Our story
Read the story of how the Canal & River Trust came to be
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
Planning & design
All you need to know about planning and design on our canals and rivers
Find a winter mooring
Find a cosy section of canal to hunker down in this winter
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
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
Art Events
Take a look at our upcoming events here.
Find your favourite waterway
With over 95 canals, rivers, reservoirs, docks and navigations, find out more about your favourite waterway
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?
Desmond Family Canoe Trail
If you're aged 16-25 and would like to get involved with this exciting project, please get in touch
Could you be a volunteer lock keeper?
Find out what's involved with this popular volunteering opportunity
The Shropshire Union Canal: Emergency Appeal
Part of the Shropshire Union Canal has collapsed and is in need of urgent repair. We've started an appeal to help with the restoration of this much-loved waterway
We love and care for your canals and rivers, because everyone deserves a place to escape.
Take a closer look at our canals and rivers and discover new ways to enjoy them
7 June 2016
If your little monsters are prone to complain that they’re bored on the first day of the holidays then take a look at our free ways to keep them entertained.
27 May 2016
Did you know that the first canal to close was the Dorset & Somerset canal in 1803? Or that the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is celebrating its 200th birthday this year?
24 May 2016
Nobody likes a motorway, and motorway service stations are even bleaker. So next time you're taking a long trip plan an alternative rest stop. Some our nicest canal and river destinations are a mere stone’s throw from the busiest motorway junctions.
Wondering what festival you should go to this year? Well, look no further...than your local canal or river. Swap your £200 weekender ticket for a party with your local community enjoying talented musicians, hearty local food, drink and the wonderful sights and sounds of our waterways.
22 April 2016
Finding something to do on Bank Holiday weekends can end up as a battle of wills as each family member tries to convince the others that their choice is best. However, at this year’s Crick Boat Show, which takes place 28-30 May at Crick Marina near Daventry in Northamptonshire, there’s a host of activities to suit the whole family.
18 March 2016
If you’re looking for an Easter adventure then look no further than your nearest canal or river. Whether you’ve had enough of the family and you need to get away from it all or you want make some special memories with your loved ones there’s something for you down by the water.
2 March 2016
To celebrate International Women’s day we’ve been speaking to some of the women around the Trust who play a huge part in making our canals and rivers the special places that we know and love. Julie Sharman is our head of asset management and performance and here she tells us about what that involves.
Sara Banning is one of our education co-ordinators responsible for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) community engagement. Helen Sime is our mechanical and electrical delivery manager. They were keen to share why our waterways are a great place for young women to use their maths and science skills.
24 February 2016
Day boat hire on the canals offers the chance to spoil hard-working mums with a relaxing and memorable day. Why not take a posh picnic or stop for a pub lunch along the way?
29 February 2016
We've been very busy this year. As well as the usual maintenance, our clean-ups have been somewhat dominated by the recent flooding. With the help of volunteers selflessly spending hours with us, we have achieved some wonderful results. Check out what we've been up to.