The Best Places for Paddleboarding in Dorset

Eye Bridge, Wareham

The River Stour flows through Dorset, reaching the sea at Hengistbury Head. One of the widest and most calm sections can be accessed from the slipway and car park at Eye Bridge on the outskirts of Wareham.

There is a small weir just downstream from the bridge so head upstream from this point to explore around 4 miles of river. We recommend wearing wet shoes as the river bed can be stony and awkward to walk on.

Please note there are no facilities available at this location. Be careful around wildlife and avoid swans on the river.

Eype Beach

Eype Beach is just a short walk from Highlands End Holiday Park. It is one of the most rural beaches in West Dorset and offers fantastic SUP adventures when the sea state is calm!

If you fancy making your paddle into a longer trip, be sure to paddle west along the coast past the clifftop peaks of Thorncombe Beacon and the Doghouse Hills to Seatown (where our Golden Cap park is located) and check out the Anchor Inn’s seafood menu!

Studland Bay

Paddle boarding is one of the best ways to explore the sheltered waters of Studland Bay. Enjoy picturesque views across the water to Sandbanks, Poole Harbour, Bournemouth and even the Isle of Wight in the distance.

You can paddle alongside the beautiful golden sand beach, or if you’re confident, out towards Old Harry Rocks. Here, you can explore the sea stacks and cliffs, that many people often say looks like a giant puzzle piece from above!

Studland is relatively sheltered, making it an excellent choice for beginners just starting out. Paddle boards can be hired with Fore Adventure, from their beach hut at Middle Beach.

Sandbanks and Brownsea Island

With soft golden sand and breath-taking tropical views, it’s not difficult to see why Sandbanks is considered one of the best beaches in Britain. It has been awarded the Blue Flag award for over 30 years and boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the world.

Paddle boarding around Sandbanks, Studland Bay and Poole Harbour is one of the best things you could do during a holiday in Dorset. We recommend paddling to Brownsea Island, in the middle of Poole Harbour, where there are hidden beaches waiting to be explored. The island is owned by the National Trust and is home to a range of wildlife, including rare red squirrels.

There are a number of outdoor activity providers located along the shoreline at Poole Harbour. Many offer SUP hire and guided tours around Brownsea. See this guide from the RNLI about the best areas of Poole Harbour to SUP in.

River Frome – Wareham

And finally, our last place for paddleboarding in Dorset is the historic Saxon town of Wareham, which dates back 2,000 years and was once a stronghold for King Alfred the Great! It’s a pretty riverside town, flanked on both sides by the River Piddle and the River Frome.

The River Frome flows right past the centre of the town at Wareham Quay and it’s a lovely place to sit and enjoy a picnic, take a walk along the riverside path, or get on the water on a paddle board. Head east and you can paddle past the boats and marinas towards the Arne Nature Reserve and Poole Harbour.

SUP’s can be hired from Wareham Boat Hire on the quay.