Making life better by water
Specialist teams
Find out how our expert teams work together to make life better by water
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
Summer safety by the water
As the weather is warming up we want everyone to be able to enjoy our canals and rivers in the safest possible way
Stoppages and notices
We're continually carrying out work to improve our canals and rivers. Find out if we're working along your route before you set off on a boat trip
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
Winter open days
Our open days offer a different perspective of our waterways, a behind-the-scenes look at the great work we do. A free day out for all the family.
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.
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?
Volunteering in partnership
Want to make a real difference to your community? You could join over 400 groups who volunteer with us every year
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
Donate today
100% of your donation will be used to make life better by water
Canals are better with Friends
Becoming a Friend by making a monthly donation is one of the most effective ways to support our work
Leave a legacy
Will you leave a gift in your Will to keep the canals and rivers you care about alive?
Give in memory
Celebrate the life of a loved one by giving a gift in their memory
Give in celebration
Got a favourite place in mind? Dedicate it in celebration of a loved one today
Corporate giving
Make a difference to the wellbeing of your community
We care for our supporters
We are caring and open and aim to put our supporters at the heart of everything we do
Use My Location
Enjoy the stories of people that live, visit or work on our canals and rivers.
David, litter-picking in London
David has enjoyed views of the Grand Union Canal from his house in Greenford, West London for 16 years. Before lockdown he used the towpath mainly as a shortcut, but during 2020 he developed an entirely different relationship with the canal, one that changed the course of his life.
Meet Charlie, towpath runner
Charlie initially turned to running in an attempt to heal her body after IVF treatments. After contracting coronavirus in March 2020, she once again took to the towpaths as part her recovery process.
Meet Gill, volunteer lock keeper
It’s all about people, boats, fresh air and outdoor activity. I’m into my 7th season as a volunteer lock keeper here at Diglis in the heart of the city of Worcester and I’m loving it more all the time. Each year I learn new things and meet new people.
Meet Jonathan
Jonathan collects litter along the Kennet & Avon Canal with the help of his grandchildren.
Jaime, eco warrior, Hemel Hempstead
Jaime is one of her school's nominated eco warriors and can often be found walking around Hemel Hempstead picking up litter. Here she tells us why she feels we can all play our own part in keeping our country clean.
Jacqui & Jaime, plogging in Hemel Hempstead
Jacqui and her family live in Hemel Hempstead near the Grand Union Canal. Find out why she enjoys running along the canal with her daughter Jaime.
Felix, picking up plastic in Sheffield
12-year-old Felix has made a short film asking people to stop littering his local canal.
Peter, litter picking at Ellesmere Port
I find litter picking an incredibly therapeutic thing to do. Being out amongst nature, seeing the plants and wildlife.
Paul's record-setting adventure
Paul is the first person to complete an unassisted kayak journey down the canal network in ten days.
