Making life better by water
Specialist teams
Find out how our expert teams work together to make life better by water
Work for us
We have vacancies across all of our waterways and in the offices, museums and attractions that support them. We're one of the UK's biggest charities and we take pride in everything we do
Contact us
If you're thinking of getting in touch then please take a moment to look through these pages as we probably have the answer on our website
Summer safety by the water
As the weather is warming up we want everyone to be able to enjoy our canals and rivers in the safest possible way
Stoppages and notices
We're continually carrying out work to improve our canals and rivers. Find out if we're working along your route before you set off on a boat trip
10 reasons to take up canoeing
It's a great way to get fit and explore our waterways at the same time
Share the Space
Take a look at our common sense guide to sharing the towpath
Winter open days
Our open days offer a different perspective of our waterways, a behind-the-scenes look at the great work we do. A free day out for all the family.
Find a place to fish
From reservoirs to club-managed canals and river stretches - find your nearest place to fish
Get your free guide
Download your free guide today and start exploring the waterway nature near you
Download your free guides
You've nine free days out guides to choose from - where will you go first?
Find a walk near you
Are you ready to ramble? Find a waterside stroll or a satisfying hike along our beautiful canals and rivers
Wellbeing with Well-B
Discover how you can recharge when spending time by water
Art Events
Take a look at our upcoming events here.
Something for everyone
Help us make a difference and have fun along the way. Find your perfect volunteer role today
Join our team
Could you join your local Towpath Taskforce team and help us to keep our canals looking lovely?
Volunteering in partnership
Want to make a real difference to your community? You could join over 400 groups who volunteer with us every year
Donate today
100% of your donation will be used to make life better by water
Canals are better with Friends
Becoming a Friend by making a monthly donation is one of the most effective ways to support our work
Leave a gift in your Will
Will you leave a gift in your Will to keep the canals and rivers you care about alive?
Give in memory
Celebrate the life of a loved one by giving a gift in their memory
Give in celebration
Got a favourite place in mind? Dedicate it in celebration of a loved one today
Corporate giving
Make a difference to the wellbeing of your community
We care for our supporters
We are caring and open and aim to put our supporters at the heart of everything we do
Use My Location
4 February 2022
Did you know that below our towpaths lies a national network of fibre-optic cables carrying vital communications across the country? As former British Waterways project manager and fellow Friend, Robert Hall, explains, the fibreway story began in 1989.
Posted by: Waterfront
22 October 2021
At the end of the summer season last year, young anglers from around the country gathered on the Shropshire Union Canal, near Market Drayton for a national fishing participation event like no other. The National Celebration of Young People and Fishing is the UK’s largest annual junior event. Many of the youngsters have spent the last few weeks or months developing their skills as part of our Let’s Fish! programme. Waterfront took a walk along the towpath to meet competitors.
20 October 2021
In the era of ‘Canal Mania’, this pioneering Scottish civil engineer created a wealth of iconic canals, bridges, pumps and lock flights, still used and admired today. Join us as we explore and celebrate his life and works, 200 years after he passed away.
Head to your local canal or waterway on a dusky evening and there’s a good chance you’ll have a spooky encounter with one of our native bats. As our ecologist, Laura Mulholland explains, canals and rivers are a food and drink superhighway for these fascinating creatures. And right around the country our waterways are helping bats to thrive.
6 October 2021
New life is coming to the banks of Burnley’s famous ‘Straight Mile’ now that we have completed the £3m restoration of Finsley Gate Wharf. The project, funded in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Burnley Council and the European Union, has deliverd an amazing transformation of the site. Come with us as we see the site for ourselves and learn more about the exciting future it promises for local community life along the canal.
29 September 2021
Something extraordinary is happening on our canals. An exciting new venture, called the National Street Art project, is helping to restore and reimagine some of the more neglected spaces on our network. From a mechanical fish in Walsall to a watchful eye in Brent, original artwork is bringing communities together and transforming our towns and cities.
22 September 2021
Things are looking up for Leicester as we work with local partners to improve the wonderful blue ribbon of waterways that run right through the heart of the city.
15 September 2021
Meandering through the Brecon Beacons National Park in the heart of the Welsh countryside, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is one of our most charming and peaceful waterways. Affectionately known as the Mon & Brec, the canal is steeped in history and surrounded with natural beauty, boasting some of the most spectacular walking trails anywhere on the network.
You're reading Waterfront, the online home of our supporter magazine.
