Watersports Near Gosforth: Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and More
From kayaking under the Tyne bridges to paddleboarding at Kielder and surfing on the Northumberland coast, here's where to get on the water near Gosforth.
Gosforth doesn't have a lake or a coastline — but it's remarkably well placed for watersports. The River Tyne is a 15-minute drive south, the North East coast is 20 minutes east, and Northumberland's lakes and country parks are under an hour north. Whether you want to kayak under the Tyne Bridge, try paddleboarding for the first time, surf at Tynemouth, or sail at Kielder, it's all within easy reach.
Kayaking on the River Tyne
The most dramatic option closest to Gosforth. Guided kayak tours run from Newcastle City Marina on the Quayside, paddling beneath the iconic Tyne Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Swing Bridge, and High Level Bridge. It's a completely different perspective on the city — and surprisingly accessible for beginners.
For something more memorable, the Quayside Glow night tour puts you in illuminated kayaks after dark on the river. CBK Adventures run guided tours, SUP hire, and lessons along the coast and on the Tyne.
Best for: A unique Newcastle experience, beginners, guided tours, date night (Quayside Glow).
Paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand-up paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing watersports in the North East, and there are several places to try it near Gosforth.
On the coast, CBK Adventures at Whitley Bay offer SUP hire and lessons on sheltered bays — a great introduction in relatively calm water. Further north, Druridge Bay Country Park has a freshwater lake where you can hire paddleboards and kayaks from the base next to the visitor centre. It's a safe, sheltered spot — particularly good for families and first-timers.
For a bigger day out, Kielder Waterside offers instructor-led SUP sessions on Kielder Water — Northern Europe's largest man-made lake. Sessions last 1.5 hours and cover technique from scratch. Independent paddling isn't allowed, so it's a structured, guided experience. Pre-booking essential — call 01434 251 000.
Best for: Beginners (Druridge Bay), coastal paddling (Whitley Bay), a spectacular setting (Kielder).
Surfing
The Northumberland coast is one of the best surfing spots in England, and it's just 20 minutes from Gosforth. Tynemouth Longsands is the main surf beach — a long, consistent break suitable for all levels. Board and wetsuit hire is available from several shops along the seafront, and surf schools offer lessons for complete beginners.
Further north, Druridge Bay offers a quieter alternative with a seven-mile stretch of sand. Northside Surf School runs lessons at Druridge Bay and nearby Warkworth Bay.
Best for: Learning to surf (Tynemouth Longsands), quieter waves (Druridge Bay).
Open Water Swimming
The North East coast has excellent open water swimming if you're brave enough for the temperature. Tynemouth Longsands and King Edward's Bay are both popular spots with lifeguards on duty in summer. King Edward's Bay is particularly sheltered — a 300-metre stretch of golden sand enclosed by cliffs.
Tynemouth Outdoor Swimmers meet for Saturday swims at 8am and Sundays around 8am at the south end of Longsands (opposite the Grand Hotel, NE30 4ER). The Feel Good Swim Club meets at King Edward's Bay on the first Sunday of every month — a welcoming group for swimmers of all levels.
The Tynemouth Outdoor Pool restoration project is one to watch — when complete, it'll be the nearest public outdoor pool to Gosforth.
Best for: Sea swimming (Tynemouth Longsands), sheltered swims (King Edward's Bay), community swim groups.
Sailing
Kielder Water is the sailing destination — 27 miles of shoreline on Northern Europe's largest man-made lake, about an hour's drive from Gosforth (via Corbridge and Bellingham). Kielder Yacht Club is based in the Whickhope Inlet and offers sailing on the lake.
Kielder Waterside also runs kayaking and canoeing alongside the paddleboarding, so you can make a full day of water activities in one of the most beautiful settings in England. The surrounding forest park has mountain biking, walking trails, and the Kielder Observatory for stargazing.
Closer to home, Druridge Bay Country Park lake offers sailing dinghy and windsurfer hire — a more accessible option if you don't want to drive as far.
Best for: Sailing (Kielder Water), a full day out (Kielder), closer option (Druridge Bay).
Watersports at Druridge Bay Country Park
Druridge Bay deserves a special mention because it's the most versatile single destination — and it's under an hour from Gosforth. The seven-mile beach offers surfing and kitesurfing, while the freshwater lake has hire for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, windsurfers, and sailing dinghies. There's a visitor centre with cafe, toilets, and gift shop, plus walking trails, bird watching, and an orienteering course. A brilliant family day out with watersports included.
Best for: Families wanting multiple watersports in one place, a day trip from Gosforth.
Know of another watersports provider or spot near Gosforth? Get in touch via our contact page.