archive features

Stoppages uncovered

What happens at a 'stoppage'? Kate Ogden went to investigate at Apsley Locks on the Grand Union Canal.

Gunpowder, treason and plot

Along with nature's changing colours, clocks going back and harvest festivals, autumn also brings with it Guy Fawkes Night...

Christmas time

If you want a break from the big shopping centres this Christmas, why not take a trip to one of the many waterside Christmas markets around the country.

Halloween horror

The season of hollowed out pumpkins and things that go bump in the night is once again upon us. But why do we celebrate Halloween, and, more importantly, what connection does it have with your local canal or river?

Restoring the inland waterways

Britain is criss-crossed by a myriad of scenic rivers and canals, some deservedly popular with holiday boaters, others well-kept waterway secrets.

Wooing on the water

February 14th is one day in the year when we rightly expect to be swept off our feet in a haze of red roses and sparkling champagne.

Visit a canal or river this Mother's Day

It's time to take your Mum out and spoil her. And how better to celebrate Mothers' Day than with a trip to the water?

Football fever along the rivers and canals

Our canals and rivers are home to many things, from waterway wildlife to industrial heritage. But occasionally, our peaceful waterways also play host the most exciting sporting venues in the country. Take a look at our waterside football stadiums.

How to...with Green Blue

In 2005, The Green Blue Project was launched at the Southampton Boat Show with the aim of promoting and encouraging boaters and other watersports participants to protect coastal and inland waters and habitats.

It's cooler by the water

It’s official: the temperature by rivers and canals located close to city centres is up to five degrees cooler than the temperature in town and city centres*.

New homes for old boats

British Waterways are offering fourteen historic workboats to charitable waterway groups to assist them in the promotion of the waterways.

Top five autumn days out

Autumn is on its way, with its slanting sunlight and splendid red and gold colours. But where can you go to see the British countryside at its autumnal best? Take a look at our top 5 ideas for an autumn day out.

Diary of a winter stoppage

The British Waterways winter stoppage programme has recently been announced and boaters can now plan their winter cruising around stoppages, restrictions and winter opening hours on certain parts of the network.

Push the boat out this Valentine's Day

This Valentine's Day, really push the boat out for your partner and take them to a restaurant with a difference.

Top five summer boating holidays

Now summer’s officially on its way and we’re all planning our holidays in the sun, so where would you like to go cruising while the weather’s nice? Check out our summer canal holiday suggestions for some ideas...

Tour de France in London

On Saturday 7 July the world’s favourite cycle race got off to an exciting start in central London. The next day, competitors took in the most iconic sights of the capital as they cycled past the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.

Your winter pictures on waterscape.com

Send us your digital photographs of the canals in the winter and the best picture will win a waterscape.com mug.

Top Easter events by the canals and rivers

The flowers are blooming and the wildlife is waking up from its wintry slumber - spring is truly in the air. Take advantage of your beautiful surroundings and head to your local canal or river this Easter for fun, outdoor activities the whole family will enjoy.

Top summer events by the canals and rivers

Summer is here again and that long, lazy stretch of holiday with the kids may seem daunting at first. But relax - your local canal or river is at its most beautiful this time of year, and provides ample opportunity for families to get out and enjoy fun in the sun.

Halloween fun near the canals and rivers

Scare yourself silly this Halloween with a trip to your local canal or river, and keep your eyes peeled for ghosts, ghouls and witches.

Celebrate bonfire night by your local canal or river

Bonfire night is one of the most popular nights of the year, and there’s nowhere better to watch some spectacular firework displays than by your local canal or river.

Britain’s most haunted attractions

As the nights draw in and the air gets chillier Britain seems to take on an ‘other-wordly’ atmosphere, with even the canals and rivers becoming a backdrop for some spooky goings-on.

Christmas gifts for canal fans

Christmas shopping leaving you cold? Is more inspiration required? Check out our gift ideas and stocking fillers for Christmas 2009.

Christmas facts

As the festive season is once again upon us, take a look at these Christmas facts. With these and some fantastic yule tide events, there's no way you'll get bored over the holidays.

Top tips for winter boating

Ice on the canal, freezing pipes and slippery surfaces, boating in winter is a whole new ball game. Stay safe with these top ten tips for boating in colder weather.

Christmas Quiz

Fancy yourself as an expert on the canals – or even on Christmas? Test your knowledge of waterway facts and festive trivia with the waterscape.com Christmas Quiz.

Canalside Christmas shopping

The countdown to Christmas has begun, and it really is time to get cracking with that last-minute Christmas shopping.

Get fit after Christmas

Christmas is over for another year, but do you find that all that rich food has left you with a nagging reminder of the festive season?

Unique places to go for Valentine’s Day

The most passionate day of the year is almost upon us, and once again the mad rush for flowers and chocolates has begun. But you don’t have to shower your loved one with extravagant presents and clichéd cards to show your affections.

Could you restore a historic boat?

Do you have the skills and experience to restore a boat of heritage value?

A number of British Waterways’ work boats are for sale to members of the public who can demonstrate that they have the resources to purchase, restore and maintain them.