School canoe sessions

School canoe adventures on the River Severn and nearby canals, bringing learning to life in the heart of the Shropshire countryside.

Group Canoe Hire - Shrewsbury Canoe and Kayak Hire - Hire a Canoe

Give your pupils an unforgettable outdoor learning experience with hands-on adventure, real-world discovery, and meaningful personal development.

Hire a Canoe is now part of the Field Studies Council, a leading environmental education charity with over 80 years of expertise in connecting young people to nature. Together, we offer high-quality canoe journeys, outdoor adventure activities, and residential experiences designed to enrich learning and inspire confidence.

Whether you’re planning a school trip, youth group activity, or team-building day, we provide safe, inclusive and curriculum-linked adventures that take pupils beyond the classroom and straight into the heart of nature.

To enquire about your school trip, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page.

Why choose a canoe journey for your class?

- Adventure with purpose: developing teamwork, resilience, and communication skills.
- Immersive learning: connecting subjects to real-world experiences.
- Safe and supported: ensuring every child feels secure and empowered.

Why the River Severn?

Britain’s longest river, the Severn has shaped landscapes and communities for centuries. Once a vital trade route during the Industrial Revolution, it now offers rich wildlife and historic landmarks. Your pupils can explore geography, history, and ecology in a living classroom.

Find out more

Activity Options

Flexible options to suit your day - whether you’re looking for a half-day introduction to paddling or a full day expedition, we tailor the experience to your group’s needs. Every journey is designed to be inclusive, engaging, and unforgettable.

5 Day kayak river trip down the River Severn to Gloucester - Hire A Canoe

Severn Explorer

The Big River Adventure

A scenic full river journey, starting at Montford Bridge and finishing in the historic town of Shrewsbury. This trip offers a strong sense of achievement and immersion in nature.

12 miles: Montford Bridge to Shrewsbury
4-6 hours
Price per student (day trip): £55
Price per student (residential): £25
Maximum number of students: 20 (24 rafted)

The River Trail

A gentle introduction to canoeing. Pupils paddle upstream before returning downstream, gaining confidence and enjoying a short active session on the river.

Start and finish at Montford Bridge (1 mile)
2 hours
Price per student (day trip): £25
Price per student (residential): £12
Maximum number of students: 20 (24 rafted)

Hire A Canoe, - Pair In A Canoe on the River Severn

Canal Adventures

The Big Canal Journey

A scenic paddle along the picturesque Llangollen Canal. This trip develops paddling skills and linking environmental and industrial learning. It culminates in crossing the
world-famous aqueduct.

5 miles: Llangollen to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
4-5 hours
Price per student (day trip): £55
Price per student (residential): £25
Maximum number of students: 12

The Waterway Quest

A shorter journey offering a balance of challenge, learning and fun. A calm, accessible way for pupils to enjoy being active outdoors

Montgomery Canal at Queens Head
2 hours
Price per student (day trip): £25
Price per student (residential): £12
Maximum number of students: 12

Important information:

2-3 students per canoe
Prices include transport to journey start/end from agreed meeting place
One free teacher place per group of 12

Curriculum Connections

Our canoe journeys aren’t just an adventure – they’re a powerful learning experience that supports key areas of the curriculum.

Primary

Geography: Explore rivers, water cycles, and map skills in a real-world setting.
Science: Investigate habitats, ecosystems, and seasonal changes along the River Severn.
PE: Develop teamwork and problem-solving through outdoor and adventurous activities.
PSHE: Build confidence, resilience, and collaboration skills

Secondary

Geography: Understand river processes, landforms, and human interaction with natural environments.
Science: Study biodiversity, conservation, and water quality.
PE: Enhance leadership and communication through outdoor adventure activities.
Personal Development: Promote wellbeing and social skills through immersive outdoor learning.

Canoeing Outcomes

Our canoeing trips are designed to do far more than teach paddling techniques. Each experience combines practical skills with opportunities for personal growth and environmental learning to inspire curiosity and confidence:

Teamwork and communication: Work together to steer and navigate, building collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Resilience and perseverance: Build determination and adaptability through real world problem-solving.
Nature connection: Immerse pupils in the environment to learn about and appreciate nature.
Wellbeing: Calm surroundings and active engagement to promote mental health.
Personal development and confidence: Achieve new skills in a supportive setting.

Extend your adventure

Turn your canoeing trip into a full adventure day or residential experience at Preston Montford, near Shrewsbury.

Preston Montford offers a wide range of purposeful adventure activities designed to help young people build confidence, improve communication, and develop resilience, including low ropes, a climbing tower, and problem-solving challenges. These activities can be combined with canoeing for a full adventure day.

We also offer hands-on fieldwork opportunities for something more curriculum focused, taught by our expert staff.

For those with more time available, the centre provides comfortable, full board accommodation and all the facilities needed for a high-quality school trip.

+Adventure Activities

Contact Us

Want to organise a school trip? Please get in touch.

📞 01743 852100

📧 [email protected]

🏢Hire a Canoe Ltd
Field Studies Council
Preston Montford,
Shrewsbury,
SY4 1HW