VisitBritain - Welcome
Taking a holiday on Britain’s inland waterways gives you the chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery the country has to offer. Britain's waterways pass through ever-changing landscapes and offer a unique insight into many British cities.
The Caledonian Canal in Scotland is one of the most fascinating waterways in Europe. It crosses 3 lochs, and will take you through some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland.
The Forth & Clyde and Union Canal is actually 2 separate canals: the Forth & Clyde Canal, which stretches from Glasgow to Falkirk, and the Edinburgh and Glasgow Union Canal, which links central Edinburgh to Falkirk.
The Grand Union Canal leaves the River Thames at Brentford in London and climbs over the Chiltern Hills into Birmingham, passing through some of England's most beautiful scenery and vibrant cities.
The Kennet & Avon Canal stretches from Bath in Somerset to the River Thames in Reading and crosses some of the most beautiful scenery in Britain.
The Lancaster Canal runs for 43 miles from Preston to Kendal. Currently, Kendal can no longer be reached by the Lancaster Canal as it was blocked when the M6 motorway was built across it but there are plans for restoration.
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal is the longest in Britain, stretching 127 miles. It links the seaport of Liverpool with the Aire and Calder Navigation at Leeds to form a through route between the Irish Sea and North Sea.
The Llangollen Canal is one of the most beautiful canals in Britain, and is certainly the most popular. Running from near Nantwich in Shropshire to Llangollen in North Wales, the canal passes varied and beautiful scenery
At one time the Oxford Canal was the main transport route from the Midlands to the South of England and it is now one of the most beautiful and popular canals in England.
The Shropshire Union Canal runs from Wolverhampton in the West Midlands of England to the River Mersey in Ellesmere Port. It will take you through some of the most dramatic and stunning scenery England has to offer.
For those wishing to try out their culinary skills (we recommend using local produce of course!), narrowboats and cruisers include a fully-fitted, scaled-down modern kitchen.
British Waterways has created a state-of-the-art visitor centre in a former transhipment warehouse, The Standedge Visitor Centre. This, along with the trip into the Standedge Tunnel is an experience for all.