Whether you're looking to level up at your favourite water sports, get a glimpse of seldom-seen heritage and wildlife, or simply cool off during the warmer weather, there are loads of places to get on the water in Gloucestershire – with SoGlos listing 9 of the county's best locations.
Gloucester Docks
Try your hand at water sports while enjoying unique views of the historic Gloucester Docks, with the Canal & River Trust Gloucester Activity Hub.
The hub runs regular guided paddle sessions at the docks throughout the year, where adults and children aged seven and above can get an introduction to canoeing, kayaking or SUP, free of charge.
Its hour-long sessions run during special events and on Orchard Street Market days – the first weekend of every month – during the summer. To find out more and to book your free spot on a session, visit eventbrite.com/gloucester-community-paddling.
Cotswold Lakes
With over 180 lakes fit for a range of water sports or swimming, you're sure to find fun on the water whatever your ability at Cotswold Lakes.
Spread across 42 miles of countryside straddling Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire, there're loads of spots for launching, along with equipment hire and coaching in sports including sailing, SUP, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and much more from centres dotted around the lakes.
The park's Lake 32 and Lake 86 are great spots for open water swimming, with Cotswold Country Park and Beach being a great location for families; while the Cotswold Rowing Club welcomes new members from seasoned competitors, to those who want to try rowing for fun, too.
The Severn Bore on the River Severn
As the longest wave in the UK, people come to Gloucestershire from far and wide to have a go at riding the Severn Bore each year – but due to the risks, it's definitely one for those with experience on the water!
People on surfboards and SUPs, or in kayaks, brave the Severn between Awre and Gloucester when the Bore surges up river, watched on by awe-struck spectators of the natural phenomenon.
With plenty of dangers to be aware of – from strong currents and overcrowding, to river debris – the official Severn Bore website offers free advice to riders, recommending anyone considering it to get in touch with its team for information.
River Wye in the Forest of Dean
One of the UK's most picturesque rivers, the lower stretch of the River Wye in the Forest of Dean is a stunning location for a fun day out paddling amongst nature.
Launch your canoes, kayaks or SUPs from Lydbrook and meander past the spectacular Symonds Yat Rock, down to Monmouth or onto Redbrook, with lots of places for equipment hire and coaching in the area.
Just over the county border is Monmouth Rowing Club, which offers coaching and competition for all ages and abilities; while for those who don't fancy the physical exertion, there's also a popular boat tour of the river, running from Symond's Yat East.
Tewkesbury
The town where two rivers meet, Tewkesbury is another great place to get on the water in Gloucestershire, with plenty of scenic spots.
Popular places to kayak, canoe or SUP include on the River Severn from Lower Lode, and River Avon from the The Fleet Inn at Twyning, with multiple businesses in the area offering hire and coaching; plus there's inclusive junior rowing with the AB Severn Rowing Club; and boat trips on both rivers from town, too.
Or for expert water sports tuition, even for beginners, head to Croft Farm Water Park – a private lake near the Avon where you can windsurf, sail, SUP, kayak and more.
Gloucester-Sharpness Canal
A historic canal built to bypass a treacherous stretch of the Severn, the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal today is another scenic place to get on the water, whether you're boating or paddling.
With multiple places along the canal to launch your SUP, canoe or kayak, there's provision for coaching and group sessions from Saul Junction Marina near Frampton-on-Severn, where you can also hire a narrow boat or dinghy to embark on your own canal cruise.
Further upstream at Gloucester is the Gloucester Boathouse, home to Gloucester Rowing Club. The club welcomes beginners and more experienced rowers alike to develop their skills, including through introductory Learn to Row courses for adults and juniors.
Stroudwater Navigation and Cotswold Canals
A great way to take in seldom-seen heritage and nature in Stroud and the Cotswolds, the Cotswold Canals Trust operates private charter and public boat trips on the Stroudwater Navigation canal following its restoration.
Take a peaceful private cruise along the scenic stretch from Ebley, or head out on a 30-minute public trip from Wallbridge. There's also a private charter trip from the other side of the Cotswold Canals from Lechlade, along with trips from Saul Junction.
The Stroudwater Navigation is also a peaceful spot for kayaking, canoeing and SUP, with plenty of places to launch from on the eight-mile stretch.
Gloucestershire's outdoor pools
Gloucestershire is blessed with plenty of great lidos for an outdoor swim, whether on a fun day out with the family, or to improve your fitness and mental wellbeing.
Work those muscles by getting the lengths in, or cool off on a summer's day at Cheltenham Lido; Cirencester Open Air Pool; Berkeley Community Swimming Pool; Chipping Norton Lido; or Bathurst Pool in Lydney.
Many of the lidos offer quieter, accessible swimming sessions; lane swimming and members only sessions for those who want to avoid the crowds; and fitness-focussed sessions including aerobics and synchronised swimming, too.
The Wave Bristol
Gloucestershire surfers needn't drive all the way to the coast to catch a wave, with fun on the water for all ages and abilities to be had at The Wave, over the county border in Bristol.
The South West's only inland surfing lake, The Wave promises consistent surfing conditions all year round, with equipment hire, tuition and a range of sessions to suit your skill level.
Learn to surf with The Wave Academy, improve your skills with beginners sessions and over time, progress to intermediate, advanced and expert levels; while there's also women's only sessions, adaptive surfing and surfboard-free 'play in the bay' sessions, for building confidence in the water.
