Meet our Olympic project manager

Sarah Emmings is an Olympic project manager at British Waterways. Based at our Paddington office Sarah is currently working on the planning and implementation of the Olympic plans for London’s Canals.

Customer services for the canal

The second instalment of waterscape’s staff interview series takes a look at the role of Jo Hatch in the customer service team and finds out how she helps keep canal users happy

Liverpool’s waterside attractions

When you’re looking for the ideal city break destination forget about staying by the Seine in Paris, or the Liffey in Dublin and enjoy an inspiring few days by the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Merseyside.

Waterways World launch digital subscriptions

Britain’s popular inland waterways magazine, 'Waterways World', is to become available to purchase as an online subscription or single current issue. From the November 2010 issue, readers will be able to choose to buy and view each edition of the magazine on the 'Waterways World' website.

What does a water engineer do?

Waterscape kicks off a series of interviews with British Waterways staff by speaking to Water Engineer, Tony Leonard.

British Waterways canal adoption schemes

What are British Waterways adoption schemes?

There is enormous volunteering strength in people’s desire to make a difference to their community. Local waterway adoption schemes have been set up to enable British Waterways to be part of that action.

48 hours by the water in Birmingham

Birmingham is Britain’s second largest city. However, in terms of waterways it’s the country’s principal destination as it boasts more canals than Venice and has the world’s largest canal system.

Take a walking holiday on the canals and rivers

Britain’s canal and river network provides a unique viewpoint of the country and it's not just the boaters who can make the most of the opportunities on offer. Walkers are well catered for by the canals with mile upon mile of canal towpaths, waterside pubs, cafes and leisure facilities within easy reach.

Celebrity boaters

They spend their days jetting to and from exotic destinations, living it up in five-star hotels, and getting stalked by paparazzi. So you may be surprised to learn that quite a few celebrities have tried their hand at boating on the humble British canals.

Going horseboating

For hundreds of years, horses were the backbone of British industry.

They pulled carts and charabancs, ploughed fields and transported everything from coal to soap flakes over the length and breadth of the country.

Go canoeing on a canal or river

For hundreds of years, explorers have travelled the waterways of Britain in canoes and rowing boats.

Anderton Boat Lift

Take a trip to the magnificent Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire and find out exactly what it is that is attracting thousands and thousands of visitors every year.

Record-breaking rivers and canals

Britain’s waterways are full of superlatives - ranging from canals just a few yards long, to tunnels over three miles in length. But which really are the record breakers?

Waterside theatre

Sit back, relax and enjoy an evening of culture at one of these premier waterside theatres.

Punting along the river

Peaceful surroundings, stunning architecture, wildlife all around and your own personal chauffeur – a trip in a flat-bottomed boat at its best.

Loch Ness

Set in stunning surroundings in the heart of the Scotland’s Great Glen, Loch Ness is one of the country’s biggest lakes, ‘or lochs'. At 24 miles long and one mile wide, there is plenty of space for any strange creatures to hide.

Fascinating facts about canals and rivers

Discover fascinating facts about the UK canal and river network, from the longest canal tunnel to the shortest lock.

Lune Aqueduct to receive facelift

The 200-year-old Lune Aqueduct is all set to scrub up nicely as plans for it to become the recipient of a £2 million facelift are outlined. The proposed developments for the aqueduct comprise part of ambitious plans for the Lancaster Canal, which will see it become a key visitor centre and a catalyst for economic growth in the North West.

Volunteer along our rivers and canals

Are you a boater, an angler or a nature-lover? Do you enjoy scenic strolls along well-kept pathways? And do you believe in the preservation of British heritage?

Your local canal: yours to enjoy anytime

Escape from your everyday world and relax by your local canal or river.

The River Stort Sculpture Trail

Four freestanding sculptures and a metal and glass walkway form the three-and-a-half mile waterside trail along the River Stort linking Parndon Mill to the Gibberd Garden in Harlow.

Top children’s attractions by the canals and rivers

If you’re struggling for ideas on how to keep the children entertained, you need look no further for inspiration than Britain’s fantastic array of canals and rivers.

40 years of memories

Life continues at 40: How messing about on boats saved Britain’s waterways.

Leeds & Liverpool Canal Route 2

Route 2 is one of five walking routes running alongside the Leeds & Liverpool canal in Merseyside.

What to look out for along Route 2

Many reminders of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal's fascinating industrial heritage can be seen as you walk along Route 2.

Weird and wonderful canal boats

Although you may not think it to look at them, narrowboats and barges can be used for all sorts of unusual purposes. From floating cheese shops to bike-selling barges, the simple canal boat can come in many different guises.

A day in the life of a lock keeper

What's it like to be a lock keeper? Natalie Bennett spent a day with Sam Thomas, keeper of Thames Lock on the Grand Union Canal in Brentford.

A day in the life of a patrol officer

I’m Jo Hatch - a customer service advisor for British Waterways in Watford. Since I started, I’ve been fascinated with the role of BW’s patrol officers and Andy Beal, patrol officer for the Lee and Stort, invited me to join him for the day. I had no idea what the day would have in store for me, but I was excited, and a little nervous...

Picnic hotspots by the water

Make the most of the sunshine during the school holidays on a picnic at some wonderful waterside picnic spots...

Grass snake

Britain's largest reptile is shy by nature and wary of humans.

Mallard

Without a doubt the most abundant duck in the world, the wild mallard is as common to our local parks as the children's swings and summer ice-cream van.

British Waterways' Film Map

British Waterways has mapped out the most iconic film and TV locations on the nation’s 2,200-mile network of canals, rivers and docks.

Cooking on a narrowboat: hints and tips

Hiring a boat over the Easter weekend? With the Easter roast looming, those new to life afloat may find that their goose is well and truly cooked – and not in a good way – when it comes to navigating an onboard kitchen. Read on to ensure culinary success with Jean’s tips for cooking on a narrowboat.

Walking the length of the Trent & Mersey Canal

A detailed description of walking the length of the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Eric and Richard Harlow walked the 92 miles of the Trent & Mersey Canal towpath in support of St Giles Hospice at Whittington near Lichfield.

Cool Canals waterscape offer

The best-selling cool canals guidebooks by Phillippa Greenwood and Martine O’Callaghan make perfect Christmas gifts for anyone who enjoys spending time on or around Britain’s canals and rivers.

London’s autumn art scene

If you’re interested in art and you’re visiting London, the National Gallery, Tate Modern and Portrait Gallery are probably high on your ‘must see’ list. However, a short detour away to the galleries nestled by the Regent’s Canal can give you a taste of the latest that contemporary London has to offer.

Regular working parties

British Waterways is using its annual volunteer-led spring clean of the canals, Towpath Tidy, to introduce regular volunteering parties across the country. These are intended to be informal groups which will meet once a month to undertake a variety of tasks, from litter picking and vegetation management to painting lock gates and habitat creation.