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Linking towns and cities with remote corners of the British countryside, canals and rivers offer an exciting way to blend urban and rural areas. Float elegantly through the quaint countryside on a private canal boat or brace yourself for a high speed jaunt up the River Thames. 

The thousands of miles of waterways in Britain have plenty of stories to tell, from early accounts of agricultural trade to today’s high-end leisure experiences. Canals became an important part of life in the 1700s and are still enjoyed by sailors, walkers and cyclists today. Look to our waters for adrenaline fuelled adventure aboard a speedboat, or kayak, or if you’re looking for a bit of relaxation, cruise down the river for wildlife spotting.

Discover British canals and waterways

Explore the River Thames

VisitBritain/MarkThomasson

Night view of London from height. Glittering landscape

Sightseeing tours

Choose a sightseeing tour boat to hear stories and uncover fascinating facts from the capital city’s most famous river.

VisitBritain/Secret Adventures

Two people kayaking on the Thames towards the London Eye

Popular attractions

From the London Eye and Sealife London Aquarium to Tower Bridge and The Shard, there are plenty of popular attractions to visit along the River Thames.

VisitBritain/Thames Rockets

Passengers cheering on a red speed boat on river Thames in front of sky scrapers at Canary Wharf

High speed boat ride

Thrill seekers will love a high speed boat ride to enjoy the river at full pace. Try the Thames Rockets Break the Barrier or Ultimate London Adventure for a speedy trip on the water.

VisitBritain/Secret Adventures

People kayaking on river Thames going past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Hire your own boat

For competent sailors, there are lots of opportunities to hire a private boat on the River Thames, from canoes and kayaks to luxury motor yachts.

VisitBritain/Ann-Katrin Engels

Wooden table under a glass dome with view of London skyline

Nightlife and riverside dining

Enjoy a traditional British meal or try something a little different for dinner. There are countless places to enjoy a meal or a few evening drinks with a view of the Thames.

Britain’s waterway experiences

Enjoy an hour-long cruise of the River Avon, with a gin-tasting session included, thanks to Shakespeare Distillery.

Raise a glass to the Gin-Tasting Cruise

VisitBritain/Nemorin

VB34184826
Shakespeare Distillery Gin Cruise

Join this small-group kayaking tour on the River Thames and see London from a whole new perspective.

Learn more about Secret Adventures

VisitBritain/Secret Adventures

People kayaking in Thames against a red sunset sky and the buildings of London in the background
Secret Adventures - Kayak

These guided paddleboarding trips reveal the beauty of Glasgow’s waterways and wildlife.

More about Glasgow Paddleboarders Co.

Glasgow Paddleboarders Co

Paddleboarders laying down and forming a shape in the River Clyde in Glasgow
Glasgow Paddleboarders Co.

Take to the controls of your own boat for a self-guided adventure across Cardiff Bay, up the River Taff and out into the city centre.

Power up with Berry Boats

cardiffjet

Power up at the Speedway
Berry Boats

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting trip on the River Cam – so hop aboard with the Traditional Punting Company!

Book your punting trip on the River Cam

Traditional Punting Company

A punting tour passing a historic university building in Cambridge
Punting on the River Cam

On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways.

More about SUP Bristol

SUP Bristol

A person paddleboarding in the middle of Bristol's harbourside
SUP Bristol

Take your pick from sightseeing trips, sunset voyages, and gourmet sailings on the River Thames.

Book Oxford River Cruises

Photos by John Cairns

A group of people on a river boat in Oxford
Oxford River Cruises

Dip your paddle into the River Cherwell, to discover pristine countryside and wildlife-rich waters.

More about Oxford Kayak Tours

Oxford Kayak Tours

A man steering a kayak down a river in Oxford
Oxford Kayak Tours

Try a SUP yoga retreat, learn how to paddleboard for the first time, or book a sunset paddleboard adventure.

Try paddleboarding with Norwich Paddleboard Hire

Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Norwich, England

A group of people paddleboarding on the River Wensum
Norwich Paddleboard Hire

Hire a narrow boat and enjoy a leisurely day out on the water as you navigate 75 feet up, or down, hill through Foxton's 10 locks.

Spend a day on the water at Foxton Locks

Visit Leicester

Leicester, England

A barge sailing through Foxton Locks in Leicestershire
Foxton Locks

Kayak, canoe, cruise or wild swim? With its watersports and boat trips, Loch Lomond is a refreshing place to unwind.

