PartyFind

Active 360

Kids' birthday party venue in London

The Rolling Bridge, S Wharf Rd, London W2 1NW, UK

Stand-up paddleboarding parties on a quiet stretch of the Grand Union Canal at Brentford Lock. Confident swimmers, ages 8+

About Active 360

Active360 have been running stand-up paddleboarding in London since 2011, and their children's parties happen at Brentford Lock on the Grand Union Canal — a quiet stretch with barely any boat traffic and plenty of wildlife, which is why it suits beginners rather than the Thames. A party is a proper lesson followed by games on the water: the children learn the basics, paddle a short route up the canal, and mostly end up splashing about with their friends under the eye of an experienced coach. Canoes and kayaks are there for anyone nervous about balancing. All the equipment and buoyancy aids are provided. Every child must be a confident swimmer, and they must be eight or over

At a glance

Photos

Active 360 — kids' party venue in London Active 360 — kids' party venue in London Active 360 — kids' party venue in London Active 360 — kids' party venue in London Active 360 — kids' party venue in London

Party packages & pricing

Children's Party Package

Two hours on the Grand Union Canal at Brentford Lock: a proper paddleboarding lesson, then a short paddle up the canal spotting wildlife, then games on the water. An experienced coach runs the session and all the kit and buoyancy aids are provided. Canoes and kayaks are available for any child nervous about balancing. Up to eighteen children. Every child must be a confident swimmer and aged eight or over.

  • Price: £294 From £49 per child
  • Per person: £49
  • Guests: 6–6
  • Ages: 8–12

Frequently asked questions

How much does a party cost?
Children's paddleboarding parties start from £49 per child for two hours. They can take groups of up to eighteen young people.
Do the children need to be able to swim?
Yes. All children must be confident swimmers. Being comfortable and confident in the water matters more than technical swimming ability — but this is a firm requirement, not a suggestion, and it is the first thing to check before you invite anyone.
What ages is it for?
Eight and over. Children as young as seven can sometimes be accommodated, but that is by arrangement — call and discuss it rather than booking online. Children under eleven paddle on the canal only, never on the Thames.
Where do the children's parties actually happen?
Children's parties run at Brentford Lock on the Grand Union Canal, not on the Thames. It is a quiet, calm stretch with very little boat traffic, which is why it suits beginners and young children. Ladbroke Grove is also used for younger children.
What happens at the party?
A paddleboarding lesson followed by games on the water. The children learn the basics, then paddle a short route up the canal spotting wildlife, and generally end up splashing about with their friends under the eye of an experienced coach.
What should the children bring?
Water shoes if you have them, or a spare pair of trainers — feet will get wet. No flip-flops, they get lost in the canal. A change of clothes, a towel, and extra layers for afterwards. Check the forecast and dress for it.
What equipment is provided?
Buoyancy aids and all the paddleboarding equipment are provided, along with a qualified coach. Canoes and kayaks are available for any child who is nervous about balancing or does not want to get wet.
Can parents watch or join in?
Parents can join in on the water by arrangement, or watch from the towpath and walk along part of the route. They are welcome at the end — ideally with snacks, towels and dry clothes for hungry, wet children.

Reviews

4.2 / 5 based on 5 reviews.

  1. Balazs Kiss — Rating: 4/5

    The bridge is temporarily closed in October 2024. Now you can walk around it under the office building. Just a small, narrow, metallic pedestrian bridge.

  2. Ro Al — Rating: 5/5

    It's a beautiful place along the canal where you can take a boat. Beware, though, the rolling bridge does not roll. They advertise online it rolls Wed and Saturdays at noon. I went to see that, and I was told it hasn't rolled for years. They could give us a favour and update that info online

  3. Masoud Tajamiri — Rating: 5/5

    Nice little art installation. It was out of order for a long time but now it's up and running! Check their website for days and time I know it's twice a week and one of them is Wednesday at 12:00 however it depends on the weather condition.

  4. D.A. — Rating: 3/5

    Great design and idea but it is such a pity it only rolls up (or down) once a week and at midday; they should do it at night to attract more people to the many restaurants and coffee shops in the area.

  5. Piotr Tomaszewski — Rating: 4/5

    Thomas Heatherwick: new London buses, Bombay Sapphire Distillery and today Rolling Bridge. Architect, Heatherwick Studio, Pedestrian, Images, Rolling Bridge London, Paddington Basin, Building, England ... Bridge Dimensions‎: ‎L x 12 metres, W x 1.4 metres ‎Materials‎: ‎Steel frame, and hard-wood timber deck ‎Construction‎: ‎Littlehampton Welding Design‎: ‎Heatherwick Studio Construction end 2005 Construction cost £500,000 ‎

View full venue details on PartyFind