One of the best ways to truly experience the beauty of our British rivers and witness wildlife up close and personal is from the perspective of a canoe. With a little tuition, anyone can master the art of paddling on our waterways. And you don’t even need to own a boat.

Locals and visitors to Shropshire can hire their own canoe on the River Severn in Shrewsbury, or from the National Trust’s Attingham Park just down the road, for as little as £25 per hour.

Shrewsbury Canoe Hire offers one-hour or half-day hire from The Quarry Park in the heart of Shrewsbury, as well as seasonal hire from Attingham Park on the River Tern during the summer months.

The company only uses experienced and qualified coaches and guides, ensuring the highest standards of safety. And if you’re a little nervous, group and individual private coaching sessions are also available.

So why not pack up a picnic, grab your sun hat and head for the water. As Kenneth Grahame famously penned: “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

For more information, visit www.shrewsburycanoehire.co.uk