Waterways and the Arts Pack

For years, our canals and rivers have featured art, from colourful folk art used to decorate working narrowboats in the 19th Century, through to the contemporary street art and sculpture installations along many of our towpaths today.

With this pack you can watch and read about the rich programme of arts and cultural activities taking place along our canals and rivers today, and we've included lots of ‘Create and Do' ideas inspired by our arts partners.

We'll also help you take your next steps to getting involved or volunteering to help the Trust deliver cultural opportunities to communities living alongside or visiting to enjoy our waterways.

Activities to download

Some of our activities involve getting together with other people or visiting your local canal or river. Please follow national and local government guidance at all times. Consider saving the activity for a later date if there are lockdown restrictions in your area.

If you're visiting the waterways, please keep your distance from both other people and moored boats. There may be people living aboard who are self-isolating or shielding.

Let's learn

Celebrating the past

Capture your thoughts

Let's create

Roses and castles

Make your own crochet lace

Make your own rag rugs

Make your own harmonica

Create a natural art gallery

Let's perform

Get dancing

The Erie Canal ditty