Paddling between the iconic Richmond Bridge and Teddington Lock, this 4 hour Self Guided Kayak Adventure finds you exploring the islands and riverside jungle as you go.

Pack a picnic or stop at a lovely riverside pub for a relaxing lunch at The Anglers in Teddington before continuing your journey to River Lane next to Petersham Meadow!

Please note that all paddlers under 18 years of age must be accompanied on the water with a parent or guardian.

Do you want to paddle in the same kayak? Choose our Self Guided Tandem Kayak Adventure instead!

Anyone taking to the River on a Self Guided Kayak Adventure must:

1. be able to swim 50 metres..
2. be able to paddle independently without assistance.
3. be accompanied at all times when on the water by an adult.*
4. wear their buoyancy aid at all times whilst on the water.

*The adult to child ratio on the water is 1 adult to 2 children.

You are going to be paddling beautifully stable crafts but due to the nature of the activity, there is a chance that you may get wet.

For advice on what to wear on your adventure click here

As part of your adventure, you’ll receive a (re)introduction to paddling, along with some guidance on where to paddle, and we’ll provide you with a dry bag that you can use to pack a towel, spare clothes, phone, wallet and (more importantly) food to take with you.

Pack your hamper into your craft (some people also decorate their canoes as well, but we’ll leave that to you to decide) before launching onto the Thames to journey along the river between Richmond’s iconic bridge and riverside and Teddington Harbour. Having paddled upstream you can raft up, or moor up for a swim, and then enjoy your picnic.

Once you’ve eaten all of the ‘quintessentially English’ cucumber sandwiches you possibly can and have enjoyed a refreshing elderflower pressé (!) you can paddle downstream past the islands and backwaters to Petersham Meadow from where you can wander along the riverside or walk up to Richmond Hill to enjoy the view that Turner so loved!