Leam Boat Centre
Leam Boat Centre
4.5
Boat ToursBoat RentalsStand Up PaddleboardingKayaking & CanoeingDay Trips
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About
The Leam Boat Centre is based in beautiful Jephson Gardens along the river in Leamington Town Centre. The park's old Victorian boathouse was renovated thirteen years ago as part of the Millennium Project and it is now a thriving centre of activity. It's a lovely place to come for a day out as a family; row boats and pedalos can be hired as and when you arrive and floating along the river for a carefree, sunlit hour is a wonderful experience. For more adventurous visitors, canoes kayaks and paddle boards are also available for hire. The Leam Boat Centre also gives lessons in canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding and can cater to all levels of experience, from taster sessions for beginners through to training courses for instructors. Kayak and paddle board courses are held throughout the holidays for children to get their first taste of the sport. It might turn into a lifelong passion!
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
168 reviews
Excellent
137
Very good
18
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
4
LS3027
47 contributions
Jun 2021
We hired a couple of kayaks and canoes for an hour and had a great time! There is a good range of things you can hire including kayaks, canoes, boats and pedalows so there is something for everyone. The area you can paddle in is pretty big which is nicer than being stuck to padding round in circles on a pond! The staff were friendly and helpful. The price for the kayaks was good for an hour, it gives you enough time to have a good paddle.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise W
Leamington Spa, UK40 contributions
May 2022
My husband and I have just finished a 3 day Sea Kayaking course near Martin's Haven, Pembrokeshire i.e. SKOMER!!. This was led by Leam Boat Centre's Matt Bishop, supported by Dave Karlinski, and team mate Jordan Palmer. A fabulous paddle from Dale on Day 1 with some skills being developed on the swells at St Anne's Head. Day 2 - well, what can I say. We are now part of the privileged few who have paddled from Martin's Haven across to Skomer Island AND landed on it (with permission of the trust). In doing so we tested our comfort zone by crossing a manageable Jack Sound tidal race. Had a 3 hour stop over walking around the island, meeting the various birdlife and in particular falling in love with the 100s of Puffins who paraded around us. Then back home again with a supporting tide. A truly wonderful experience. Day 3 was a more relaxed paddle to Musselwick Beach which is only accessible by sea and a great aspect for lunch. We ended the trip tired but exhilarated and grateful to have made new friends and learned new skills. All of us were confident in Matt and Dave's ability to lead and coach us, guiding us in navigation and paddling skills, ensuring our safety and making sure we all achieved and grew in our abilities. What an experience - these well planned trips are highly recommended.
Written May 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's so great to hear that you had a fabulous time. Thank you very much for the kind review. Hopefully we'll see you on the water again very soon.
Written May 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephen T
Leamington Spa, UK6 contributions
Jul 2021
Went to Leam Boat Centre last night to take part in the regular Thursday Night SUP Club. I paddled the Jobe Ventura bamboo 10'6" board which is a huge amount of fun, it is very manoeuvrable and accelerates quickly. The staff were very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. It was a great evening.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Stephen,
We love running our Thursday night SUP club; we're very lucky to have a wide selection of boards at the centre! I personally love the Jobe Bamboo boards. I'm glad you enjoyed the evening and experienced a good atmosphere from our staff. Hopefully we'll see you regularly at SUP club!
Regards, Jordan
Written July 31, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pritesh M
Leamington Spa, UK728 contributions
Jul 2020
During the summer of Covid, we (wife and two daughters) managed to get into town on a sunny day and decided that the boat centre was a good idea. So we went and rightly advised that they were taking on line bookings only. This is fine, but it may have been worthwhile just having a notice advising that, but no harm and the teller was very polite. So we went away and managed to book a session, fortunately for later that day.
Went back again and we were given all the guidance needed, got into the boat and started peddling (I think we had one that looked like a car - VW Beetle). Be aware that it is harder than you think to steer and pedal! However, it is good fun.
A couple of downsides, I think. Firstly is that it is pricy. Not sure whether this is to do with rent, insurance, etc. but £18 / half an hour is quite pricy and although £20 for the full hour is better value for money, we're shattered after half an hour! Secondly, for half an hour, you can't really get very far. You can only pedal for 15 mintes, and then cosider returning.
