Your local canal: yours to enjoy anytime
Escape from your everyday world and relax by your local canal or river.
Catch up with an old friend while strolling along the towpath with your picnic hamper in tow or jump on two wheels and get fit using some pedal power. Re-charge your batteries and take your lunch break by the canal or simply lose yourself in your new surroundings by soaking up the sights and sounds as the boats cruise by.
Wherever you’re going, whatever the time of day and whoever you’re with, head to your local canal or river – it’s time well spent...
Download the short canal and river film that everyone’s talking about. View WMV format
Liverpool
Liverpool's canals and docks were once the gateway to the four corners of the globe and today, they blend historical sights with cosmopolitan bars, shops, restaurants and galleries.
Download a guide and map to Liverpool's canal and docks
Download a second guide and map to Liverpool's canal and docks
West London
The canal banks in West London provide a peaceful haven to enjoy wildlife, angling, boat trips, historic feats of engineering and many waterside bars and restaurants.
Download a guide and map to West London and the Grand Union Canal
Central London
Jump off the tube a stop early and stroll home along the canal – the perfect way to relax after a tough day at work. The Regent’s Canal runs alongside Regent’s Park and London Zoo and offers plenty of opportunities for to spot wildlife in the heart of London.
Download a guide and map to Central London’s canals
East London
Over the last 20 years, London's East End has undergone a dramatic transformation. This looks set to continue well into the future with the current Olympic developments, the site of which is based around East London's exceptional canals and rivers.
Download a guide and map to East London's canals
Download a second guide and map to East London's canals
Milton Keynes
Escape from the centre of Milton Keynes. From the unspoilt scenery of Stoke Bruerne to the historic town of Bletchley, the Grand Union Canal weaves its way through some of the country’s most scenic beautiful countryside.
Download a guide and map to Milton Keynes’ canals
Leeds
A multitude of waterways flow through the bustling cities and peaceful dales of Yorkshire. From the hustle and bustle of city centres such as Leeds to the peace and quiet of the stunning countryside, Yorkshire's waterways combine rural appeal with historic purpose.
Download a guide and map to Leeds' canals
Nottingham and the East Midlands
Whatever you’re into and wherever you are in the East Midlands, you’re never far away from a canal or river, even in the centre of Nottingham. With bustling towns for you to explore, historic places to take a walk, nature reserves to spot wildlife and waterside pubs galore, you can enjoy yourself in all kinds of different ways.
Download a guide and map to Nottingham and the East Midlands’ canals & rivers
Birmingham and the West Midlands
With more miles of canals than Venice surrounded by waterside bars and restaurants, events for all the family taking place throughout the year, Birmimgham and the West Midlands are the ideal location, whatever keeps you entertained.
Download a guide and map to the canals of Birmingham, Stourport and Hatton Locks
Download a second guide and map to Birmingham's canals
Manchester
From rural towns like Chadderton and Littleborough with their quaint waterside pubs and relaxing walks to central Manchester with its cosmopolitan bars and chic restaurants, Manchester’s canals offer a wide variety of places to explore and discover.
Download a guide and map to Manchester’s canals
Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent is home to an abundance of wildlife, lakes, historic parks and what some describe as England’s most scenic waterway – the Caldon Canal. The Trent & Mersey flows past Stoke’s famous and historic potteries and up to Westport Lake, a popular spot with walkers and anglers.
Download a guide and map to Stoke-on-Trent’s canals
Download a second guide and map to Stoke-on-Trent’s canals
Lancaster
The Lancaster Canal makes its way through the city of Lancaster, before heading to the quiet village of Glasson with its two pubs and café and the historic town of Garstang. The town of Preston is also nearby which is an ideal spot for families to explore.
Download a guide and map to the Lancaster Canal
Download a second guide and map to the Lancaster Canal
Edinburgh
The Union Canal runs right through the heart of the bustling city of Edinburgh, linking it to the Falkirk Wheel and the beautiful scenery beyond. So whether you're after the excitement of a city steeped in history, or a rural idyll, just follow the canal and you'll find what you're looking for.
Download a guide and map to Edinburgh and the Union Canal
Inverness
60 miles of Scottish Highland splendour amid outstanding unspoilt scenery best describes the Caledonian Canal. From the centre of Inverness down to Fort Augustus, the canal offers enormous variety. Whether you're after a bustling exciting scene or a rural idyll, we have something for you.
Download a guide and map to Inverness and the Caledonian Canal
Reading and Newbury
Perfectly poised for waterway lovers at the junction of the River Thames and the Kennet & Avon Canal, Reading is a bustling university town, brimming with life and energy. Further along the canal, the historic market town of Newbury has a wealth of attractions to offer the day visitor throughout the year.
Download a guide and map to Reading, Newbury and the Kennet & Avon Canal
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