Shorts on, shoes off: 7 places to go for a paddle this summer
It's not that deep - seven shallow, child-friendly spots for splashing about in a river.
Published 22 June, 2026
Before everyone went wild for wild swimming, going for a paddle was standard practice on a hot, sunny day. By paddling, we don’t mean paddleboarding, kayaking, or that tennis-lite game everyone’s playing nowadays. We mean rolling up your trouser legs, kicking off your shoes and socks, and feeling the lovely cool water on your bare feet and ankles.
Anything over knee level isn’t paddling, it’s wading. And anything beyond wading is swimming. This here is a list of places to paddle – with kids or without them (adults need a way to cool down, too). We’re thinking shallow, clear water, an easy way in and out, and a nice sandy or grassy bank to sit on with your picnic and towel.
Knowing where the best paddling spots are means you don’t have to follow the crowds to the coast every time a heatwave hits. Here are seven tried-and-tested paddling places near Manchester, chosen for people who prefer to dip their toes in the water rather than jump right in.
-
WilmslowMore detailsThe Carrs
The Carrs is always popular in summer thanks to its proximity to the beach. Not Blackpool or St Anne’s, but where the River Bollin meanders through the park.
There’s a sandy area, an island to wade out to, steps to jump off and the water is usually deep and slow-moving enough for paddling. It’s a lovely spot as long as children are well supervised.
Other amenities include a decent kids’ play area, a coffee kiosk, and a picnic area.
-
BaslowMore detailsChatsworth
The stretch of river north of the house towards Baslow has a shallow, wide riverbed that’s perfect for paddling.
South of the house, the river is deeper and more suited to swimmers rather than paddlers.
If it’s picnic weather – and it better be if you’re getting in the river – stop off beforehand at the award-winning Chatsworth Farm Shop in nearby Pilsley for supplies.
-
UppermillMore detailsGreene’s Bistro & Parlour
Ice cream + paddling = perfect summer day.
Greene’s Bistro & Parlour in King George V Park in Uppermill brings out the deckchairs in summer making it the ideal spot.
Plus, the River Tame flows behind the park with stepping stones and relatively easy access for a splash around. It’s a bit pebbly so wear aqua shoes if you’re soft like me.
-
GrindlefordMore detailsLongshaw Estate
Head from the car park down to the stream for gentle paddling with shade from the trees – and usually an ice cream van too.
If you’re coming by train, get off at Grindleford and walk up Padley Gorge – a beautiful though steep walk through ancient woodland. The paddling spot is at the top, about 1.5km from the station.
-
GlossopMore detailsManor Park
Head to Glossop for a playground and paddling in one place. The play area at this well-maintained park is bordered by a shallow, rocky river which is popular for splashing around and dam building in summer.
There’s also a basketball court, a skate park, a five-a-side football pitch, a miniature railway and a shiny new outdoor gym. The lawns are dotted with shade-giving trees, and there’s natural woodland around the edges, which is good for hide and seek.
-
StyalMore detailsQuarry Bank Mill
If you walk along the riverside path which follows the Bollin, there are a number of small sandy beaches.
They’re all easily accessible but a swimsuit or a change of clothes is advised. This isn’t a sandy beach like you see in holiday brochures. It’s a muddy sand which means it’s pretty slippy and a bit dirty too. Not that your kids will care.
Make sure little ones are supervised because the riverbed dips if you go right in and the currents can be strong, particularly after heavy rain.
-
BakewellMore detailsThornbridge Estate
If you want to keep kids entertained and cool in the summer, head to this quirky stately home near Bakewell with its fountain full of little rubber ducks. They’ll spend hours splashing around in there – fishing out the ducks, lining them up, putting them back in again, and on and on. Meanwhile you can relax with a takeaway coffee from the cafe or head there afterwards for lunch.
