Kayaking on the Thames: Where You Can Paddle in London and the Upper Thames, Rules, Tours and Routes

Can you go kayaking on the Thames? Yes, you can! However, where you paddle changes everything. Above Teddington Lock, the non-tidal Thames is a calm river and great for beginners. You just need your boat registered with the Environment Agency, or Paddle UK membership. Below Teddington, the tidal Thames is managed by the Port of London Authority (PLA). Richmond to Putney is popular with paddlers. But central London is busy with commercial boats and strong tides, so beginners should only paddle there on a guided tour.

Paddling on the Thames is one of my favourite things to do near London. We kayaked from Battersea to Greenwich on a guided trip, and we canoe camped from Henley to Windsor. Paddling under Tower Bridge was definitely a highlight! So in this guide I share the rules, the best routes, kayak hire and guided tours.

Quick answer

• Easiest Thames kayaking in London: Richmond to Teddington Lock. You can hire sit-on-tops at Richmond from around £37.50–£42.50 for 2–2.5 hours.
• Central London (Tower Bridge, Westminster): go with a guide. London Kayak Company runs tide-assisted trips between Greenwich, Tower Bridge and Battersea. Its trips are for adults only.
• Upper Thames classics: Henley to Windsor (about 21–24 miles, 8 locks), Oxford (a 6-mile guided trip), and Lechlade to Radcot (3–4 hours).
• Rules: on the non-tidal Thames (Cricklade to Teddington) every canoe, kayak and SUP must be registered. In 2026 that costs £6.10 a day or £54.90 a year, or you can use Paddle UK membership instead. On the tidal Thames, follow the PLA's Tideway Code.
• Safety essentials: wear a buoyancy aid at all times, check the tides and the ebb tide flag, and use white lights after dark.

Where you can and can't paddle on the Thames

The Thames has two authorities and two very different characters.

Teddington is the usual tidal limit. An obelisk on the Surrey bank marks where the EA's powers end and the PLA's begin. The short stretch from Teddington Lock down to that boundary still counts as EA water for registration.

The tidal Thames and the Tideway Code

The PLA wrote the Tideway Code with Paddle UK and Thames rowing clubs. It splits the river into zones:

• Upper Tideway (Teddington to Putney): this is where most paddling happens. Some experience on moderate water is recommended.
• Below Putney: treat the river as exposed water, which needs the right knowledge and experience.
• Central London (Putney Bridge to Tower Bridge): large commercial boats rule here. Inexperienced paddlers should not go through in unstable boats. You must also tell London VTS (the PLA's traffic control) before paddling between Chelsea Bridge and Cherry Garden Pier.
• Below Tower Bridge: stand-up paddleboards are not permitted.

Key rules for kayaking on the tidal Thames:

• Wear a buoyancy aid at all times, and only go on the water if you can swim.
• Plan with the tide. Long trips should go with the stream, with the return timed for the turn. Check the PLA tide predictions before you go.
• Between Teddington and Putney, check the PLA's ebb tide flag every day. At the highest level, all paddlers are advised not to go out on the ebb.
• Do not go out if you can't clearly see the opposite bank, or if visibility is under 200 m.
• After sunset, show a constant white light at the front and back of your boat.
• Below Richmond Lock, carry a phone in a waterproof case or a VHF radio.

This is just a summary, so please read the full Tideway Code on the PLA website before you paddle the tidal river.

The non-tidal Thames: registration and Paddle UK

Every unpowered boat on the EA Thames needs registering. This includes canoes, kayaks, SUPs and inflatables.

Prices (2026):

• Day: £6.10
• Week: £12.90
• Month (31 days): £24.60
• Explorer (any 15 days in the year, private boats only): £21.40
• Annual: £54.90

The other option is Paddle UK's On the Water membership. It covers waterways managed by the Environment Agency and the Canal & River Trust, and it includes liability insurance. From 1 April 2026 it costs £65 for new adult members and £54 for renewals. Carry your membership card on the water, as it works as your registration. If you hire a boat or join a tour, the operator registers its own boats, so you don't need to worry about it.

