Rushbanks Paddle to the Pub
Canoe, kayak or paddleboard from Rushbanks Campsite to The Anchor Inn, Nayland
This is the Rushbanks classic.
Launch straight from the campsite, paddle along the beautiful River Stour, carry your boat around two historic weirs, and arrive at The Anchor Inn, Nayland, for lunch, a drink, or a well-earned riverside stop.
Then paddle back to camp for an evening by the fire.
It’s simple, memorable and one of the best things you can do during your stay at Rushbanks.
Exclusive to Rushbanks Campsite guests.
View Canoe, Kayak & Paddleboard Hire
A Proper River Adventure from Your Campsite
Most campsites give you a pitch.
Rushbanks gives you a river adventure.
From your tent, caravan, campervan or bell tent, you’re only a short walk from the launch point. No roof racks. No driving to a launch site. No complicated planning.
Just collect your canoe, kayak or paddleboard, listen to the briefing, follow the map, and set off along the River Stour towards Nayland.
This is the kind of day families, couples and friends remember long after the camping trip is over.
What Is Paddle to the Pub?
Paddle to the Pub is a self-guided river trip from Rushbanks Campsite to The Anchor Inn in Nayland.
You can do it by:
Canadian canoe
2-person sit-on-top kayak
Stand-up paddleboard / SUP
Along the way, you’ll enjoy peaceful countryside, tree-lined stretches of river, open skies, wildlife, and the satisfaction of reaching the pub under your own paddle power.
It is not just boat hire.
It is a proper Rushbanks experience.
The Route
Rushbanks Campsite → River Stour → Nayland → The Anchor Inn
The route takes you from Rushbanks Campsite along the River Stour towards the village of Nayland and The Anchor Inn.
Allow approximately 60–90 minutes each way, depending on your pace, group size, river conditions, and how quickly you move around the weirs.
This is a relaxed adventure, not a race. Most guests make a good half-day of it, with time to stop, enjoy the pub, and paddle back without rushing.
Important: Two Weir Portages
To complete the Paddle to the Pub route, you must carry your boat around two weirs.
This is part of the adventure.
A portage simply means getting out, lifting or carrying your canoe, kayak or paddleboard around the weir, then relaunching safely on the other side.
You will carry around the same two weirs on the way back.
Before you set off, we’ll explain:
where the two weirs are
how to get out safely
where to relaunch
how to carry your boat
what to expect on the route
For most reasonably fit adults, the portages are manageable. Canoes are heavier than kayaks and paddleboards, so groups with young children should plan accordingly.
Why Guests Love It
Because it feels like a real adventure — but it starts from the campsite.
You get the best of everything:
a beautiful river
countryside scenery
a pub at the end
a fun challenge with the two weirs
a story to tell afterwards
campfire evenings when you get back
Kids love the journey.
Adults love the pub.
Everyone remembers the day.
The Anchor Inn, Nayland
The Anchor Inn is a charming country pub and restaurant in the village of Nayland, set close to the River Stour.
It’s the perfect destination for a paddle: stop for lunch, enjoy a cold drink, relax for a while, then paddle back to Rushbanks.
We strongly recommend booking a table directly with The Anchor Inn, especially at weekends, during school holidays and on sunny days.
Please check The Anchor Inn’s opening times before you set off, as pub hours and food service may change.
Book a Table at The Anchor Inn
Is Paddle to the Pub Suitable for Beginners?
Yes — many Rushbanks guests are beginners.
Before you launch, we provide a friendly briefing, basic paddling guidance, route advice and a river map.
You do not need to be an expert, but you do need to be sensible on the water.
This route is best for people who are:
comfortable being on a natural river
able to follow safety instructions
physically able to paddle for a few hours
able to get in and out of the boat at the weirs
able to help carry equipment around the two portages
For families with younger children, we usually recommend a Canadian canoe rather than paddleboards.
Who Is It Best For?
Families
A brilliant way to get children outdoors, off screens and into a proper adventure.
