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.

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.​

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

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.

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.

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. ​

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!

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.

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!