Water Sports in Derbyshire & Peak District Adventure Activities
Family-friendly adventures, right on your doorstep.
Looking for water sports in Derbyshire? From paddleboarding and kayaking at Carsington Water to open-water swimming, cycling and nearby outdoor adventure activities, there are plenty of ways to get active during your stay. Peak and Dale Places puts you close to some of Derbyshire’s best activity centres, making it easy to plan adventurous days out for families, groups, hen and stag weekends and corporate retreats.
Water Sports in Carsington Water
Derbyshire and the surrounding area offer some lovely options for getting out on the water, from gentle rowing boats and family canoe trips to guided kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing sessions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed activity with children or something a little more adventurous, there are several local providers offering tuition, equipment hire and guided experiences.
WATERSPORTS ARE BACK AT CARSINGTON WATER!!!
A new operator, Carsington Waterside, is now based on the shores of the reservoir offering paddleboarding, kayaking, self-launch paddling and cycle hire, with open-water swimming and a waterside sauna also available.
For guests staying at Stainsborough Hall and the Stainsborough Hall cottages, this is a fantastic addition. Carsington Water is right on the doorstep, making it easy to spend a morning or afternoon on the water without travelling further into the Peak District.
Facilities include changing facilities, hot showers, waterside seating, paddlesports hire and self-launch, cycle hire, refreshments, a play area and parking.
We visited the new team at Carsington Waterside ourselves shortly after they opened and we’re delighted to see watersports return to the reservoir.
Activities at Carsington Waterside
- Paddleboard hire
- Kayak hire
- Self-launch paddling
- Cycle hire
- Open-water swimming
- Waterside sauna
Stainsborough Hall is close to Carsington Water, making it particularly convenient for groups who want to include paddleboarding, kayaking, cycling or open-water swimming during their stay.
More Water Sports in Derbyshire
Paddle Peak
Matlock & Cromford
Tel: 07747 561351
Guided kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding trips along the River Derwent and local reservoirs.
Tittesworth Water
Sports Centre
Leek, ST13 8SW
Tel: 01538 300741
A friendly centre offering sailing, kayaking, canoeing, and raft building with expert instructors.
Matlock Rowing Boats
Matlock Bath, DE4 3AR
Tel: 07815 108860
Traditional rowing boats for hire on the River Derwent in central Matlock. A relaxed family activity.
Action & Adventure Activities
For guests looking to add a bit more excitement to their stay, the Peak District has plenty of adventurous activities within easy reach. From caving, climbing and abseiling to high ropes, zip wires, gorge scrambling and clay pigeon shooting, there are options for families, corporate groups, hen and stag weekends, and anyone who enjoys a challenge. Many local providers cater for beginners as well as more experienced adventurers, with qualified instructors and group sessions available.
Peaks and Paddles
Matlock
Tel: 07896 213347
Family-friendly caving, abseiling, and climbing experiences led by qualified instructors.
Acclimbatize Adventure Activities
Based in Matlock
Tel: 07919 892 549
Specialist outdoor company offering rock climbing, gorge scrambling, and abseiling.
Harboro Rocks Clay Pigeon Shooting
Brassington, DE4 4ES
Tel: 01629 540244
A friendly shooting school set in the beautiful Peak District countryside, offering clay pigeon shooting for beginners and experienced shots alike.
Outdoor & Wild Swimming
Derbyshire has some wonderful places to enjoy a dip surrounded by nature. Whether you prefer a safe open-air pool or a wilder river spot, there are options for both confident swimmers and those who’d like a gentler experience.
Wild Swimming in the River Derwent – Popular safe entry points can be found around Matlock Bath and Chatsworth Estate (always check conditions before swimming). Note: Always check water safety signs, supervise children, and avoid swimming after heavy rain when currents are stronger.
New Bath Hotel & Spa Open-Air Pool
Matlock Bath, DE4 3PX
A historic open-air thermal pool fed by natural mineral springs. (children not permitted to swim here)
Hathersage Open Air Pool
Hathersage, S32 1DU
Heated outdoor pool with views of Stanage Edge and the Hope Valley.
Youlgreave Swimming Holes
Near Bakewell, DE45
The River Bradford runs through this pretty village, offering calm pools and shallow paddling spots, perfect for families.
Bushcraft & Survival Activities in Derbyshire
If you’d like to try something a little different, Derbyshire offers plenty of ways to reconnect with nature and learn practical outdoor skills. Bushcraft and survival schools are a fantastic way for families, groups of friends, or corporate teams to bond while learning everything from fire-lighting to shelter building.
These experiences take place in woodland settings around the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District, making the most of the countryside right on your doorstep.
Peaks and Paddles
Matlock
Tel: 07896 213347
In addition to caving and climbing, they offer family-friendly bushcraft sessions including fire-lighting and outdoor cooking.
Acclimbatize Adventure Activities
Based in Matlock
Tel: 07919 892 549
Outdoor adventure specialists offering bespoke team events, including survival skills and orienteering.
Wild Bushcraft Company
Buxton area
A dedicated bushcraft school offering full-day and overnight experiences: knife skills, shelter building, fire-lighting, and wild cooking.
Woodland Ways
Derbyshire / Midlands
One of the UK’s largest bushcraft schools, with courses from half-day family sessions to advanced survival expeditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Watersports are now available again at Carsington Water through Carsington Waterside, with activities including paddleboarding, kayaking and other ways to get out on the water.
Yes. Paddleboards and kayaks can be hired from Carsington Waterside, making it easy to enjoy the reservoir even if you do not have your own equipment.
Yes. We recommend booking activities with Carsington Waterside before your stay, particularly during weekends, school holidays and busy summer periods. Paddleboarding, kayaking, cycling and other activities can be popular, so booking ahead gives you the best chance of securing the times and activities you want.
Yes. Cycle hire is available at Carsington Waterside, so you can explore the reservoir and surrounding countryside by bike as well as on foot or on the water.
Managed open-water swimming is being introduced at Carsington Water. We recommend checking the latest availability and booking information with Carsington Waterside before your visit.
Stainsborough Hall is very close to Carsington Water and is ideal for larger groups looking to combine a Peak District stay with activities at the reservoir. The Stainsborough Hall cottages also offer flexible accommodation for smaller groups and families.
As well as watersports and cycling, the surrounding area is excellent for walking, hiking and exploring the Derbyshire countryside. There are also opportunities for climbing, caving and other outdoor adventure activities within easy reach.
Ready to Start Planning Your Stay?
Whether you’re organising a family celebration, countryside retreat, walking weekend or group getaway with friends, we’d love to help you find the right property for your stay.
Our collection of large group houses across Derbyshire and near the Peak District has been carefully chosen to bring people together in beautiful surroundings — with space to relax, celebrate and create memorable weekends away.