Canal anniversaries in 2026

Many of our canals are over two centuries old - find out which waterways are celebrating key milestones in 2026.

A large stone aqueduct stands above a peaceful waterway, which is lined with green foliage

Lune Aqueduct

Lancaster Canal - 200 years old

The Act of Parliament authorising the construction of Lancaster Canal was passed in 1792, but due to delays, it wasnt fully completed until 1826.

Primarily used to transport coal north from the Lancashire Coalfields, and limestone south from Cumbria, today, it offers 41 miles of lock-free cruising - the longest stretch in the country.

As well as spectacular views of the Silverdale Coast, Forest of Bowland and Wyre countryside, it also features some of the most impressive canal architecture in the country, including the Lune Aqueduct.

A birds-eye view of a boat travelling over a large beige-stone aqueduct, with a wide river crossing below it

Lune Aqueduct, Lancaster Canal

Leeds & Liverpool Canal - 210 years old

Built to link the cities of Leeds and Liverpool, no other canal has been established to link two cities that were further apart. Leaving Liverpool, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal canal meanders for 127 miles, passing through East Lancashire, the Pennine countryside and picturesque villages on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, before reaching Leeds.

Leeds & Liverpool Canal at Silsden

Llangollen Canal & Ellesmere Yard - 220 years old

Part of the magnificent Llangollen Canal used to be a mid-section of the Ellesmere Canal - a waterway which was opened in 1806, but was never fully finished.

Ellesmere Canal was planned to allow navigation between the River Mersey and the River Severn, and connect a link between Liverpool, the mineral industries in Wales, and manufacturing centres in the West Midlands. However, it fell short of completion largely due to rising costs. The completed sections were instead incorporated into other existing canals.

Also celebrating its 220th birthday is the historic Ellesmere Yard. This living piece of history has continuously operated since its establishment, and remains a vital hub of heritage craftsmanship.

Ellesmere Yard, on the Llangollen Canal in Shropshire. Image credit Ian P Roberts

Ellesmere Yard. Image credit Ian P Roberts

Stratford-upon-Avon Canal - 210 years old

Works started back in 1793, but due to insufficient funds, it wasn't until 1816 that the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal was completed.

Running from the city of Birmingham to Shakespeare's hometown of Stratford, this picturesque canal spans 25 miles and is a popular spot for walkers, boaters and wildlife-watchers.

A blue and cream narrowboat is moored to the left of the canal, which is lined with lush green trees and towpath.

Stratford-upon-Avon Canal

Caldon Canal - 250 years since Act passed

A quarter of a millennium ago, works began to construct the Caldon Canal in a bid to carry Peak District limestone from the quarries at Cauldon Low down to the Potteries and the industrial Midlands.

Eventually, the Caldon opened in 1779, with an additional short branch built 18 years later, connecting it with the town of Leek.

If you visit today, you can still witness pieces of history along the 18-mile stretch; from the fascinating industrial buildings visible on the Stoke section, to steam trains chugging along where the Churnet Valley Railway passes close to the canal.

A green and red steam train moves over a bridge above a calm canal with moored boats

Consall Forge, Caldon canal

Braunston Tunnel - 230 years old

Situated on the Grand Union Canal, not far from Braunston, this historic tunnel measures over a mile long and 4.8 metres wide - making it one of the longest tunnels on the canal network. Its primary purpose was to serve as a faster, more direct route for transporting goods from the Midlands to London at the height of the Industrial Revolution.

Whilst it has no towpath, it is wide enough for two seven-foot narrowboats to pass one another, making it an excellent spot to gongoozle.