Boating on the UK’s beautiful network of rivers and canals is enjoyed by thousands of people – as homes, holidays and workplaces.
We work hard to make sure we can pass on the UK’s invaluable waterways heritage – and the joy of messing about in boats – to future generations.
Boating Activities
Buying a boat
Everything you need to know if you’re thinking of buying a boat, including types of boat, legal requirements and advice for buying a secondhand boat.
Living afloat
Many people choose to live afloat on canals, rivers and coasts; either cruising continuously, permanently moored or a mix of the two. Find out everything you’ll want to consider before taking the plunge.
Training
Find out what boat handling training is available: the RYA Inland Waterways Helmsman Certificate and the IWA Certificate of Boat Management scheme.
Route planning
Information to help you decide which waterway route to take, including information on cruising rings and how long different routes take.
Download your free Greener Boating Guide
Want to make your boating more sustainable, but don’t know where to start? Download our Guide to Greener Boating – includes the latest on biofuels.
Waterway underfunding
Hundreds of miles of waterways – along with their unique heritage and habitats – are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future.
Waterway restoration
Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.
Waterway businesses
The government needs to intervene at the earliest possible opportunity to save this vital sector of the British economy and what could be a core element of the British stay-at-home leisure and holiday sectors in the coming years.
Waterways affected by HS2
We’re campaigning to protect canals and rivers from the damaging effects of HS2, especially where the tranquillity of the waterways is under threat.
Love the waterways?
Love the waterways?
Stay up-to-date with the latest waterways news, campaigns and articles.
Shop
Milton Keynes to London, London Ring and the East London Ring Map (Heron)
£5.99
European Waterways Map & Directory (Imray)
£19
Inland Waterways of Great Britain (Imray)
£32.50
Warwickshire Ring Map (Heron)
£6.50
Leeds & Liverpool Canal: Liverpool to Keighley (Heron)
£5.99
Oxford Canal Map (Heron)
£5.99
Kennet & Avon Canal and River Avon Map (Heron)
£5.99
Avon and Droitwich Rings Map (Heron)
£6.50
LOVE YOUR WATERWAYS
Together we can protect and restore the waterways; Britain's 7,000 miles of canals and navigable rivers need your help.