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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 the 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

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

Milton Keynes, Stoke Bruerne, Leighton Buzzard
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

Nottinghamshire
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 Nottinghamshire's 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

Cheshire and Staffordshire
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 Cheshire and Staffordshire's canals

Lancashire
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

Bath and Devizes
Stretching for 87 miles past rolling hills and downs, through pretty towns and villages as well as stunning countryside, the Kennet & Avon Canal is one of the most picturesque parts of the inland waterway network.
Download a guide and map to Bath, Devizes and the Kennet & Avon Canal

River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal
Rising in the remote uplands of Wales, the mighty River Severn runs south for 220 miles through some of England's most picturesque countryside. This ancient trading route created historic Gloucester Docks, a resurgent centre of culture and heritage. Here, the river slows to a sedate pace as it joins with the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, its course dotted with pretty hamlets nestling along the Severn Valley.
Download a guide and map to the River Severn and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal

Last updated: 11/05/2010