A Canoe Adventures canoe on the River Dart, view from Sharpham's rewilding fields
Lisa Carnell

Family Canoe Event on the River Dart at Sharpham

Explore, learn about and have fun on this precious waterway

Summary

4 Reviews
1 day - seasonal
Any
Max. Spaces: 22

Overview

Amazing opportunities for your family to join in on a gentle - and safe - paddle on the exquisite River Dart. 

We'll explore the waterway in two 12-seater Canadian canoes, travelling at a gentle pace, relaxing and taking in the wonderful natural beauty and wildlife of the tidal, downriver section.

Fabulous stories about the Dart's history, geography and inhabitants will be revealed throughout the trip by the experienced and knowledgeable skippers in each vessel. They'll also be steering the canoes and keeping everyone safe on the journey. We are partnering with Canoe Adventures on these trips - experienced navigators on the River Dart.

Thanks to South West Water Better Futures Project, ticket prices are heavily subsidised and children go free.

Proper, timeless, quality, healthy fun for friends and family to enjoy together, on the water and on the shore. Paddling, seals, laughter & chat, hauling up on the river bank for refreshments, tea & biscuits and more. All rolled up in one great adventure paddling through the magnificent landscape that is our River Dart estuary.

- Canoe Adventures
Canoeing  on the River Dart in 12-seater vessels belonging to Canoe Adventures
Julian Carnell

This day is for you if you are:

  • Keen to explore the River Dart as a family
  • Interested in a fun, fascinating and outdoor event
  • A family normally unable to afford this type of activity

What you will learn:

  • Fun facts about the history of the River Dart
  • More about the wildlife on the river
  • Stories about the land and Sharpham's rewilding and nature-restoration efforts
  • More about The Sharpham Trust and our mission
Canoeing on the River Dart in 12-seater vessels belonging to Canoe Adventures
Canoe Adventures

What should you bring?

Clothing

Everyone should dress for a day outdoors.  Please note it is often cooler and/or brighter out on the water than you may be accustomed. Check the day’s weather forecast and, in any instance, bring waterproofs and a warm layer. Sun cream and hats are important when it is sunny, and shades / sun glasses are useful if you have them.  We advise against jeans; they are not good in the heat or cold, and can be dangerous when wet and cold. Canoe Adventures skippers provide a 'dry bag' to keep your waterproofs and warm layers dry when you are not wearing them.

Footwear

Wear shoes that stay on and that you don't mind getting a bit muddy. Old trainers are ideal. In summer, sandals with straps over the heel are great too. Flip-flops can get very slippery. Walking boots are fine.

Canoe Adventures' skippers are entitled to refuse people if they are not, in their opinion, sufficiently dressed for the day's conditions. Given their canoes require a minimum number of people and a specific adult-to-child ratio, turning away one or two people could cost the whole trip.  

What else to bring

Canoe Adventures provide a 'dry bag' for your warm layers, waterproofs and precious things.  There is some space elsewhere in the canoe for bags of food and provisions which we advise you put in plastic bags or small backpacks that don't mind splashes or light mud. You don't need to bring much more gear than that. 

There is no reason to go in the water if you don't want to!  Nor should your camera or phone get wet, so long as you have suitable cases, good pockets in your waterproofs, or use the on board 'dry bag'. 

Food

Bring snacks for the children. We will provide a drink and a biscuit when we stop on the shore.  

Water

Bring a bottle of drinking water each. At least a litre per person is recommended.  You may be surprised how dehydrated you can get on the water.

Health & Safety

By joining this activity you are presenting yourself as medically fit to do so. Please advise us in advance when you or anyone in your group has any health or fitness condition that may affect safety or ability to participate in canoeing. 

Non-swimmers should make themselves known to their skipper/guide on the day. Advice given on 'dress' is part of our health and safety policy and risk assessment.

Punctuality

This is on a very tidal estuary so we cannot be flexible over start times, especially on low water trips.  The tide never waits!  One or two no shows or late arrivals could cost the whole trip.

Schedule

These Family Canoe events take place on the followings dates and times:

  • Friday 24 July, 12pm to 3.45pm  
  • Sunday 23 August, 12.45pm to 4.30pm

We'll meet at the car park near North Quay on the Sharpham Estate, which will be signposted on the day. Details on how to get here will be sent out to participants ahead of each event.

Reviews

Lovely being out of doors, with such a knowledgeable bird guide

participant on a Sharpham Trust nature event

Fantastic info! Very knowledgeable.

participant on a Sharpham Trust nature event

A fabulous day in such a special place - thanks to everyone involved

participant on a Sharpham Trust nature event
See all Reviews

Sharpham State

The Sharpham Estate

We're a 550-acre estate on the banks of the River Dart, set within a National Landscape Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We've been designated organic and we're rewilding parts of the estate, helping to restore nature and to connect people to the land and themselves through our programme of retreats, courses and events.

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Leaders

Canoe Adventures vessels on the River Dart
Canoe Adventures
Canoe Adventures Read more +

Costs

Prices have been subsidised by South West Water's Better Futures Fund:

Adults: £15 

Children aged 5-17: FREE

The total number of places on each date is 24, with no exceptions.

There is a maximum of two children to every one adult, for example one child to one adult or one child to two adults.

Adults cannot book without a child or children. A whole family is allowed to book on, with a maximum of two adults with up to four children.

NB: This event has been carefully planned and numbers are limited - please tell us immediately if you've booked but can't make it so we can give others the chance to come.

Terms & Conditions

Please click here to see our booking and cancellations policy