topical features
Support the International Year of Biodiversity
The United Nations have declared 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity, supported by over 200 partners across the UK including British Waterways (BW).
read more »Celebrating the legacy of Tom Rolt
2010 marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tom Rolt – one of the saviours of the inland waterways network, and co-founder of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA).
read more »Indoor attractions
The waterways are transformed into a glittering winter wonderland throughout January, but with the mercury dropping to the minuses in some areas, sometimes it can be just too chilly to enjoy the great outdoors.
read more »Winter wildlife
As short life cycles end and hibernation begins, winter can seem a sparse and lifeless season - but there is still so much to see.
read more »2009 wildlife photography competition results
British Waterways' Wildlife Survey 2009 was once again run alongside a photography competition, and this year there was a special focus on our endangered native bumblebees.
read more »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.
read more »Win a new book about the Grand Union Canal
'A journey along the Grand Union Canal' by first-time author John Bishop has just been published by Bright Pen Books. This beautiful colour book features photographs and paintings of the Grand Union Canal and the canals and arms which intersect it.
read more »My day with the towpath ranger
Ever wondered what it’s like to be a towpath ranger? Melissa Ezechukwu spent the day on the Regent’s Canal with Joe Young, London’s towpath ranger, to find out.
read more »Canal holiday guides
Deciding where to take your canal holiday is an important decision. So don't rush it! Like your boating holiday itself, this is something to take your time over.
read more »Where to take your canal holiday
The UK canal network is so vast that sometimes deciding where to take your canal holiday can be a pretty daunting task.
read more »The pleasures of a canal holiday
With a unique mixture of bucolic countryside, industrial heritage, and sprawling urban scenery, it’s no wonder the UK canal network is undergoing something of a renaissance.
read more »Celebrity boaters
They spend their days jetting to and from exotic destinations, living it up in five-star hotels, and getting stalked by paparazzi. So you may be surprised to learn that quite a few celebrities have tried their hand at boating on the humble British canals.
read more »Cost-conscious boating in the credit crunch
Times are tough, but there are simple ways to save money behind the tiller. Careful and considerate boating can lead to cost-savings for boaters and help to keep the waterways in a good condition. A win win situation for all!
read more »Save money and have fun: visit a canal
It’s traditional to feel the pinch at the start of a new year, but in 2009 we’re all more aware than ever of the need to save money and keep costs down wherever possible. Amidst this mood of economic uncertainty, our canals and rivers are emerging as ideal destinations for cheap days out.
read more »Q&A: introducing...
Get the lowdown on people you'll see out and about on the towpath with the waterscape.com Q&A.
read more »Free days out by canals and rivers
Everyone’s purse strings are a little tight around this time of year – but it’s still possible to get out and enjoy the winter scenery 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.
read more »Weird and wonderful canal boats
Although you may not think it to look at them, narrowboats and barges can be used for all sorts of unusual purposes. From floating cheese shops to bike-selling barges, the simple canal boat can come in many different guises.
read more »21st Century canals: the modern benefits of a historic canal network
They were built for cargo-carrying narrowboats, they form attractive pathways through the countryside for walking and cycling, wildlife flourishes along them and anglers love to visit them, but that’s not all. In the 21st century we are discovering new and innovative uses for the quiet canals of our industrial past.
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