Although a few negatives, I will be going again as it is a good activity, and now that my daughters are getting older (not too old that they don't want to be seen with dad!) they can do some pedalling, so maybe the hour session will be booked next time.
Went back again and we were given all the guidance needed, got into the boat and started peddling (I think we had one that looked like a car - VW Beetle). Be aware that it is harder than you think to steer and pedal! However, it is good fun.
A couple of downsides, I think. Firstly is that it is pricy. Not sure whether this is to do with rent, insurance, etc. but £18 / half an hour is quite pricy and although £20 for the full hour is better value for money, we're shattered after half an hour! Secondly, for half an hour, you can't really get very far. You can only pedal for 15 mintes, and then cosider returning.
Although a few negatives, I will be going again as it is a good activity, and now that my daughters are getting older (not too old that they don't want to be seen with dad!) they can do some pedalling, so maybe the hour session will be booked next time.
Written December 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina G
2 contributions
May 2022 • Family
I used to visit the Leamington boat hire as a family and with my company, never again!
I used to bring my company here every summer for an evening of paddle boarding, we normally had a man with a polish name but last summer when we came we were told he had left. We were met by someone who said he and a woman had just taken the centre over and spent the first half of our booking talking at us about what he wanted to do with the centre. Half way through the session our coach Jordan finally made himself known to us and almost straight away made it clear that the time we'd lost wouldn't be added on the end of our slot as we're the last of the day and they can't stay late just for us, even though we were all there early!! By the time we had our life jackets and paddle boards given to us we only had half an hour of our 90 minutes left. While we were in the river those of us who were slower were left to ourselves while Jordan took the others and we only saw him again when he rounded us up to go back in. It used to be the most popular activity we did through the year with lots of games which everyone could play, we do one thing every month, after last year were never booking them again.
I've then visited and used the rowing boat and pedalos a few times this year withy family, normally everything is ok, maybe a bit disorganized especially when busier with longer waits than it used to be but most recently when we went to the till to book our boat as normal we were greeted by a girl no older than 14 who refused to let us have a boat because my son uses a wheelchair, we explained he could walk from the boat shed to the boat and that we've been many times before but she wouldn't believe us saying she's always there and never saw us before. As we went to leave we could hear her joking about his legs and him sinking in his chair. When I asked to speak to her manager she said "she's on the water" and refused to tell us her name.
We've since discovered Warwick boat hire who are everything Leamington used to be, friendly, welcoming and completely inclusive.
I can't get over the upset of what Leamington boat hire has become at the hands of the new owners.
I used to bring my company here every summer for an evening of paddle boarding, we normally had a man with a polish name but last summer when we came we were told he had left. We were met by someone who said he and a woman had just taken the centre over and spent the first half of our booking talking at us about what he wanted to do with the centre. Half way through the session our coach Jordan finally made himself known to us and almost straight away made it clear that the time we'd lost wouldn't be added on the end of our slot as we're the last of the day and they can't stay late just for us, even though we were all there early!! By the time we had our life jackets and paddle boards given to us we only had half an hour of our 90 minutes left. While we were in the river those of us who were slower were left to ourselves while Jordan took the others and we only saw him again when he rounded us up to go back in. It used to be the most popular activity we did through the year with lots of games which everyone could play, we do one thing every month, after last year were never booking them again.
I've then visited and used the rowing boat and pedalos a few times this year withy family, normally everything is ok, maybe a bit disorganized especially when busier with longer waits than it used to be but most recently when we went to the till to book our boat as normal we were greeted by a girl no older than 14 who refused to let us have a boat because my son uses a wheelchair, we explained he could walk from the boat shed to the boat and that we've been many times before but she wouldn't believe us saying she's always there and never saw us before. As we went to leave we could hear her joking about his legs and him sinking in his chair. When I asked to speak to her manager she said "she's on the water" and refused to tell us her name.
We've since discovered Warwick boat hire who are everything Leamington used to be, friendly, welcoming and completely inclusive.
