This week ...

Free tours of the lock gate replacement work on the Kennet & Avon Canal this Saturday.

Crofton Locks Open Day »
Snowmen next to the canal

Christmas presents for canal lovers

Buy something different this year

Are your friends and family hard to buy for? Take a look at our Christmas present ideas and get a gift with a difference this year.

Gift ideas»

Santa on the Chesterfield Canal Trust trip boat

Christmas on the canals

Celebrate on the waterways

Take a boat trip to visit Santa, hear carols by the canal or shop in a Christmas market with our guide to festive events on the canals and rivers.

Christmas events »

Canal maintenance work

Canal open days 2011/12

Towpaths are for everyone

Descend into a drained canal, watch a lock gate being replaced and see skilled craftspeople at work, during British Waterways' winter maintenance programme.

Find a canal open day near you »

Winter canal activites

Get out there all year round

It might seem like activity on the canals and rivers is winding down for the year, but there's plenty to enjoy in the winter months.

Guide to canals in winter »

Canalside attractions

Britain's canals and rivers are lined with attractions, many of which are open year-round. Find out what's in your area.

Canalside attractions »
Places to go

Walk the towpaths

Make the most of the mild autumn temperatures and explore our canal and river towpaths by foot.

Walk the towpaths »
Walking on the towpath

Volunteer

Get involved with your local canal or river and check out our volunteering opportunities.

Volunteer »
Volunteers painting bridge

Find out more

The Canal & River Trust is the new charity that will take over the care of British Waterways' canals and rivers from April 2012.

Find out more »
Canal & River Trust logo

Upcoming events

See more upcoming events »

Latest news

See all latest news articles »

Latest Boaters' Update

The British Waterways' (BW) monthly e-newsletter, The Boaters' Update on Waterscape.com.

Find out the latest news from British Waterways. Read the current and past issues of The Boaters' Update...

Boaters' Guides

Download our up-to-the-minute guides to the canal and river network.

Our Boaters' Guides list facilities across the waterway network. A must for all boat owners, these printer-friendly A4 black & white guides contain detailed maps and boating information for every British Waterways canal and river in England and Wales.