Our Waterways Have a Great Deal to Offer When it Comes to Entertainment and Relaxation

If you're at a loose end this summer holiday and are looking for something to entertain the whole family, our wonderful waterways are a superb place to start!

Waterways Museums and attractions

There are lots of waterside museums and attractions open to visitors along the beautiful waterways of the United Kingdom. Many of them are run by the Canal and River Trust, and if you become a member of the CRT, you can gain free entry to all of them.

However if you are on a budget, one of the best ways to explore our picturesque canals and rivers is to go walking along them.

Stoke Bruerne where you can take a boat trip or visit the well known canal museum.

Our canals and rivers offer very accessible walking routes whatever age and ability. With over 2,000 miles of traffic free towpaths, you'll find the fabulous scenery of the canal or riverside stroll amazing, as you turn each bend in the waterway and new scenery comes into view. What better way to enjoy a family day out? You'll find plenty of great canal or riverside pubs to eat along the way, but do the research first to make sure you don't go hungry, or take a picnic with you and you'll keep the costs down even more.

City Waterways

If you visit a city such a Birmingham, there are miles of canals right through the city centre. Indeed Birmingham has more miles of canal than Venice!

Brindley Place in the heart of Birmingham

You'll find many of these areas have been upgraded, improved and the heritage restored to make them more tourist friendly, so you may find things a little busier, but you'll certainly find some very pleasant spots to stop and eat, or sit and relax while admiring the view.

Birmingham's waterways offer an ideal place to relax right in the middle of the city. You can take a boat trip down the canal, or explore the bustling waterfront by visiting one of the cafés, bars and restaurants, or you can get the family together and follow the fun education trail - be sure to keep an eye out for some interesting local wildlife!

Gas Street Basin Birmingham where the canal heritage has been restored

For a full list of canals and their museums and attractions visit the Canal and River Trust website.