The charity making life better by water
Making life better by water
Looking for inspiration this February half term? Read our top tips for keeping all the family entertained for free – with fresh air in abundance.
February isn't the most exciting month and with Christmas so recently behind us, this isn't time for splashing the cash. So how can we fill the long grey days? How can we get the next generation off the sofa and ensure they bounce back to school ready for anything?
We know that spending time by the water can make people feel happier and healthier. Our 2,000 mile network of canals and rivers provides the perfect place to go for a stroll, feed the ducks and see something magnificent.
We're proud to care for five World Heritage Sites around our canals and rivers. On the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is Saltaire – Sir Titus Salt's fascinating Victorian mill and village. Talking of Liverpool – our Liverpool Canal Link runs the whole length of the maritime Liverpool World Heritage site, including the Albert Docks. But for sheer magnificence, you really have to take the kids to walk over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct before popping into our free Trevor Basin Visitor Centre.
Our canals and rivers are teeming with water birds. But please don't feed them bread. It gives them a bad tummy. You'll find loads of facts about how to help us keep our ducks healthy online. Download our free duck guide for some more fun on the go now.
Walking is one of the nicest ways to explore our beautiful canals and rivers. Whether you fancy a ten minute stroll or a vigorous all-day hike, by walking along the towpaths you're guaranteed a traffic-free route and relaxing views of the water.
You'll find boatloads of free visitor attractions up and down our canals; from the unique Anderton Boat Lift to the highest, longest, deepest tunnel in the UK, Standedge and its free visitor centre. We've got awe-inspiring lock flights including Foxton, Caen Hill, Hatton and Bingley Five Rise and a whole host of beautiful places, teeming with history, where you can sit and watch the world float by.
Download a free booklet of canal-themed activities that you can enjoy by the water or at home
Download our free checkist of your local area and start finding beautiful places to visit near you. How many can you tick off the list this half term?
Find your regional checklist and get exploring
Explorers is our fantastic programme of learning fun for children and schools. We've put together fact sheets, activity guides, stories and games so your kids can get even more out of their visit to our waterways.
Cycling along our towpaths is great way to get some gentle exercise. We have more than 2,000 miles of fairly level, traffic-free towpaths for you to enjoy whatever your age or ability.
There's always something happening near the water.
Find out what's happening in your area including news, events, places to visit, volunteering opportunities and stories from our wonderful waterways.
Download a free booklet of canal-themed activities that you can enjoy by the water or at home
Last Edited: 07 December 2023
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