There is a large Pay & Display car park next to our centre. It charges £5 for up to 4 hours and £7 for all-day parking.

Wear appropriate clothes for the conditions. While it's unlikely you'll get wet, it's possible, so bring a change of clothes. Footwear must be worn at all times; no flip flops, ‘Crocs,’ or Wellington boots.

Hourly Canoe Hire

Q: What is the youngest age someone can go canoeing?

The minimum age is 4 years old. All children under 12 must be accompanied by at least two fit and healthy adults.

Q: Do we need to pre-book?

Hourly hire operates on a first come, first served basis. It’s usually busy around lunchtime, so for a quieter experience, come in the morning.

Q: Is there a maximum weight?

The maximum weight per person is 17 stone (110kg), and the maximum combined weight in a canoe (including clothing and gear) is 34 stone (230kg).

Q: Can pregnant people participate?

Unfortunately, pregnant individuals cannot participate in any of our activities.

Explore Symonds Yat by canoe or kayak for an hour or two (or longer if you wish). This beautiful location is a small hamlet in the heart of the Wye Valley.

Not only is it the perfect place to go canoeing but there are also some fantastic places to eat, great woodland walks and stunning scenery, such as a unique vista of the house used in the filming of a netflix show

After some brief tuition you can paddle off and explore the sights of Symonds Yat from the beautiful river wye.

Additional Information >

Looking for more of a challenge? We offer different canoe hire trips, where we drop you upstream and you paddle back to our riverside centre.

Got any questions? Check out our FAQs >

Additional Information

Prices

Item for Hire	1st Hour	2nd & more hours
2 Person Canoe Minimum of 1 adult + 1 child over 12 years old	£24 per boat	£20 per hour
3 Person Canoe 2 adults + 1 child under 16 years old OR 1 adult + 2 children (12-16 years old)	£26 per boat	£22 per hour
3 Adult Canoe Maximum combined weight = 34 stone	£36 per boat	£30 per hour
Family Canoe 2 adults + 2 small children under hip height	£28 per boat	£24 per hour
Single sit on top Kayak Experience required Minimum of 16 years old (accompanied by an 18+) Must be part of a group of 2 or more people	£20 per boat	£15 per hour
Double Kayak Experience required	£24 per boat	£20 per hour
Spars Join 2 canoes together Great for families and those who want to be more sociable.	£2 per pair
Stand Up Paddleboard Experience required	£25 per board	£22 per hour

Times

Hourly Hire

Hourly hire is available daily from 09:30.
The last boat goes out for 1 hour at 15:30
Hourly hire is available from April to October, weather and river level dependant
Most visitors head off for 1 to 3 hours, but you can go for as long as you please (last boat must return by 16:30)
Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards are available to hire on a first come, first served basis.

Bookings

How to Book

Our hourly hire is operated on a first come first served basis
Turn up, choose how many hours you wish to canoe for and go exploring in this beautiful area
This is bookable on the day only
By hiring with us you agree to our Terms & Conditions
Please note, on hot sunny days (especially weekends) there maybe a wait
We work hard to try and get you out as soon as we safely can

Full description

Embark on a unique aquatic adventure with our exhilarating canoe hire experience at Symonds Yat. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Wye Valley, our riverside centre offers the perfect starting point for your journey of exploration.

Begin your adventure by paddling upstream, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of the River Wye. As you glide through the calm waters, soak in the panoramic views of lush greenery and rugged cliffs that line the riverbanks.

Feel the exhilaration of paddling against the gentle current, as you navigate through winding channel, Along the way, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that call this picturesque region home, from graceful herons to darting kingfishers.

After soaking in the serenity of the upstream paddle, it’s time to harness the power of the river’s current for an effortless return journey. Drift downstream at a leisurely pace, allowing the gentle flow of the river to guide you back to our riverside centre.

As you glide effortlessly along the water, take in the breathtaking scenery of Symonds Yat from a new perspective. Marvel at the towering cliffs, ancient woodlands, and cascading hills that adorn the landscape, creating a truly magical backdrop for your canoeing adventure.

With our flexible hourly hire options, you can tailor your experience to suit your schedule, whether you’re looking for a quick paddle or a leisurely few hours on the water. Our fleet of top-quality canoes ensure a safe and comfortable journey for paddlers of all skill levels, making it the perfect activity for families, friends and adventurers alike.

At the end of your journey, return to our riverside centre feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, with memories of an unforgettable day spent exploring the natural wonders of Symonds Yat by canoe. So don’t wait any longer – organise your canoe hire experience today and prepare for an adventure you’ll never forget!

Useful Information

What to Bring With You

A recognised Photo ID is required to be left with us for the entirety of the hire from 1 person partaking in the activity. Valid Passport, Driving Licence or Government ID Only.
No ID means you will not be able to hire sorry.
Wear clothes suitable to the conditions on the day and you are happy to get wet in (just in case). Make sure there is nothing around your neck and bring a spare change of clothes to leave in the car.
Leave your valuables and tech at home (switch off and enjoy nature)
Anything you do take is at your own risk.
You can leave your car key along with your Photo ID upon check-in if you wish.

more-info

FAQs

What if we have never canoed before?

Hourly canoe hire is great for beginners and experienced alike.

We give every participant a safety brief which goes through:

How to paddle
Things to look out for (minor hazards on the way down)
What to do if you accidentally capsize (should not happen if you listen to the points above)
Emergency contact details

Where do we park?

There is a large Pay & Display car park right next to our centre.

On sunny days please leave plenty of time to find a space and purchase a ticket before your arrival time.

This charges £5 for up to 3 hours, £6 for up to 5 Hours and £8 all day

Can our dogs come canoeing with us?

Yes, as long as they are well behaved, not tied into the boat and are no bigger than an average Labrador.

Please be sensible if bringing your dog with you, especially in hot weather!

What is the youngest age someone can go canoeing?

Our minimum age is 4 years old. All children under 12 must be accompanied by a minimum of 2 fit and healthy adults.

Do we need to pre-book?

Our hourly hire is operated on a first come first served basis. It is normally busy around lunchtime, so for a quieter time please come in the morning.

Is there a maximum weight?

The maximum weight of a person must not exceed 17 stone or 110kg, with a maximum weight of 34 stone or 230kg in a canoe including clothing and any gear.

What should we wear?

Please wear clothes appropriate to the conditions. Whilst the chances of you getting wet are slim, it may happen. Bring a change of clothes just in case. Footwear must be worn at all times. No flip flops, ‘Crocs’ or Wellington boots.

Can pregnant people participate?

Sorry, we cannot allow anyone who is pregnant to participate in any of our activities.

faqs