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PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR ADVENTURES OFFERED DURING THE CURRENT CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK



Perfect for families, couples & friends, the river Stour offers tranquil waters through quintessentially English countryside.

Explore the landscapes that inspired some of the nations best known artists as you paddle our stable canoes, kayaks or paddle boards on the Essex & Suffolk border under your own steam.



Sudbury Hourly Hire



Single User Craft (kayaks & Paddle Boards): £15 per hour

Two User Craft (canoes & tandem kayaks): £25 per hour.



A great way to get started and have a go! Available for "walk-up" hire only from our Sudbury base. Find us at 43 Cross Street, Sudbury , Suffolk, CO10 2DL and we will get you started. Subject to availability. We cannot take advance bookings on hourly hire.







Sudbury Half Day Return Hire
Single User Kayaks and Paddle Boards



3 hours paddle time
£24.75 per participant*
Morning Session Hire: 10am - 1pm
Afternoon Session Hire: 2pm - 5pm



Our single seat sit-on-top kayaks are friendly kayaks and welcome all newcomers. Stable and fun, exactly as their name implies – just sit on top (with your legs stretched in front) and go! They are wide, stable and self-draining fun boats for all the family.


SUP, or stand up paddle boarding, is one of the easiest ways to get started on the water. Best described as "lazy surfing" these can be used by most ages and abilities, and they’re great fun!


Enjoy a half day return hire from our Sudbury base, in one of these single user paddle craft and try your hand along the tranquil waters of the River Stour.


*Paddlers are recommended to be at least 12 years old to comfortably manage a single user paddle craft.


Book AM Kayaks Here Book PM Kayaks Here
Book Paddle Boards Here





Sudbury Half Day Return Hire
Two User Canoes and Tandem Kayaks



3 hours paddle time
£24.75 per participant £0 child passenger*
Morning Session Hire: 10am - 1pm
Afternoon Session Hire: 2pm - 5pm



A canoe is a traditional paddle craft. Now used for recreational purposes, for all kinds of exploration, adventure and some peace and quiet in the outdoors. Anyone can use a canoe, of any age or ability. Canoes are often favoured by families and people who prefer to sit or kneel in a boat for accessibility or comfort.


If you would prefer the ease of a kayak but would like to share this experience (and the effort!) then a tandem kayak would be ideal.


*Our canoes are suitable for 2 adults and up to 2 children under 10 or 1 teen.

*Our tandem kayaks are perfect for two adults or one adult and a participating child


Book AM Canoes Here Book PM Canoes Here
Book Tandem Kayaks Here





Sudbury Full Day Return Paddle Hire



6 hours paddle time
£45 per participant £0 child passenger*
Session Hire 10am - 4pm



A full day return hire in your choice of paddle craft from our Sudbury base. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the calm and tranquil River Stour and try your hand at paddle sport completely at your own pace. Be dazzled by the wildlife and paddle through some of the landscapes that inspired some of the nations best known artists including Gainsborough, Constable, Turner and Munnings.


Active paddlers can expect to reach Bures and back in a full day, but there is no rush!


See above for the difference in our available paddle craft. Why not try a combination of different paddle craft within your group?

*As above, also see our recommendations on participants and ages.


Book Canoes Here Book Kayak Here
Book Paddle Board Here
Book Tandem Kayaks Here





Mini Adventurer Sudbury Return



2 hours paddle time
£40 per session
Morning Session Hire: 10am - 12pm
Lunch Time Session Hire: 12pm - 2pm



Designed with preschool aged children in mind, this mini adventure is designed for a families of two adults and one or two children. Hire our stable canoes for this self guided mini adventure down the River Stour.


It is anticipated that this adventure should take you as far as the watermill at Great Cornard and back to our Sudbury base along the calm and tranquil River Stour with all the wildlife and landscapes to enjoy on route.


Book Canoes Here





Midi Adventurer Sudbury Return



2 hours paddle time
£40 per session
Morning Session Hire: 10am - 12pm
Lunch Time Session Hire: 12pm - 2pm



Designed with infant school aged children in mind, this midi adventure is designed for families of two adults and one or two children in our stable canoes and/or one adult and child in our tandem kayaks for this self guided midi adventure up the River Stour.


It is anticipated that this adventure will take you north up the River Stour and back to our Sudbury base with the narrower waterways and all the wildlife and landscapes to enjoy on route. For larger groups, you may wish to try a combination of paddle craft between your party.


Book Canoes Here Book Tandem Kayaks Here





Maxi Adventurer Sudbury Return



3 hours paddle time
£50 per session
Morning Session Hire: 10am - 1pm
Afternoon Session Hire: 2pm - 5pm



Designed with primary school aged children in mind, this maxi adventure is designed for families of two adults and one or two children in our stable canoes and/or one adult and child in our tandem kayaks for this self guided maxi adventure up and down the River Stour.


