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Having bought a sevylor inflatable kayak in the Discover sale, I am looking for sites for next year to try it out. My 2 children will be with me and I haven't kayaked for years.

I'd ideally like a campsite that is on the shores of a small lake so that I don't have to transport the kayak in the car. I don't want to be on the sea or a fast moving river for our first outing!

So far I have found Croft Farm Waterpark which seems to fit the bill. Does anyone know of anywhere else suitable? Preferably within 3 hours drive of Liverpool.

Many thanks

Have a look at Sleningford Watermill:
http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=3038

We went this year and there were people launching canoes and kayaks from the "beach"
We are going back again next year and will be taking the boy's dinghy.

This may help?

Campsites with Boat Launching Facilities or Moorings A list of sites which have launching facilities for small boats / sailing dinghies, and / or moorings either on site, or within 1 mile

Cheers  Ratty

Hi

You could try CCC club site at Boroughbrige it is on the river Ure and has boat launching, they do however charge launch fee. River Ure was very slow moving when I was there, not sure if depth of water is a concern it was quite deep in places over 9 feet. 

Another CCC site is Kingsbury Water park -  there are numerous lakes but I was unable to determine if the I could launch my Kayak so used the canal which was about 5 mins walk from site.  

If you are novices I would stick to canals initially - generally quite shallow, also make sure that you can get back into the boat should you capsize.

Are you members of Canoe England - membership gives access to canals / rivers across the country.

 Bob

Thanks for the replies. I will look up the suggestions. I hadn't considered canals - my only experience of one was the leeds liverpool years ago - it was filthy and I wouldn't want to take the kids in one like that!

I'll check out Canoe England - I wondered if we would need a licence or have to pay launching fees.

These are great - thank you! Does anyone know if you need a licence to launch on Derwentwater? I'm guessing we would on the River Wye. Slenningford Water Mill looks ideal but is a bit pricey. I might try and book there for the 1st May Bank Holiday as it would only be for 3 nights.

I've seen Fforest Fields mentioned previously. Would anyone know if that site would be suitable for kayaking?

Hi, no licence needed for Derwent water or any of the lakes.  The other suggestion would be to camp at Ullswater,  http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=2585, this though is a very busy site at peak times, but is on the shores of Ullswater and it has direct launching, though you may find yourself pitched a bit of a walk from the shore.

There is also Parkfoot at Ullswater but this is a large camping/caravan park.

If you're wanting the Keswick site you'd need to book really early as it is very popular.

Hi Campcookie

Important: When posting details of a camp site, please ensure you link to their UKCampsite.co.uk listing, not direct to their website, to enable reviews etc to be read and left!

Cheers  Ratty