While this week’s rain has us questioning if summer is, in fact, here, as it should be – we still have that Yorkshire urge to embrace it, come rain or shine. Whether it’s absolutely siling it down, blowing a gale or is the outright apocalypse, you’ll find the majority of our region in the summer spirit either way. It’s the Yorkshire way. And should the sun unexpectedly make a reappearance sometime soon, there’s one thing first on our list of summer activities to do this year in Yorkshire: water sports. From calm lake activities to full-blown Total Wipeout challenges, we’ve rounded up the very best places to enjoy water sports in Yorkshire.
1. Allerthorpe Lake
Offering that quintessential lakeside setting (you know, the one you typically see in American slasher movies), Allerthorpe Lakeland Park offers an activity for everyone – with options ranging from kayaking and paddle boarding to open water swimming and an inflatable course.
In terms of visiting somewhere that really has it all – we’d say this was most certainly it, thanks to its wide activity range to suit all ages and abilities.
In addition to the multiple water sports to take part in, the lake also boasts a cafe that overlooks the action, serving family-friendly breakfasts and lunch dishes, cakes and more.
Find out more here. Allerthorpe Lakeland Park, Melbourne Road, Pocklington, York, YO42 4RL.
2. Dacre Lakeside Park
Found in the little-known Yorkshire village of Brandesburton, Dacre Lakeside Park is a lovely hidden gem designed with families in mind, with not only a number of beautiful holiday lodges situated around the lake with beautiful views, but a number of water sports available to enjoy, too.
On the 6-acre lake, guests can enjoy windsurfing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and even sailing.
On a sunny day, this gloriously peaceful lake is the perfect spot to wind down while learning to paddleboard, before heading to Bert’s pizzeria which offers beautiful lakeside views.
Book here. Dacre Lakeside Park, Driffield, YO25 8RT.
3. North Yorkshire Water Park
This one’s for the Total Wipeout fans. Ever thought you could take on the challenge? The incredible inflatable course at North Yorkshire Waterpark rivals the fun TV show’s set-up, providing plenty of exciting obstacles for guests to overcome. Think huge slides, swings, rockers, balance beams and so much more.
If that wasn’t exciting enough already, the park is also home to other fun water sports such as paddle boarding, wakeboarding, kayaking, electric boating, pedalos, open water swimming and more, meaning everyone can be entertained on the water.
The park is also home to a lakeside cafe, where guests can enjoy stonebaked pizza, burgers, big breakfasts and so much more.
Find out more here. North Yorkshire Water Park, Long Causeway Rd, Wykeham, Lakes, YO13 9QU.
4. Scarborough Surf School
Not afraid to get into the pretty chilly North Sea? Try your hand at surfing.
Scarborough Surf School takes budding surfers to the water at Cayton Bay, one of Scarborough’s most peaceful beach spots.
Surfers of all abilities are welcome to give it a go, and instructors start guests off on the sand so they can get the hang of their boards before hitting the water.
Guests can learn to surf all year round, but given how chilly the North Sea is, we’d recommend trying it out for the first time in the summer when it’s a bit warmer!
Find out more here. Scarborough Surf School, Killerby Cliff, Scarborough, YO11 3NR.
5. Hatfield Outdoor Activity Centre
Found on the outskirts of Doncaster, Hatfield Outdoor Activity Centre is the perfect spot for those wanting to try something new – with tons of water sports including the inflatable aqua park, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, water walkers and more.
In addition to the lake, the centre is also home to a natural lake pool, too, where guests can open-water swim in an enclosed space.
Visitors are also able to extend their stay and camp on-site, too, giving you plenty of time to try multiple activities.
Book here. Hatfield Outdoor Activity Centre, Old Thorne Rd, Hatfield, Doncaster, DN7 6EQ.
6. Sheffield Aqua Park
Sheffield Aqua Park is one of the biggest in the UK – situated within Rother Valley Country Park and boasting a massive inflatable assault course on the water.
Think giant inflatable slides, trampolines, climbing walls and more, alongside a cable wake park and water skiing, and an on-site lakeside cafe to help refuel afterwards.
The outdoor terrace, in particular, is gorgeous for a summer’s day, and has picnic benches overlooking the lake so you can still enjoy the water while dining.
Find out more. Sheffield Aqua Park, Rother Valley Country Park, Mansfield Road, Wales Bar, Sheffield, S26 5PQ.
7. Teesoutdoors
Teesoutdoors showcases the more underrated part of Yorkshire, Marske-by-the-Sea, offering tons of incredible water activities such as river canoeing, gorge scrambling, paddleboarding, raft building and sailing, kayaking and so much more.
This one’s for the more adventurous among us, but it’s the perfect way to see some incredible sights while learning new skills and potentially picking up a new hobby.
Find out more. Teesoutdoors, 105 St Germains Lane, Marske by the Sea, Redcar, Cleveland, TS11 7EL.
8. Welton Waters Adventure Centre
A picturesque stretch of water right next to the River Humber, Welton Waters is not only vast and beautiful, but the perfect spot to try something new.
There, visitors can try their hand at open-water swimming, sailing, kayaking, raft building, paddleboarding and so much more, in addition to dinghy sailing, windsurfing and even power boating.
The East Yorkshire location is perfect for family days out, teambuilding and group activities, and is just a short drive away from Hull.
Book here. Welton Waters Adventure Centre, Common Ln, Brough, HU15 1XL.
Read more: The Tranquil Yorkshire Park That’ll Transport You To The Far East
[Featured image: Teesoutdoors]