It is anticipated that this adventure (incorporate both the Mini and Midi Adventures above) should take you north up the River Stour with the narrower waterways and down to the water mill at Great Cornard with all the wildlife and landscapes to enjoy on route. For larger groups, you may wish to try a combination of paddle craft between your party.


Book Canoes Here Book Tandem Kayaks Here





Paddle 'n' Pub
Afternoon Return Paddle



4 mile round trip. 2/3 hour paddle time
£24.75 per participant £0 child passenger**
Afternoon Session Hire: 2pm - 5pm



A two hour return paddle (1 hour each way) with time for refreshments either at the Henny Swan, or with a picnic on the river bank. This is a great afternoon paddle for couples, families and groups of friends.


**nonparticipating children only.


Book Canoes Here Book Tandem Kayaks Here
Book Kayaks Here Book Paddle Boards Here





Paddle 'n' Pubs
One-way Sudbury to Bures



6 miles to Bures, one way hire
approximately 3 to 4 hours paddle time
£45 per participant £0 child passenger**



An easy going, one-way paddle from Sudbury to Bures. Expect three to four hours paddle time as you explore this six mile section of the River Stour passing through Cornard, Henny, Lamarsh and into Bures from where you catch the train back to Sudbury (not included). While the paddle time is approximately 3-4 hours, the boat is allocated for the day so you are welcome to start when you are ready, so plenty of scope for wildlife watching, wild swimming and picnics on the way. In addition, refreshment can be found at the Lamarsh Lion (opens at 10.30am. Food served from noon) or The Eight Bells in Bures (last lunch order is 2pm).


**nonparticipating children only.​


Book Paddle Boards Here
Book Canoes Here Book Kayaks Here Book Tandem Kayaks Here





Paddle 'n' Pubs
One-way Sudbury to Nayland



13 miles to Nayland, one way hire
approximately 6 hours paddle time
£65 per participant £0 child passenger**
Session Hire: 9.30am - 5/6pm



Explore the upper river on this one way Sudbury to Nayland trip. Heading past Friar’s meadow, through Cornard, Bures, and Wormingford you will see plenty of the Stour Valley’s rich history. Includes morning transfers from the Nayland to our base.


You will be met at the Anchor in Nayland for 9.30 and driven to Sudbury for a 10:00 start. Paddle back to Nayland for a scheduled finish time, usually between 5-6pm


Book Tandem Kayaks Here
Book Canoes Here Book Kayaks Here





Paddle 'n' Pubs
One-way Nayland to Cattawade



13 miles to Cattawade, one way hire
approximately 6 hours paddle time
£70 per participant £0 child passenger**
Session Hire: 9.30am - 5/6pm



Explore the lower half of the Stour Navigation with a one-way, self-guided adventure from Nayland to Cattawade. Paddle through some of the most famous picturesque scenery as painted by the likes of Constable, Munnings and Gainborough. Lunch stops at The Swan Inn (Stratford St Mary), Dedham Boathouse or Milsoms. Tea at Flatford Mill. Please liaise directly for opening/serving times.


Marvel at the wildlife as you paddle through RSPB Cattawade Nature Reserve. This is a 12 to 13 mile paddle. You can expect approximately 6 hours paddle time.


You will be met at Cattawade Picnic Site for 09:30 and driven to Nayland for a 10:00 start. Paddle back to Cattawade for a scheduled finish time, usually between 5-6pm.


Book Canoes Here Book Kayaks Here Book Tandem Kayaks Here





Canoe Safari
Sudbury Return



3 hours paddle time
£955 per session
Morning Session Hire: 10am - 1pm
Afternoon Session Hire: 2pm - 5pm



From otters and kingfishers to raptors and wildfowl, the River Stour plays host to all kinds of wonderful creatures and plants. Take our self guided paddle to explore and discover more about this rich and diverse habitat.


Book Canoes Here





Paddle Fit
Sudbury Return



Session Hire: Thursday evening 7pm - 8pm
£10 per participant
Season Pass: special offer 6 sessions for 5 when booked for consecutive weeks
Available from April to October



Stand up paddleboarding is a workout on its own, burning up to 500 calories in an hour. This dedicated fitness session is a self guide paddle on the river with fellow fitness paddlers. In addition to the paddle, we have a number of optional suggested exercises (incorporating your paddle) to build strength, burn calories, mix up your routine and add a bit of extra fun to your paddle. The season pass can be used to complement and vary any fitness routine. It can also be used as part of a training programme towards our Challenge Paddle. Set yourself an exciting goal and enjoy your workout it this stunning and constantly changing backdrop. ​

Book Paddle Boards Here





Challenge Paddle
One-way Sudbury to Cattawade



26 miles to Cattawade, one way hire
approximately 12 hours paddle time
Session Hire: 9.30am - 5pm
Available any day from March to October



The ultimate challenge. Paddle the full River Stour Navigation from Sudbury to Cattawade. Explore the tranquil and beautiful Suffolk Stour as it weaves its way through the glorious Essex and Suffolk boarder.


