Enjoy safe boating adventures on a scenic lake with rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and punting for all ages and abilities.

Thorpeness Meare is a unique boating lake located on the Suffolk coast offering families and friends a safe environment to experience water-based activities. The venue features over 100 boats available for hire, including options for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and punting across calm, shallow waters surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. The lake is designed with safety as a paramount concern, making it an ideal destination for children of all ages to explore and enjoy water activities. Visitors can spend a full day out in nature, with the venue open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last boat hire available at 4:30 PM. The peaceful waters and magical islands create a perfect setting for family adventures and leisurely exploration. Suitable for all ages from 0+, Thorpeness Meare combines adventure with security, allowing families to create lasting memories while enjoying outdoor water-based recreation. Whether visiting for a few hours or a full day, the venue offers a distinctive boating experience in a picturesque natural setting.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Steve Mann

a month ago

Lovely leisure lake in the eccentric village of Thorpeness. Hire a boat and take a row around some of the hidden islands and waterways and then come back and eat lunch overlooking the meare or in a local eatery. Idyllic.

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Richard Cullingford

2 months ago

Really picturesque and interesting location with nice cafe and resturant.

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Kerry Ferstenou

3 months ago

What a pretty little village on the coast. Nice village to explore.

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Lizzie B

a year ago

Beautiful place for a family day out. The teenage lads assisting with the boat rides were so kind, polite and helpful! Very mature for their age. Our children loved it. People waving and chatting to each other everywhere. Nice places to sit and eat. Clean and tidy. So much to do and see we ran out of time so we'll be back soon.

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Ekong

a year ago

One of the most peaceful and picturesque locations in the country, in my opinion. The town is beautifully adorned with pretty cottages and greenery, and the boating lake is tranquility personified. I’m generally not a fan of pebble beaches, but the pebble beach not far from the lake is astonishing. I was genuinely blown away. It is definitely worth visiting here.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026