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
Read the latest blogs from the team at the Canal & River Trust.
8 June 2022
We constantly hear cries for fishing to be included in the Olympic Games. Well, it's certainly a global sport, but does it really qualify under Baron Pierre de Coubertin's Olympic motto Citius, Altius, Fortius (swifter, higher, stronger)?
Posted by: The fisheries & angling team
6 June 2022
Angling match results brought to you by Steve Cope.
Posted by: Angling match results
3 June 2022
Welcome to the latest edition. Read on to find out about regal connections on the waterways, an update on recent work for boaters, mooring arrangements for the Commonwealth Games, this weekend's stoppages, a boaters' Q&A and why we'd like you to fill in a survey that may be landing in your inbox soon! A roundup of waterway news and useful information and reminders in the 'Bits & bobs' section!
Posted by: The boaters' update
30 May 2022
Because we believe life is better by water, we do everything we can to ensure our canals and rivers are open and accessible to everyone. That’s why we welcome people living with disabilities to our waterways and towpaths and make sure our activities and opportunities are open to all.
Posted by: Waterfront
As the warm summer months beckon, we encourage everyone to enjoy our canals and rivers safely. They are wonderful places to spend time and we want everyone to come back time and time again. That’s why this summer sees the launch of a new #RespectTheWater campaign, run by the National Water Safety Forum, of which we are a member. Waterfront spoke to water safety campaigns manager, Claire Gauci to find out how we can all play our part in stopping deaths from drowning.
23 May 2022
20 May 2022
Welcome to the latest edition where you'll be able to find out what recent work we've been doing and how you can give us your views on our plans for next winter. After that read about alien invaders on the waterways and ten reasons you might want to visit Crick Boat Show in a fortnight's time. The regular roundup of news, this weekend's stoppages and other boating information can also be found.