Enjoy family-friendly paddling through scenic parkland, wildlife-rich riverbanks and Olympic legacy grounds.
Lee Valley
Connect with Nature and Heritage on AquaPaddle at Lee Valley
About
Nestled beside the famous Lee Valley White Water Centre, the AquaPaddle venue operates not in the roaring rapids, but on the tranquil River Lee Navigation. The River Lea – or Lee Navigation, where it’s canalised – winds past the Olympic slalom complex, flowing through the heart of Lee Valley Country Park. This broad, calm stretch of water provides an ideal setting for a timed 5 km AquaPaddle, welcoming kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders alike.
The river corridor is alive with local wildlife: keep a keen eye out for flashes of kingfishers and the occasional heron, while otters have been spotted along quieter riverbanks. Away from the towpath, patches of reedbeds and mature trees support an ecosystem rich in dragonflies, waterfowl and varied flora. Much of the neighbouring parkland is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with chalk‑stream tributaries and lakes home to diverse plant and insect life.
Water sports here are ingrained in Olympic history. Next door, the Lee Valley White Water Centre, built for London 2012, hosted slalom events where Team GB brought home medals – including gold in men’s canoe by Etienne Stott and Tim Baillie, and silver by David Florence and Richard Hounslow. Today, this legacy lives on with rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed and paddleboarding alongside the competitive canoe slalom scene. AquaPaddle elegantly complements these activities by offering a relaxing, inclusive on‑river experience.
Finished events
There are no finished events found.
On site facilities
Parking
Visitors to AquaPaddle can park conveniently in the spacious car park adjacent to the White Water Centre, just off the A121, with easy access from the A10 and M25. Parking is safe, suitable for cars, trailers and minibuses. From there, a short stroll via the towpath brings you right to the meeting point. There are also cycle racks at the centre and plentiful public transport links from Cheshunt or Waltham Cross stations for those arriving by train.
Refreshments
The centre boasts a well-appointed Brew Street Kitchen and Terrace Bar & Café, ideal for relaxing after a paddle or watching the action unfold on the rapids. They serve freshly prepared hot meals like lasagne and fish & chips, alongside lighter bites such as sausage rolls and soup. Visitors can also enjoy a wide selection of hot and cold drinks—coffee, iced tea, still and sparkling soft drinks—and there’s even a licensed bar for a refreshing tipple. Seating is available both inside and on a pleasant outdoor terrace overlooking the water, making it a perfect spot to unwind or enjoy a treat—don’t forget the ice cream!
Facilities
The Watersports Centre boasts excellent amenities. Inside the main building, you'll find a reception area, well-equipped kit storage, changing rooms and showers, plus a café and spectator viewing platform overlooking the lake. Outdoors, the hard-surface towpath makes launching and landing straightforward, and trained safety volunteers guide paddlers during AquaPaddle events. The centre is also home to a shop, first-aid facilities and is fully accessible, making it perfect for families, clubs, schools and visiting paddlers of all levels. Learn more at the official centre website or check the AquaPaddle Get Started guide.