The Canal and River Trust is the UK's largest waterway charity, caring for a 2,000-mile network of historic canals and navigable rivers across England and Wales. Established in July 2012 when it took over from British Waterways, the Trust holds these waterways in stewardship for the nation, preserving centuries of industrial heritage while making them accessible for leisure, wildlife, and wellbeing.
The Trust's network encompasses an extraordinary range of built heritage, including 2,970 bridges, 1,581 locks, and 281 aqueducts. It is the third largest owner of listed buildings and structures in the UK, with 2,705 historic assets in its care. Many of the canals date back over 200 years to the height of Britain's industrial revolution, and the Trust works to conserve them for future generations.
The canals and rivers managed by the Trust connect urban centres and rural landscapes alike, providing green corridors that are free to explore on foot or by bicycle along the extensive towpath network. Boaters, canoeists, and paddleboarders can also access the waterways under licence, making this one of the country's most varied and inclusive leisure networks.
The Trust's waterways serve as vital habitats for wildlife and act as natural refuges from the pressures of everyday life. Research supported by the charity highlights the positive impact that time spent near water has on mental and physical health, reinforcing the Trust's mission of making life better by water for millions of people each year.
The Canal and River Trust is a registered charity that looks after approximately 2,000 miles of canals and navigable rivers in England and Wales. It was formed in 2012 when responsibility for these waterways transferred from the government-funded British Waterways, placing their long-term care in the hands of a charitable body.
The Trust manages around 2,000 miles of waterways, along with thousands of associated structures including locks, bridges, aqueducts, tunnels, docks, and reservoirs across England and Wales.
Walkers and cyclists can use the towpaths alongside the canals and rivers without any charge. Boaters and users of powered or unpowered watercraft such as canoes and paddleboards are required to hold an appropriate licence to use the navigable waterways.
The Trust is the third largest owner of listed buildings and structures in the UK, caring for 2,705 listed assets. These include iconic engineering landmarks such as Victorian aqueducts, historic lock-keepers' cottages, pump houses, and canal-side warehouses.
As a charity, the Trust relies on a combination of government grant funding, licence fees from boaters, donations from members of the public, and income generated through its properties and commercial partnerships. Supporters can become members or donate to help protect the waterway network.
On 2 July 2012, all of British Waterways' responsibilities and assets in England and Wales were formally transferred to the newly created Canal and River Trust. At the same time, the Trust also merged with the English and Welsh operations of The Waterways Trust, bringing together organisations with closely aligned aims under one charitable body.
Note: this brochure is from our archive. Details, offers, and contact information may no longer be current. We recommend checking directly with the Canal and River Trust for up-to-date information.
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