Couples
A fun, romantic and memorable day out with a pub stop in the middle.
Friends
Perfect if you want something more interesting than just sitting around the campsite all day.
Teenagers
Enough challenge to feel exciting, but still safe and manageable with the right briefing.
Returning Guests
If you’ve camped at Rushbanks before but haven’t paddled to the pub yet, this is the experience to add next time.
Choose Your Craft
You can complete the route using one of our hire options.
Canadian Canoe
Best for families, couples with children, and guests who want a stable, spacious boat.
2-Person Sit-on-Top Kayak
Best for couples, friends and teenagers who want something fun, stable and easy to paddle.
Stand-Up Paddleboard / SUP
Best for confident paddlers, adults and teenagers who want a more active river experience.
For full prices, capacity and booking details, visit our Canoe, Kayak & Paddleboard Hire page.
What’s Included with Hire?
Your hire includes:
canoe, kayak or paddleboard
paddle
safety briefing
river map
route advice
launch help
free ponchos if the weather changes
Children’s buoyancy aids are included free.
Adult buoyancy aids are available to hire.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
water bottle
sun cream
hat or sunglasses
shoes you don’t mind getting wet
dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
change of clothes
towel
snacks
card or cash for The Anchor Inn
a sensible attitude to the river
Do not bring anything on the river that you cannot afford to lose or get wet.
Safety Notes
The River Stour is beautiful, but it is still a natural river.
Please follow all safety advice.
No swimming
Children must be supervised at all times
Paddle within your ability
Do not swallow river water
Take care getting in and out at the weirs
Carry boats carefully around both weirs
Respect wildlife, residents and other river users
Take all litter back with you
Return all equipment by the agreed time
Boat hire and paddling are subject to suitable weather, river conditions and availability.
If conditions are not safe, we may need to delay, reschedule or cancel hire.
How to Book Paddle to the Pub
Step 1: Book your stay at Rushbanks
Choose your pitch, campervan space or bell tent.
Step 2: Add boat hire
Add canoe, kayak or paddleboard hire during booking, or contact us if you have already booked your stay.
Step 3: Choose your paddle day
Pick the day you would prefer to paddle.
Step 4: We confirm availability
We’ll confirm your hire by email and take payment once confirmed.
Step 5: Book The Anchor Inn
If you want food or a table, book directly with The Anchor Inn.
Step 6: Arrive ready for adventure
We’ll brief you before you launch and explain the route, including the two weirs.
[View Canoe, Kayak & Paddleboard Hire]
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to stay at Rushbanks to do Paddle to the Pub?
Yes. Boat hire is exclusive to Rushbanks Campsite guests.
Do I need experience?
No. Many guests are beginners. We provide a briefing, map and route advice before you leave.
How long does it take?
Allow approximately 60–90 minutes each way, plus time for the two weir portages and your stop at The Anchor Inn.
Do I need to carry the boat?
Yes. The route includes two weirs. You must carry your canoe, kayak or paddleboard around both weirs on the way to the pub and again on the way back.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, with sensible adult supervision. For families with younger children, a Canadian canoe is usually the best option.
Can we paddleboard to the pub?
Yes, confident paddleboarders can complete the route by SUP, but remember you still need to carry the board around the two weirs.
Should we book The Anchor Inn?
Yes, we strongly recommend booking ahead, especially at weekends, school holidays and sunny days.
Is the route guided?
No. This is a self-guided route. We provide the briefing, map and advice before you set off.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If river or weather conditions are not suitable, we may delay, reschedule or cancel hire for safety reasons.
Can we take dogs?
Please contact us before booking if you want to take a dog on the water, as suitability depends on the boat, dog, river conditions and your experience.
Make It the Day They Remember
You could go camping anywhere.
Or you could wake up beside the River Stour, launch from your campsite, paddle through Dedham Vale, carry your boat around two weirs, reach a proper country pub, and return to campfire smoke and evening light on the water.
That’s the Rushbanks Paddle to the Pub.
Book your stay, add boat hire, and make your camping trip unforgettable.