Imagine sitting comfortably in beautiful surroundings. Now imagine exploring this beautiful place without having to stand up - this is the dream of kayaking. Small, simple boats that seat one or two people, propelled by a double ended paddle, kayaks are the number one way to get around on the water, whether it’s the sea, a river or a lake. If you’re in East Sussex, you’re in one of the premier places for kayaking in southern England, where the beautiful English Channel coastline makes for great excursions, and inland waterways are ideal for peaceful paddling. And if you’re in London, these opportunities are just a short journey away.

Several seaside resorts are found on the coast of East Sussex, chiefly Brighton - known as London-by-the-Sea - Eastbourne and Hastings, where kayaking can be a great way to escape the crowds on the beach. Between these towns, the coastline has some spectacular features, none more so than the high chalk cliffs where the hills of the South Downs National Park fall away into the sea. And that’s not to mention the network of rivers that wind their way through the rural landscape of the county, several of which are wonderful spots for kayaking. Read on to find out how to get your hands on a kayak, and where it can take you.

Where are the best places to go kayaking in East Sussex?

• Brighton: One of the most fashionable cities on the south coast, Brighton has always had a reputation for fun, frolics and escapism. As part of that tradition, why not take a trip in a kayak along the seafront and see the promenade, the piers and the grand hotels from a different angle? Your journey will start in the Marina, at the eastern end of Brighton Beach. From here you can head for the centre, or follow the cliffs in the opposite direction to reach the quaint fishing villages of Rottingdean and Saltdean, nestled in green valleys which descend to the shore.

• Eastbourne: In the Victorian Era, flocks of tourists descended on Eastbourne each summer to go bathing in the sea. The old fashioned bathing machines of old have now been replaced by kayak rental services, which make a paddle out into the English Channel as simple as enjoying an ice cream from a beachside kiosk. The highlight of Eastbourne from the point of view of a kayak is Beachy head, the highest chalk cliff in the British Isles which towers 162 metres above the town.

• Hastings: Although it may be more famous for the 1066 Norman Conquest, Hastings isn’t just for history buffs. It’s a popular holiday destination, and has a wide variety of watersports on offer to keep visitors entertained, and coming back year after year. One of the favourites is kayaking, which gives you the chance to experience some waves, as well as the possibility of sharing the water with seals.

• Camber Sands: On the border with Kent, this beach outside the town of Rye is well known among kitesurfers for its flat water and reliable winds, and it’s also a fantastic location for kayaking.

• Cuckmere River: Of all the rivers that you can kayak on in East Sussex, the Cuckmere is one of the most scenic. It flows from the South Downs and follows a ridge of hills that meets the sea in the spectacular series of cliffs known as the Seven Sisters, a true sight for sore eyes. The river is also tidal, meaning that a well timed trip can save you a lot of paddling!

• River Ouse: The Ouse flows through the town of Lewes, providing the water for Harvey’s Brewery. It’s not just humans who enjoy its waters, this is a great place for wildlife watching by kayak. Birds such as swans, geese and herons frequent the river banks, as do invertebrates like dragonflies and damselflies, while trout are commonly spotted swimming against the current.

• Rother: This river has been navegable since Roman times, but they didn’t have the advantage of kayaks. You can glide silently downstream between grassy banks here, and pass by the imposing facade of Bodiam Castle on the way.

Options for organising this experience

If you’ve got doubts about kayaking, we recommend that you just give it a go. You’ll be surprised at how intuitive the paddling technique is, and you might well fall in love with the sport. There are taster sessions available that last just an hour or two, in which an instructor will help you get the most out of the experience. Once you know what you’re doing, you can join a tour along the East Sussex coast, or along one of its rivers. This is the best way to see the most breathtaking parts of the county. Tours last between 2 and 4.5 hours, during which time you might cover a distance of almost 15 kilometres! Kayak rental is also an option, allowing you to hire the equipment by the hour.

A really unusual kayak tour is on offer in East Sussex too. It’s a night time route that takes place after dark on the River Ouse at Barcombe Mill. You’ll have the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife, as well as feel the peace of the night on the water.

Activity requirements

Controllingone of these boats on still waters is child’s play. You can take that literally when you’re here, because children as young as 8 years old can have a go at this sport, in their very own kayak. Some venues allow even younger kids to take part, riding alongside an adult in a double kayak. On the sea is a bit more challenging, and for that reason the minimum age is anywhere from 12 to 18 years old. There are also tours here that aren’t suitable for the youngest members of the family, with the youngest age being around 14 years old.

Although they’re usually individual boats, are a great option for group activities. From 4 people up to 16 or more, all sizes are welcome. It’s a great choice for a youth organisation or corporate outing, or for celebrating a birthday or stag or hen party.

Don’t let the current pull this opportunity away! Make a booking now.