Paddling through the landscapes that inspired some of the nations most famous artists including Constable, Gainsborough, Munnings and Morris. You will literally paddle through some of their most famous paintings.

Pass through historic sites and places of interest: At Wormigford, look out for the boulders which mark the route Boudica Queen of the Iceni crossed the river passing from Suffolk to Essex with her armies before dispatching the Romans in ADXXX. Smallbridge Hall, visited by Queen Elizabeth I in 1561 and is said to have disliked her hosts so much that she stayed long enough to bankrupt them.

Witnessing wildlife, often visible only from the river with kingfisher, otter, reed warblers, marsh harriers being some of the more recent and rarer sightings.


While the river is a navigation it is not managed as a canal, the good news is this means it's quiet and tranquil. The challenge is that it takes time to clear fallen trees and water levels can vary. Please treat your trip as an adventure and be ready to climb over or under a fallen tree or maybe even get your feet wet if obstacles present themselves. There are pubs enroute but its better to have something with you just in case!


Book Canoes Here Book Kayaks Here





Canoe Camping
One-way Sudbury to Cattawade



26 miles to Cattawade, one way hire
12 hours paddle time over 2 days/1 night



Paddle the full River Stour Navigation from Sudbury to Cattawade. Explore the tranquil and beautiful Suffolk Stour as it weaves its way through the glorious Essex and Suffolk boarder, but take it slightly easier with a camping stop midway.


Day 1: 0930 transfer from the campsite in Nayland to Sudbury for a 10:00 start. Expect to paddle for about 6 hours and pass Henny, Bures and Wormingford before reaching your 'nearly wild' campsite at Nayland.

Day 2: Recommended start time no later than 10am. Expect 6 hours paddle time again. Pass through Nayland, Stratford St Mary, Dedham and Flatford before passing through RSPB Cattawade and meeting you at the end point for around 5pm and returning you to the campsite.


We advise that you take a bag of snacks or picnic goodies for your time on the water. There area also pubs en-route. At lunchtimes you'll pass The Eight Bells at Bures on day one and The Swan at Stratford St Mary on day two. Flatford Mill Tea Room is a good last stop for tea and cake on day two and is approximately 60mins from the end of your journey.


Book Here





Family Canoe Camping
One-way Bures to Stratford St Mary



12 miles Bures to Stratford St Mary
6 hours paddle time over 3 days/2 nights



This amazing, family friendly, three day and two night canoe camping trip takes you through the stunning mid section of the River Stour from Bures to Nayland on day one and Nayland to Stratford St Mary on day two. Expect a gentle 3 /4 hours paddle time as you cover six miles of the navigation each day. Includes one-way boat hire, transfers and campsite pitch fee.


DAY 1: 12 noon or after: Arrive at the Secret Campsite, close to Nayland, pitch camp while the children run free in the among hay bails, enjoy a spot of fishing and settle in for your first night under canvas. Bring your own food and games or pre-order some farm reared steaks/burgers with food packs and outdoor games boxes available too.

Day 2: A scheduled transfer service will collect you at 09:30 to transport you the 20 mins from the campsite to the start of your first days paddling in the quiet village of Bures. You'll spend this first day paddling under willow trees, through open countryside and the landscapes that inspired artists including Turner, Gainsborough, Constable and Munnings. Leisurely paddlers should bring a picnic (or pre-order a hamper), you'll find plenty of tranquil spaces to stop and enjoy it en-route. Speedier paddlers might like to push a little harder returning to the Campsite or The Anchor in Nayland in time for lunch.

Day 3: Your second days paddling will prove equally tranquil and will take you through the sleepy villages of Nayland and Boxted with their chocolate box cottages and quintessentially English vibes into Stratford St Mary where we'll meet you for a scheduled pick up at 3pm and transport you back to the campsite. For those who've worked up an appetite, plan your day to reach the 16th Century Swan at Stratford St Mary where a warm welcome and very good lunch awaits!


Book Here





Stour Valley Adventure Centre is operated by Elemental Outdoors

Email: ElementalOutdoors@yahoo.com



Find us at: Riverside Restaurant, 43 Cross Street, sudbury, suffolk, co10 2dl