On the non-tidal river, keep to the right (starboard) side and stay near the bank rather than in the middle. Also keep clear of cruisers mooring or leaving locks.

Guided kayak tours on the Thames

Central London: London Kayak Company

If you want to kayak past London's famous landmarks, London Kayak Company is the one. It is based in Greenwich and runs tide-assisted trips. We did their Battersea to Greenwich trip, and I can't think of a more unique way to go sightseeing in London. You don't need any experience, but all trips are for adults only.

• Kayak Bus: one-way between Greenwich and Battersea, in either direction. It takes about 3 hours.
• Night Bus: an evening paddle from Battersea to Greenwich past Parliament, St Paul's and Tower Bridge, listed at £67.
• Tower Return: from Poplar to Tower Bridge and back.
• Barrier & Back: from Greenwich to the Thames Barrier.

Check current dates and prices on its website or Eventbrite page.

Richmond: Back of Beyond Adventures and Paddle Richmond

The stretch between Richmond Bridge and Teddington Lock is the friendliest tidal water in London. It has islands, backwaters and lovely riverside pubs.

• Back of Beyond Adventures runs a self-guided sit-on-top kayak trip from Richmond to Teddington and back to Petersham Meadows. It takes 2 hours 30 minutes and costs from £37.50 per person. You must be able to swim 50 m. Under-18s paddle with a parent, at one adult to two children. It also runs guided sunset paddles from Richmond.
• Paddle Richmond hires sit-on-top kayaks at Richmond Bridge from £42.50 for a two-hour session, with about 90–105 minutes on the water. You must stay between Twickenham Bridge and Teddington Lock. Hirers need good experience, including self-rescue. Under-14s go in a double with a parent. Beginners can book a lesson first.

Windsor: Canoe & Kayak Adventures

Canoe & Kayak Adventures is a 10-minute walk from both Windsor stations. It runs two-hour guided tours with views of Windsor Castle, including sunrise and sunset sessions. In 2026 it runs daily from 4 April to 30 November. Children are welcome from age 7. It also hires canoes, kayaks and SUPs and can help you plan camping trips.

Oxford: Oxford Kayak Tours

This is a guided, beginner-friendly 6-mile paddle downstream through Oxford, from Cutteslowe to Donnington Bridge. It takes 3–4 hours and costs £55 per person, with all kit provided. It runs once a week at weekends. Unfortunately it is closed until May 2027.

The best Thames kayaking routes

Richmond to Teddington (tidal, London)

• Distance: about 5 km (3 miles) each way between Richmond Lock and Teddington Lock.
• Highlights: Petersham Meadows, Eel Pie Island, Ham House, and the locks and weir at Teddington.
• Tips: go upstream on the flood tide and come back on the ebb. At Richmond, the gates of the half-tide barrier are raised for about two hours either side of high tide, so you can paddle straight through. At other times boats use the lock, and kayaks can use the roller slipway. Hire from Richmond, or launch your own boat if you are experienced.

Henley to Windsor (non-tidal)

• Distance: about 21–24 miles (34–39 km) depending on start and finish points. Most people do it in two days.
• Locks: 8 (Hambleden, Hurley, Temple, Marlow, Cookham, Boulters, Bray and Boveney).
• Highlights: Henley's regatta reach, Marlow, the Cliveden woods and Windsor Castle.
• How: Henley Canoe Hire offers a two-day trip with an overnight stop in Marlow, with discounted bell tents or pitches at a Marlow campsite. We did this route as a self-guided canoe camping weekend and had so much fun. Read all about our canoe camping trip on the Thames from Henley to Windsor.

Oxford

The Thames through Oxford (often called the Isis) passes Port Meadow and Godstow before it runs through the city. For a first visit, the easiest option is the guided Oxford Kayak Tours trip. If you have your own boat and registration, Godstow and Osney locks are on this stretch.

