A lifeline during lockdown
Local waterways have been an escape for many during these difficult times. Our work to protect them is more urgent than ever.
You'll find hundreds of places to take time out along our canals and rivers for perfect picnics this summer.
Family picnic at Standedge Tunnel
With quacking ducks, chugging boats and amazing wildlife, we have so many special spots where you can sit back, relax and watch the world float by.
Urban picnickers
It doesn’t matter where you live, even right in the heart of our towns and cities, there’s somewhere to go picnicing. The towpath is a world away from everyday life, hiding just out of sight, quietly winding its way through the places we live and work.
Regent's Canal, Little Venice
As the weather starts to warm up we think you owe it to yourself to take a fresh look at the beauty on your doorstep. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to grab a blanket, cram a hamper full of goodies and get out there this summer.
Picnicing on your doorstep
Friends and followers on social media gave us their ideas for the perfect picnic places – here some to get you started:
Granary Square, Kings Cross, London
Overlooking the Regent's Canal:
Little Venice, near Paddington Station, London
Chester, on the Shropshire Union Canal
Trap Grounds Town Green, Oxford
Isis Bridge at the start of our Oxford Canal. Remember to look out for the kingfisher.
Hatton Locks, Warwick
Hatton Locks, a perfect picnic spot from top to bottom
Lincoln and Brayford Pool on the River Witham
Reading, County Lock
Plenty of benches along the Kennet & Avon Canal:
With over 2,000 miles of waterways to explore, you might just find your own spot. And if you do, Tweet us a pic or share it on our Facebook page.
And don't forget to download your free activity sheet and map for each of our Places to visit to take with you on your picnic.
Places for picnics for you
It’s your donations and the support from our dedicated teams of volunteers that helps us make sure these beautiful canals and rivers are open for you to use and enjoy every day.
They’re helping us make life better by water in even more special in new and creative ways. From community gardens with picnic areas, tables and benches to fun adventure and woodland nature trails for the whole community to enjoy.
For a happier, healthier place to picnic, take a look at what's local to you.
Sharing with the ducks
Please remember, when you've finished your nibbles be careful what you share with our feathered friends. Bread is bad for ducks but they'll happily share your lettice, rice and peas.
Last date edited: 12 June 2019