I can't get over the upset of what Leamington boat hire has become at the hands of the new owners.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sir or Madam,
As a company that strives to offer good customer service we take any complaint very seriously. I am the owner and would be grateful if you would email me directly to matt@leamboatcentre.com so I can look into this more thoroughly. We have many wheelchair users who enjoy going on the boats and the Centre was nominated for a National award by Sense for its delivery of activities to disabled children so something clearly has gone awry here. I am a bit confused that your review mentions a SUP experience that was over a year ago. Is that correct?
Either way I assure you of our full attention to investigate the matter further.
Your Faithfully
M Bishop
Director
Written July 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robyn E
9 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
Want an empowering experience?
Well the Leam Boat Centre crew are amazing. Sophie, Jordan and the deckhands made us feel welcome and shared their paddling experience, knowledge and love of the sport with us. We had a great experience trying out some different iSUP boards and various paddles all in aid of charity. Everyone was testing the Red Paddle Co and Jobe boards to limit and laughing along the way. The equipment is in good condition and kept clean and tidy. Any questions we had were answered in a friendly yet professional manner on the river and the deck by the team.
For those who would like to try various boards in furture there is a SUP Club run on a Thursday night, which is a great opportunity try stand up Paddleboarding for the first time or for the novice to find a board that seriously suits them all in the care of coach. The SUP club coaches are can support you on your journey through step back turns, edging, paddle stroke correction and more. Its so lovely to meet other like minded people who want to be empowered on the water too!
Equally I can highly recommend a private lesson on the River Leam to enhance confidence with Reece, Jack or Jordan. These private lessons can prepare you for river trips to the River Wye and beyond. The skills you learn are bespoke to your needs.
In a group setting you can also do courses at the Leam Boat Centre like a Foundation Safety & Rescue Training where you can learn new skills in self rescue, rescuing different craft from your SUP and Safety awareness while paddling, which is really empowering.
Here's to exploring the natural wonders of the world by SUP!
Well the Leam Boat Centre crew are amazing. Sophie, Jordan and the deckhands made us feel welcome and shared their paddling experience, knowledge and love of the sport with us. We had a great experience trying out some different iSUP boards and various paddles all in aid of charity. Everyone was testing the Red Paddle Co and Jobe boards to limit and laughing along the way. The equipment is in good condition and kept clean and tidy. Any questions we had were answered in a friendly yet professional manner on the river and the deck by the team.
For those who would like to try various boards in furture there is a SUP Club run on a Thursday night, which is a great opportunity try stand up Paddleboarding for the first time or for the novice to find a board that seriously suits them all in the care of coach. The SUP club coaches are can support you on your journey through step back turns, edging, paddle stroke correction and more. Its so lovely to meet other like minded people who want to be empowered on the water too!
Equally I can highly recommend a private lesson on the River Leam to enhance confidence with Reece, Jack or Jordan. These private lessons can prepare you for river trips to the River Wye and beyond. The skills you learn are bespoke to your needs.
In a group setting you can also do courses at the Leam Boat Centre like a Foundation Safety & Rescue Training where you can learn new skills in self rescue, rescuing different craft from your SUP and Safety awareness while paddling, which is really empowering.
Here's to exploring the natural wonders of the world by SUP!
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robyne, this is so wonderful to hear. It was great to see you at the SUP Demo evening. I am so happy to see you have enjoyed your journey learning to paddle board and hope we can see you on the water again soon!
Written July 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Richard
Kenilworth, UK2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
I have been launching my paddle board with my dog at Leam Boat hire over the last month. The staff are super friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. My son joined me on a kayak hired from there last week and we had a great time. I would really recommend Leam boat hire as a great way to spend an hour or afternoon on the gorgeous river Leam there are boats available for all ages. Lots to see on the river and it’s the first time in a while I have seen kingfishers. It’s a hidden gem would thoroughly recommend them.
Written August 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Richard. Thank you for the lovely review. We really enjoy seeing yourself and the dog launch from our centre. It brightens our day to see you both on the water, and we are delighted your son enjoys it also. Here's hoping he keeps it up and that we will see him more often in the future also.