Find your adventure at Loch Lomond

VisitScotland

Bluebells in springtime on Inchcailloch - an island on Loch Lomond just a short distance from Balmaha.
Loch Lomond

Enjoy a voyage on the beautiful Loch Ness, and look out for its famous monster too…

Discover Cruise Loch Ness
visitscotland_48743853616
Cruise Loch Ness

Explore a fresh side of the city’s historic docks on a kayaking, canoeing or wild-swimming adventure.

Book Liverpool Watersports Centre

Liverpool Watersports Centre

People sliding down a slide into the water at Liverpool Watersports Centre
Liverpool Watersports Centre

Boating, hiking, cycling and wildlife-spotting: this tranquil waterway has it all.

Discover Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Visit Wales

Brecon Beacon

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Uncover a secret walking route passing through the heart of the city.

Discover London's hidden secrets

visitlondon.com

A canal boat moving down Regent's Canal in north London.
Regent's Canal

Cruise through underground tunnels to discover fossils, wildlife and relics of the Industrial Revolution.

Tour Dudley Canal and Caverns

Dudley Canal and Caverns

A tour group being guided through a tunnel underneath Dudley Canal
Dudley Canal and Caverns

For sightseeing tours, dinner cruises and private waterway charters, you’ve come to the right place.

Discover Sherborne Wharf Canal Tours

Sherborne Wharf

A barge sailing down a canal in Birmingham, near Sherborne Wharf
Sherborne Wharf canal tours

Glide down the River Wear on a boat trip that passes the sights of Durham Cathedral, Castle and iconic bridges.

Set sail with a river cruise

Ioan Said Photography

Two people stood on a bridge overlooking a tour boat sailing down a river in Durham
The Prince Bishop River Cruiser

Glide down the River Wear in a traditional hand built rowing boat and spot the sights of Durham from the water.

Hire a Browns Rowing Boat

Getty Images/E+/SolStock

A male couple sitting in a rowboat, rowing together
Browns Rowing Boats

A narrowboat break on the Kennet and Avon Canal is the ideal way to connect with nature.

Discover Bath Narrowboats

Getty Images

Bath

Bath Narrowboats, Kennett and Avon Canal
Bath Narrowboats

Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? Take a closer look on this adventure…

Book Bustling Birmingham Kayak Tour – Roundhouse Birmingham

VisitBritain/Storyman

Birmingham

Two men kayaking on canal through central Birmingham
Bustling Birmingham Kayak Tour – Roundhouse

Take to the Exeter Ship canal with a paddle in hand as you see the city from the water aboard a paddleboard.

Travel down Exeter canal

Matt Round

A child and a man stood on paddleboards in the River Exe in Exeter
Paddleboard with AS Watersports

Enjoy an hour-long cruise of the River Avon, with a gin-tasting session included, thanks to Shakespeare Distillery.

Raise a glass to the Gin-Tasting Cruise

VisitBritain/Nemorin

VB34184826
Shakespeare Distillery Gin Cruise

Join this small-group kayaking tour on the River Thames and see London from a whole new perspective.

Learn more about Secret Adventures

VisitBritain/Secret Adventures

People kayaking in Thames against a red sunset sky and the buildings of London in the background
Secret Adventures - Kayak

These guided paddleboarding trips reveal the beauty of Glasgow’s waterways and wildlife.

More about Glasgow Paddleboarders Co.

Glasgow Paddleboarders Co

Paddleboarders laying down and forming a shape in the River Clyde in Glasgow
Glasgow Paddleboarders Co.

Take to the controls of your own boat for a self-guided adventure across Cardiff Bay, up the River Taff and out into the city centre.

Power up with Berry Boats

cardiffjet

Power up at the Speedway
Berry Boats

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting trip on the River Cam – so hop aboard with the Traditional Punting Company!

Book your punting trip on the River Cam

Traditional Punting Company

A punting tour passing a historic university building in Cambridge
Punting on the River Cam

On a paddleboard, you’ll witness the nature, beauty and relaxed pace of life on Bristol’s waterways.

More about SUP Bristol

SUP Bristol

A person paddleboarding in the middle of Bristol's harbourside
SUP Bristol

Take your pick from sightseeing trips, sunset voyages, and gourmet sailings on the River Thames.

Book Oxford River Cruises

Photos by John Cairns

A group of people on a river boat in Oxford
Oxford River Cruises

Dip your paddle into the River Cherwell, to discover pristine countryside and wildlife-rich waters.

