Devon revealed as England’s top water sport destination this summer

Cotswold Outdoor’s latest research uncovers the top hotspots in England for water sports

The start of the summer season means longer days, warmer weather and signifies the kick-off to peak bathing and water sport season and if the last two years have taught us anything, it is that the UK has miles and miles of beautiful and fun-packed shoreline.

Looking to identify England’s best locations for an active, fun, and adrenaline-filled Summer, outdoor gear specialists Cotswold Outdoor disclose the nation’s favourite water sports and the prime locations for these, from surfing and paddleboarding to wild swimming and kayaking.

Firstly, sharing which water sport is currently the most popular in the UK, the study reveals that Paddle boarding is the UK’s most popular water sport, with searches increasing by 386% (Summer 2019 vs Summer 2021). Joining Paddle boarding in the list of the nation’s top three are Bodyboarding (+145%) and Wild Swimming (+119%), respectively.

Factoring in rental shops, water sport activities (June-Sept), number of beaches and/or bodies of freshwater (i.e.Rivers, Lakes etc.), the research goes on to reveal that the overall top county of all to head to for an action-packed Summer is Devon. Neighbouring counties Dorset and Cornwall follow in second and third places respectively.

Home to popular locations Woolacombe Beach and Burrator Reservoir, Devon ranks highest of all largely because of its wealth in highly rated beaches, boasting 68 in total, with an average rating of 4.35. The county also offers residents and visitors alike 28 bodies of freshwater (average rating 4.48), 106 water sport rental shops (9 per capita) and 173 water sports activities (14 per capita).

Dorset which claims Bournemouth beach and lesser known but idyllic Mudeford Sandback beach as its own, ranks as second-best county for water sports. Although it counts on a smaller number of beaches (25) and bodies of water (6), both lists of locations have an average rating of above 4.5. However, where Dorset seems to shine most is for its number of rental and equipment shops (16 per capita) and activities (15 per capita) on offer.

Ranking third best overall, Cornwall secures top spot for ‘best choice of beaches’, being home to 101 in total, including top rated Porthminster and Crantock beaches which both boast a 5-star rating. Overall Cornwall’s beaches have an average rating of 4.46, whilst its 22 bodies of water have a rating of 4.35. Cornwall also ranks first for the amount of water sport activities it hosts over the Summer, tallying over 250 (44 per capita). It looks like Cornwall is held back from top spot by its lack of rental/equipment to go around, offering only 7.5 per capita.

Completing the list of top five best England counties for water sports are Cumbria and Northumberland. Ranking with the least prospects of all is the landlocked county of the West Midlands. Registering only 8 bodies of waters (average rating 4.0) and with no beaches available, the West Midlands suffer by comparison.

The outlook for a Summer abroad this year involves flight cancellations, long airport queues and astronomical car rental prices, but Cotswold Outdoor’s guide to England’s watersports hotspots offers Brits an alternative Summer experience, without having to compromise on all the fun. Who knows, maybe it’ll even see us picking up an extra skill or two.