Sam
Written September 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bumpkin
1 contribution
Sep 2020 • Friends
I went to try out some kayaks as I was looking to buy. Despite being busy the two guys were extremely helpful and were able to offer a lot of knowledge about the kit. They had a great selection of boats to try out, I would definitely recommend if looking to buy a boat.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your lovely review! Please do come back and paddle again!
regards
Matt
Written September 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Noor
World2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Despite the busy day, I was amazed at the enthusiasm and patience of one of the young girls on the deck. She was constantly smiling and sharing kind words with customers despite the clear rush- doing her best to navigate the queue. She was helpful with questions we had regarding the local area and made sure we were comfortable in the boat. Not only was she helpful to us, she was equally as kind to everyone we watched her deal with! We will definitely be returning if we have time!
If this could be passed on to her that would be great. I think her name was Ona from what we could hear.
If this could be passed on to her that would be great. I think her name was Ona from what we could hear.
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is absolutely wonderful to read. Thank you for leaving such a great review and your kind words about our staff member Honor. I will certainly be passing this on to Honor. I am sure she will be very pleased to read this.
Hopefully we will see you on the water again soon!
Written August 14, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
James T
9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Underwhelming Kayak Explore 1 Course
A bit disappointing really. The boys didn’t real feel as though made any significant progress. The lead coach failed to effectively engage with the kids.
Of the 3 sessions, new skills were only introduced on the first two days with the third session being titled a “mess around session” despite there still being sections of the log book that could have been completed or time spent cementing the core foundation skills of dynamic forward paddling, posture and boat control so that they progress into effective kayakers.
Feedback at the end of the course was limited to a well done you have passed Explorer 1 and an invitation to attend more sessions to “mess around on the water”! There was no feedback on what the areas of weakness were that need to be improved or worked on before attending the Explore 2 course.
The course fell well short of the benchmark set by other providers such as Lowri at Flowfree or Jamie at Paddle 365. It is a shame as the feedback on your other coaching teams seems excellent.
A bit disappointing really. The boys didn’t real feel as though made any significant progress. The lead coach failed to effectively engage with the kids.
Of the 3 sessions, new skills were only introduced on the first two days with the third session being titled a “mess around session” despite there still being sections of the log book that could have been completed or time spent cementing the core foundation skills of dynamic forward paddling, posture and boat control so that they progress into effective kayakers.
Feedback at the end of the course was limited to a well done you have passed Explorer 1 and an invitation to attend more sessions to “mess around on the water”! There was no feedback on what the areas of weakness were that need to be improved or worked on before attending the Explore 2 course.
The course fell well short of the benchmark set by other providers such as Lowri at Flowfree or Jamie at Paddle 365. It is a shame as the feedback on your other coaching teams seems excellent.
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi James, I firstly would like to apologise that you feel this way this is certainly not the course we aspire to provide and can assure you we take your comments very seriously.
To give some context as to why some skills were completed and others weren’t:
The Explore booklet is split in to two courses: Paddle Explore 1 and Paddle Explore 2. The Explore 1 course is designed to get you most of the way through the booklet, with the Explore 2 course being where you complete the booklet. We split the Paddle Explore Course due to the nature of the skills the children are leaning, and the Explore 2 has the more difficult skills (sideways on the move for example) than the Explore 1. By completing most of the skills in Explore 1, you have more time to learn and consolidate some of the harder skills in Explore 2 along with aspects of the theory side of the Explore Syllabus. I hope this helps to clear up why not all skills were ticked by the end of this course, as we aim to get these ticked by the end of the Explore 2 course, paving the way for fully independent paddlers to start learning white water skills, becoming an instructor, touring awards etc
In terms of the mess around session. We do quite often run a more relaxed session on the third day of the course due to the intense nature of the first two days. This is designed to allow the kids to practice their skills in games and challenges set by the instructor.
As for feedback at the end of the course. The lead coach will be sending some more comprehensive feedback this week to help you understand where your kids need to develop.
Overall, we understand that you feel this course hasn’t quite met your needs and so would like to offer your boys a free private session to work through more of these skills. This will be with one of the management. Please contact myself sophie@leamboatcentre.com if you would like to take us up on this.
Written August 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
leamboatc
Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
There is no need to book - just come along when you're ready to go.
Written May 27, 2017
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