From exclusive tours of our two working lock gate workshops to boat trips, free entry to some of our museums and guided heritage walks, the events showcase the rich history that has shaped our waterways for more than 250 years.
The free events offer visitors a rare chance to experience the waterways' most fascinating industrial heritage, discover hidden stories, and explore places that are not usually open to the public.
Highlights include:
- 12 September: National Waterways Museum, Gloucester. Enjoy free access and explore the museum, take a tour with a volunteer, and see demonstrations of traditional canal crafts such as rope making and crochet.
- 13 September: Anderton Boat Lift, Cheshire. Visitors can enjoy free entry to the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ and boat trips from the base of the lift along the River Weaver.
- 20 September: Standedge Tunnel, Marsden, Yorkshire. Discovery boat trips through the UK's longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel, where visitors can experience one of Britain's most impressive feats of canal engineering.
- 26 September: Bradley lock gate workshop, West Midlands. Free behind-the-scenes tours offering a rare insight into the craftsmanship involved in building and maintaining traditional lock gates at one of our two lock gate workshops.
