misc features

Going horseboating

For hundreds of years, horses were the backbone of British industry.

They pulled carts and charabancs, ploughed fields and transported everything from coal to soap flakes over the length and breadth of the country.

Go canoeing on a canal or river

For hundreds of years, explorers have travelled the waterways of Britain in canoes and rowing boats.

Anderton Boat Lift

Take a trip to the magnificent Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire and find out exactly what it is that is attracting thousands and thousands of visitors every year.

Record-breaking rivers and canals

Britain’s waterways are full of superlatives - ranging from canals just a few yards long, to tunnels over three miles in length. But which really are the record breakers?

Waterside theatre

Sit back, relax and enjoy an evening of culture at one of these premier waterside theatres.

Volunteer along our rivers and canals

Are you a boater, an angler or a nature-lover? Do you enjoy scenic strolls along well-kept pathways? And do you believe in the preservation of British heritage?

Punting along the river

Peaceful surroundings, stunning architecture, wildlife all around and your own personal chauffeur – a trip in a flat-bottomed boat at its best.

Loch Ness Monster

Set in stunning surroundings in the heart of the Scotland’s Great Glen, Loch Ness is one of the country’s biggest lakes, ‘or lochs'. At 24 miles long and one mile wide, there is plenty of space for any strange creatures to hide.

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*.

The history of Hatton Locks

Hatton’s flight of 21 locks provides an excellent example of how our canal heritage has been adapted to meet the needs of a changing society.

Fascinating facts about canals and rivers

Discover fascinating facts about the UK canal and river network, from the longest canal tunnel to the shortest lock.

Free days out by canals and rivers

Everyone’s purse strings get a little tight from time to time – but it’s still possible to get out and enjoy the spring sunshine without spending a small fortune. Simply head for the canals and take to the towpaths for a family outing that’s free, fun and quite possibly educational as well.