Visit canals this February half-term

Grab your waterproofs and enjoy some well-deserved downtime by your local canal this half-term. Come rain or shine, there’s plenty for all the family to enjoy.

A young boy smiles happily on the towpath as his mother holds her daughter in the background.

A family enjoying time on the towpath

Whether it’s walking, cycling, nature-spotting or feeding the ducks, your local canal has plenty to offer young and old. Here are some of our favourite activities.

Go for a canal walk

Family walks
Discover colourful boats, wonderful wildlife and working locks
Family walks
Discover colourful boats, wonderful wildlife and working locks
Short walks
Perfect for little legs
Short walks
Perfect for little legs
Find a walk
2,000 miles of towpaths to explore
Find a walk
2,000 miles of towpaths to explore

Feed the ducks

A family favourite all year round. Head to your local canal with some healthy snacks for our feathered friends

Go wildlife spotting

There's plenty to see by canals and rivers, even in February. Take a look at our canal species guide before you go.

Woman walks dog down the towpath towards a bridge, passing a moored boat.

Rainy day? Try a jigsaw

Get cosy indoors and dream of warmer days ahead with our spring canal jigsaw

Find your new favourite place

We have hundreds of beautiful places to visit, from locks to aqueducts and places where history comes to life. Discover what's near you, or take a trip to one of our fascinating museums and attractions.

Gloucester

Explore the National Waterways Museum Gloucester

Looking up at an impressively large aqueduct, carrying the canal high over a flowing river.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Discover our stream in the sky

Foxton Locks

Marvel at the longest staircase flight of locks in Britain

Colourful array of books and gift shop items

Ellesmere Port

Explore the National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port

a colourful canal boat inside with other canal boat heritage objects

Stoke Bruerne

Explore waterways heritage in the Canal Museum

Diglis Island

Discover the historic island and fish pass

Explore our events

Find more events on our events calendar.

Let's Walk! Bootle

Free walk leader-led canal and riverside walks are an easy way to get active and meet new people.

16 February 2026, 10am-noon

National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, England, CH65 4FW

Let's Walk! Keighley

Why not come along on this walk, get active, make new friends, and get some fresh air? All you need to do is book in on this free walking session.

18 February 2026, 10:30am-12:30pm

East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, BD20 5EL

Workboat moored in Gloucester Docks with large buildings in the background

Let's Walk! Gloucester

Walk by water on this free 90 minute guided walk. Led by our lovely local volunteers this is a great way to be active, meet people and connect with nature.

18 February 2026, 11am-12:30pm

National Waterways Museum Llanthony Warehouse Gloucester Docks GL1 2EH