of the movies were only playable :( Also that was not great that we couldn't upgrade to business however tried to, many times before the flight :(

You cancelled my flight by email then made it very difficult to get in contact with you. Then put me in a flight with a long layover in Mexico returning to the wrong airport in uk. Mind blowing my stressful. I missed see my grand dad because of you.

This was not the BA business class it used to be. Mediocre food, attendants seemed stretched thin. All the little luxuries that used to make BA business fun were missing. Flight delayed and the explanation given was they forgot to pick up crew - I hope I misheard! Transfer in LHR “sticky” - we thought we had way too much time at 3hours but it was needed. Next time will try different route.

Always getting updates by email very easy to check in on line. There was plenty of checking in staff to get you all through. It was nice that the flight attendants took time to talk to you and were interested in your holiday.

Flight from Phoenix to London was very quiet. Excellent space available for comfort, couldn't fault

Food was very average. And top up drinks offer was absent. For a 11 hour long flight that should be the minimum. The crew didn't want to be there. I understand it was new year day but given they had signed up for it

It was my fault choosing the seat nearest the entrance but it was ok.

It was good, the staff was friendly and it was a typical flight to Europe.

My flight was a little marred by poorly fuctioning / loose headphone sockets meaning I had to move twice. The meals were good and the staff are always amazing, attentive and friendly. My bag was lost on my previos trip with BA for 15 days of my 18 day trip, however I experienced no such issues this time despite my fears. Overall ok but aircraft need better looking after.

Terrible! I missed my flight to my final destination and British airlines and American Airlines keep pointing fingers on each other’s. Nobody wants to take responsibility

Overall, terrific service, accommodations, and experience. Only reason comfort was rated lower was because it was difficult to keep a comfortable sleeping position for the overnight flight, but I also had an economy seat.

Very cramped seats in economy, difficult to get comfortable with your legs and feet and back. The seat width is ok but I’m average size. Food is HORRIBLE. Crew is friendly. Delays and very tight connections made it tough for navigating. We would have missed our connecting flight if it wasn’t delayed too. The terminal transit was slow and normally every 10 minutes before 8pm, after 8 pm is every 30 minutes!!!!! No free wine or drinks!! Below average attitude.

Leg room was better than expected. Lavatory’s were easy to access.crew was grea!

Horrible seat allocation. Boarding was slow. Food was average and so was entertainment. The TV terminal didn't work and so had to use remote.

Lost one checked bag.and wasted 30min waiting and filing missing baggage report. Very unsatisfied.

This was an American Airlines flight. The crew were very unhappy and quite grumpy. Abrupt to the point of being rude. The food was dreadful. Indeed the breakfast was in edible. I will avoid AA at all costs in the future.

As expected for a BA long haul flight in economy - you get what you pay for. Good leg space, in flight entertainment and food and drink provided. Staff on the return flight (overnight) we're a bit brisk and just wanted to get everyone fed and watered before turning the lights down. We're vegetarian so ordered it separately through the booking, although when we were in flight we realised there was a normal and vegetarian option anyway, and we were given vegan. This is fine, however on the return trip we were told there were no more specially ordered meals left, so be aware in case you have specific dietary requirements.

Fare was much lower with a layover in London as I was able avoid numerous landing fees that would have been added to the ticket price had I booked a direct flight to Amsterdam.

We have business class seats from Los Angeles to London. The crew is friendly and provided great service. The flight was very comfortable and very smooth. Will use this airlines again in the future.

I loved the ability to upgrade my seat which was worth it. The large seat and ability to recline made it comfortable to fall asleep. My only two complaints were entertainment (movie selections were old) and approx 30 mins before landing the crew started to collect the blankets despite the cabin air temperature remaining cold. Maybe wait for passengers to get off the plane before collecting the blankets.

Excellent! Although it stinks to pay extra for leg room and then have no screen option.

Very much dislike: Airline requires check-in at the Airport Airline does not work with TSA PreCheck

Overall a great experience. Only complaint was the movie selection was pretty limited, but that's pretty minor in the grand scheme of things and easy to overcome.

The crew was unfriendly front check-in. The filth in the plane was so disappointing. I could smell dirt and looked up and there was literally dirt that was blowing in through the air. Old food on the seat back tray in front of me so I didn’t use it. No toilet paper in the bathroom and scum/old dirt next to the seats.

No blanket pillow headphones, not even a water or snack makes for a very uncomfortable flight. There are too many extra fees that should be basic and standard included.

There was no communication about the check-in process, even the fact that Norse doesn’t do online check-in! And once we were at the Los Angeles airport (LAX), there was no signage or assistance about where to check in. I kept Googling for 3rd party information until I finally found on the airport website that we had to check in at Terminal 1 and be bussed back to Terminal B, the international terminal. How were we supposed to know that?! Otherwise, the flight itself was comfortable and the attendants were helpful and friendly. I just feel like we were lucky to have managed the check-in and boarding process on our own - why keep it a secret??

The flight was comfortable, smooth, hardly any bumps even though we encountered some jetstream. The onboard entertainment could be jazzed up a little, the TV shows were old ans not much variety. The movies we ok. The staff was pleasant. The Orlando ground crew was excellent, they were pleasantand friendly. My kids and I were seated separately but the Orlando crew was able to reassign us together. The ground crew at Gatwick, UK need some work on attitude, they were not so sociable. All in all wonderful flight to and from England. I will be definitely traveling with Norse again. Ps...Norse need to work on an app for both Android and iOS.

Crew at airport who completed boarding were incredibly and blatantly rude and unhelpful. 0/10 customer service. I was going to upgrade my seat to first class and upon asking, I was met with an awful attitude so I changed my mind.

Boarding was a disaster. 2 hours in line to get boarding passes and we had no luggage to check in. Coffee was $4 so is water. 11 and a half hour’s flight and food was not included. You could purchase the food but it was complete garbage, This is worse than spirit airline. Never again

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