Paddling along the peaceful River Stort provides one of Britain’s most accessible water adventures. The local canoe club, located in Sawbridgeworth, runs reliable guided and self-guided tours that showcase the best of Hertfordshire’s waterways.
For $75, their signature 4-8 hour canoe journey hits all the right notes – historic locks, riverside pubs, and quiet countryside vistas.
The shorter 3.5-hour options by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard ($73) work perfectly for beginners or those with limited time. All equipment is included, and their flexible booking policies make planning easy.
We particularly love the full-day guided canoe tour for its unhurried pace and local insights – you’ll learn about the river’s heritage while spotting wildlife along the banks.
Let’s explore the top water experiences available in Sawbridgeworth.
Key Points
- Whoosh Explore Canoe Club offers a variety of canoe and kayak tours along the River Stort, including self-guided and guided options.
- The 3.5-hour tours include a stop at a traditional country pub and cater to all skill levels, suitable for ages 11 and up.
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding adventures on the River Stort provide a unique experience, with a refreshment break at a charming thatched pub.
- Flexible booking policies with reserve-now-pay-later options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance are available for all activities.
- Buoyancy aids, paddles, and other necessary equipment are provided, though waterproof clothing and wetsuits may need to be obtained separately.
Canoe Hire
The canoe hire experience in Sawbridgeworth offers a fantastic way to explore the historic River Stort. Priced at just $75.53 per person, the canoe hire provides a 4-8 hour adventure on the river.
Customers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve now with the option to pay later to keep travel plans flexible.
The canoe hire includes a buoyancy aid, paddle, and canoe for two people. Kayaks are also available for single use, with a skeg and storage hatch.
Customers can choose self-guided sessions or opt for instruction from experienced guides. Specialized paddling equipment and bespoke trips can be arranged upon request.
The meeting point is conveniently located at the Whoosh Explore Canoe Club, just a short distance from central London with excellent transport links.
Visitors are advised to wear suitable clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, rain gear, and closed-toe sports shoes, as paddling can get messy.
Additional coaching fees and refreshments aren’t included in the canoe hire.
Read our full review: Canoe Hire Review
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Whoosh Explore Canoe Club: River Stort Canoe Tours
Whoosh Explore Canoe Club offers thrilling river tours on the historic River Stort Navigation. The 3.5-hour tours depart from the Sawbridgeworth boatyard, starting with a 15-minute safety briefing before 3 hours of paddling.
Along the route, adventurers will encounter traditional locks and mills, with a stop at a charming thatched country pub for refreshments.
Priced from $73.02 per person, these tours provide an excellent way to explore the Hertfordshire countryside. Participants must be able to handle their own canoes or kayaks, which are provided in single-person and two-person configurations.
Buoyancy aids and paddles are included, though waterproof clothing is not. The tours are suitable for ages 11 and up, with a weight limit of 264 lbs.
Getting to the meeting point in Sawbridgeworth is easy, with the location accessible by train from London and close to the M11 motorway.
With a flexible booking policy and the option to reserve now and pay later, Whoosh Explore Canoe Club offers a truly memorable paddling experience.
Read our full review: Whoosh Explore Canoe Club: River Stort Canoe Tours Review
Book now: Check availability
Stand up Paddle Boarding on the River Stort in Hertfordshire
Paddling along the tranquil River Stort in Hertfordshire offers a serene stand-up paddleboarding adventure. For 3.5 hours, you’ll embark on a journey upstream to Tednamebury lock, portaging around the traditional features dating back to 1753.
Along the way, you’ll visit a charming thatched country pub at Spellbrook for a refreshment break.
Suitable for all skill levels, this experience includes the use of paddleboards, paddles, and buoyancy aids, which must be worn at all times. Participants are responsible for carrying, launching, and portaging their own paddleboards.
Although the sessions are supervised remotely, a personal risk assessment is required to ensure the suitability of the activities.
The starting point in Sawbridgeworth is easily accessible, with nearby public transportation and motorway access. While a wetsuit is recommended, waterproof clothing and wetsuits aren’t provided.
Drinks and snacks at the pub aren’t included in the price, which starts from $73.02 per person with a free cancellation policy.
Read our full review: Stand up Paddle Boarding on the River Stort in Hertfordshire Review
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Whoosh Explore Canoe Club: River Stort Canoe & Kayak Tours
For those seeking a more immersive paddling experience along the River Stort, Whoosh Explore Canoe Club offers canoe and kayak tours that allow participants to navigate the waterway’s historic features and picturesque scenery.
The 3.5-hour excursion departs from the Sawbridgeworth boatyard, where guests can select from single-person kayaks or two-person canoes. During the tour, paddlers will have the opportunity to pass by locks and mills, with a stop at a traditional country pub for an optional break.
The tour is priced from $73.02 per person, and Whoosh Explore Canoe Club offers flexible booking options, including a reserve-now-pay-later policy and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
While no waterproof clothing or wetsuits are provided, participants must wear the club’s provided buoyancy aids for safety. The journey also requires participants to carry and portage the kayaks around locks, adding to the immersive experience under the guidance of an instructor.
Read our full review: Whoosh Explore Canoe Club: River Stort Canoe & Kayak Tours Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Sawbridgeworth offers excellent canoe and kayak experiences along the River Stort. Visitors can hire canoes, join guided tours, or try stand-up paddle boarding. The Whoosh Explore Canoe Club provides a range of options to explore the river and enjoy the scenic Hertfordshire countryside. Whether a beginner or experienced paddler, there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy a peaceful day on the river.