Priory Sailing Club

Nestled within the beautiful surroundings of Priory Country Park, Priory Sailing Club is one of Bedford’s hidden gems. Just minutes from the town centre, the club offers a welcoming environment for anyone interested in sailing, windsurfing or paddle sports, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced sailor.

As a volunteer-run club with a strong community spirit, Priory Sailing Club has introduced thousands of people to watersports over the years and continues to be one of the best places in Bedfordshire to get out on the water.

Location

Priory Sailing Club is based at Priory Country Park, Barkers Lane, Bedford (MK41 9DJ), just a five-minute drive from Bedford town centre. The club overlooks the park’s picturesque 68-acre lake, surrounded by woodland, walking trails and abundant wildlife, creating a peaceful setting that feels far removed from the nearby town.

Learn to Sail

As a recognised Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Centre, Priory Sailing Club offers a wide range of sailing and windsurfing courses for both adults and children. Qualified instructors provide training from beginner level through to more advanced courses, making it an ideal place to learn new skills or build confidence on the water.

The club also runs youth programmes, coaching sessions and regular opportunities for members to develop their sailing throughout the year.

A Friendly Community Club

One of the club’s biggest strengths is its welcoming atmosphere. Members of all ages and abilities are encouraged to get involved, with a mixture of recreational sailing, organised racing and social events taking place throughout the year. Club boats and windsurfing equipment are available for members to use, meaning you don’t necessarily need to own your own equipment to get started.

Facilities

The sailing centre includes everything needed for a comfortable day on the water, including:

• A slipway and jetty for launching boats
• Clubhouse with changing rooms and showers
• Self-catering kitchen
• Accessible changing facilities
• Equipment storage
• Safety boat cover during organised sailing sessions

Visiting Priory Sailing Club

The club welcomes new members throughout the year, and visitors with their own sailing dinghies, windsurfers, kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards can also purchase day tickets during designated opening times. If you’re thinking about taking up sailing, the club regularly hosts introductory sessions where newcomers can meet members and learn more about what’s involved.

Explore Priory Country Park

A visit to Priory Sailing Club can easily be combined with everything else that Priory Country Park has to offer. The park features scenic walking and cycling routes, a marina, children’s play areas, a café, birdwatching opportunities and plenty of open green space for a relaxing day outdoors.

A Great Watersports Destination in Bedford

Whether you’re looking to learn to sail, improve your windsurfing skills or simply become part of a friendly local club, Priory Sailing Club offers an excellent introduction to watersports in Bedford. Its combination of high-quality training, welcoming community and beautiful lakeside setting makes it one of the town’s most enjoyable outdoor attractions.