Lechlade and the Cotswold Thames

Above Oxford, the young Thames is narrow, quiet and lined with meadows. Cotswold Canoe Hire in Lechlade runs one-way day trips, including:

• Lechlade to Radcot: downstream through St John's, Buscot and Grafton locks, about 3–4 hours. It is busier with motor boats.
• Castle Eaton to Lechlade: the most adventurous option, with overhanging trees and no locks or motor traffic.
• Kelmscott Manor: a trip to William Morris's former home.

Lechlade to Oxford is about 30 miles (48 km) with around a dozen locks. It makes a lovely 3–4 day canoe camping trip for confident paddlers.

Route comparison

Kayak hire in London and on the Thames

• Richmond: Paddle Richmond and Back of Beyond Adventures (sit-on-tops).
• Windsor: Canoe & Kayak Adventures (canoes, kayaks and SUPs).
• Henley: Henley Canoe Hire.
• Lechlade: Cotswold Canoe Hire.
• Canals, if you would rather avoid tides: Moo Canoes hires canoes, kayaks and paddleboards from Hackney Wick, near the Olympic Park. Canal & River Trust waterways need a licence, which Paddle UK membership covers.

For more paddling ideas near the capital, see our guide to kayaking and canoeing adventures near London. If you would like your own boat for the upper Thames, our round-up of the best inflatable kayaks in the UK is a good place to start.

Thames kayaking safety checklist

• Buoyancy aid on, always. The Tideway Code says paddlers should wear one at all times.
• Tides: check the PLA tide tables and the ebb tide flag for Teddington–Putney.
• River conditions: on the non-tidal Thames, the EA posts stream warnings for each lock reach on GOV.UK. Do not paddle when strong stream warnings are up.
• Weirs: stay well away from weir streams above and below locks, and follow the signs.
• Visibility and lights: carry constant white lights if there is any chance of finishing after dark.
• Water quality: after heavy rain, sewage overflows can affect the river. Check the water company's storm overflow information before you go, and wash your hands before eating.
• Phone: keep it in a waterproof pouch, and know your location in case you need to call 999.

FAQ

Can you go kayaking on the Thames in London?

Yes. Richmond to Teddington is the easiest stretch, and you can hire kayaks at Richmond. In central London the Tideway is busy and tidal, so beginners should join a guided tour, like the ones London Kayak Company runs from Greenwich and Battersea.

Do I need a licence to kayak on the Thames?

On the non-tidal Thames (Cricklade to Teddington Lock, plus a short stretch below), yes. You need an Environment Agency registration (from £6.10 a day in 2026) or a Paddle UK or Canoe Wales membership card. On the tidal Thames below the PLA boundary, you don't need EA registration, but you must follow the PLA's Tideway Code.

Is it safe to kayak on the Thames?

It is safe on the non-tidal Thames in normal conditions, and on the Richmond–Teddington stretch with the right tide. Central London has strong tides and big boats, so go with a guide unless you are an experienced tidal paddler.

Can I paddle past Tower Bridge and the Houses of Parliament?

Yes, on a guided trip. London Kayak Company's Night Bus and Kayak Bus trips pass Parliament, St Paul's and Tower Bridge. Independent paddlers must tell London VTS before paddling between Chelsea Bridge and Cherry Garden Pier.

Where can I hire a kayak on the Thames?

You can hire at Richmond (Paddle Richmond, Back of Beyond Adventures), Windsor (Canoe & Kayak Adventures), Henley (Henley Canoe Hire) and Lechlade (Cotswold Canoe Hire). The operator registers hire and tour boats, so you don't need your own registration.

What is the best Thames route for a multi-day trip?

Henley to Windsor (about 21–24 miles over two days) is the classic, and I definitely recommend it. Lechlade to Oxford (about 30 miles) is quieter and more rural.

Have you paddled on the Thames? Which stretch was your favourite? Let me know in the comments!