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 enjoy our canals in the safest possible way
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.
Rob & Jane, Marsworth Locks
We've heard people say there's a good chance of seeing a murmuration of starlings around the water of Tring Reservoirs at the moment, so that's why we're heading there along the Grand Union Canal today. We've travelled from Chesham, which is about ten miles away.
Harvey, Whilton Marina
I seem to have come full circle. I was brought up in the village of Whilton in Northamptonshire and now here I am again working at the marina.
Caroline, Thrupp, Oxford canal
They can stand so perfectly still, and for so long. If I see a heron I look at them and think, 'Is that a statue?' And then it moves. I just love walking up and down the canal and seeing the wildlife. I come here whenever I can.
Liz & Eddie, Marsworth Reservoir, Grand Union Canal
He's not mine, this is a business walk. I run a dog-walking business and day care centre for dogs and he’s one of my little customers.
John, walking near Devizes
I need to watch out for the size of my tummy, especially with Christmas coming on. I love walking, I always have done, but I do it for fitness too.
John alias a canal navvy, Bath Deep Lock
I don't know why everyone laughs at me when they look at me. I'm an actor for the Natural Theatre Company and we're here today to help with the open day at Bath Deep Lock.
Long read: Callum, Max & Sam at Devizes
They are lovely, just absolutely lovely. There aren't many working shires remaining in the brewing industry, so Max, Sam and Archie are helping to keep tradition alive.
George at Devizes Wharf
As a business we're fortunate to be where we are, right by the water, because it works out really well. People like a tea room right next to the water and the canal just brings people to us. And we get people coming in from the Canal Museum too.
Janet & Chico, Crick, Grand Union Canal
We decided to follow our dreams and run away to live on a narrowboat eight years ago. I was a Primary Deputy Head and my husband, Mike, was a music teacher working for the County Music Service in Warwickshire.