More about Oxford Kayak Tours

Oxford Kayak Tours

A man steering a kayak down a river in Oxford
Oxford Kayak Tours

Try a SUP yoga retreat, learn how to paddleboard for the first time, or book a sunset paddleboard adventure.

Try paddleboarding with Norwich Paddleboard Hire

Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Norwich, England

A group of people paddleboarding on the River Wensum
Norwich Paddleboard Hire

Hire a narrow boat and enjoy a leisurely day out on the water as you navigate 75 feet up, or down, hill through Foxton's 10 locks.

Spend a day on the water at Foxton Locks

Visit Leicester

Leicester, England

A barge sailing through Foxton Locks in Leicestershire
Foxton Locks

Kayak, canoe, cruise or wild swim? With its watersports and boat trips, Loch Lomond is a refreshing place to unwind.

Find your adventure at Loch Lomond

VisitScotland

Bluebells in springtime on Inchcailloch - an island on Loch Lomond just a short distance from Balmaha.
Loch Lomond

Enjoy a voyage on the beautiful Loch Ness, and look out for its famous monster too…

Discover Cruise Loch Ness
visitscotland_48743853616
Cruise Loch Ness

Explore a fresh side of the city’s historic docks on a kayaking, canoeing or wild-swimming adventure.

Book Liverpool Watersports Centre

Liverpool Watersports Centre

People sliding down a slide into the water at Liverpool Watersports Centre
Liverpool Watersports Centre

Boating, hiking, cycling and wildlife-spotting: this tranquil waterway has it all.

Discover Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Visit Wales

Brecon Beacon

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Uncover a secret walking route passing through the heart of the city.

Discover London's hidden secrets

visitlondon.com

A canal boat moving down Regent's Canal in north London.
Regent's Canal

Cruise through underground tunnels to discover fossils, wildlife and relics of the Industrial Revolution.

Tour Dudley Canal and Caverns

Dudley Canal and Caverns

A tour group being guided through a tunnel underneath Dudley Canal
Dudley Canal and Caverns

For sightseeing tours, dinner cruises and private waterway charters, you’ve come to the right place.

Discover Sherborne Wharf Canal Tours

Sherborne Wharf

A barge sailing down a canal in Birmingham, near Sherborne Wharf
Sherborne Wharf canal tours

Glide down the River Wear on a boat trip that passes the sights of Durham Cathedral, Castle and iconic bridges.

Set sail with a river cruise

Ioan Said Photography

Two people stood on a bridge overlooking a tour boat sailing down a river in Durham
The Prince Bishop River Cruiser

Glide down the River Wear in a traditional hand built rowing boat and spot the sights of Durham from the water.

Hire a Browns Rowing Boat

Getty Images/E+/SolStock

A male couple sitting in a rowboat, rowing together
Browns Rowing Boats

A narrowboat break on the Kennet and Avon Canal is the ideal way to connect with nature.

Discover Bath Narrowboats

Getty Images

Bath

Bath Narrowboats, Kennett and Avon Canal
Bath Narrowboats

Did you know that Birmingham has more canals than Venice? Take a closer look on this adventure…

Book Bustling Birmingham Kayak Tour – Roundhouse Birmingham

VisitBritain/Storyman

Birmingham

Two men kayaking on canal through central Birmingham
Bustling Birmingham Kayak Tour – Roundhouse

Take to the Exeter Ship canal with a paddle in hand as you see the city from the water aboard a paddleboard.

Travel down Exeter canal

Matt Round

A child and a man stood on paddleboards in the River Exe in Exeter
Paddleboard with AS Watersports

More outdoor adventures in Britain

Britain is the perfect destination to try your hand at an adventure sport. Its coastline provides the ideal backdrop for coasteering, sea kayaking and grabbing your surfboard to catch some waves.

Crown copyright (2011) Visit Wales, all rights reserved

People wearing wetsuits and helmets paddling down a rapid

Outside its famous cities, Britain is full of green spaces, from its 15 National Parks to 46 National Landscapes and 3 million hectares of woodland.

VisitScotland

Bluebells in springtime on Inchcailloch - an island on Loch Lomond just a short distance from Balmaha.

From England’s striking south coast, to Scotland’s West Highland Way, you’ll find landscapes steeped in history and beauty.

VisitBritain/Lars Schneider

Two people hiking along flatland with views of mountains

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