Coventry Canal

Canals were built to carry Britain's goods 200 years ago, long before the advent of railways and motorways. Time moves on and commercial boats and barges have all but disappeared, but the waterways still retain their charm and character.

Exploring Coventry's towpaths

Because of their age, the canals abound with interesting structures. In fact, you will find more listed buildings on the canals than anywhere else in Britain. The Canal River Trust look after the canals in England and Wales and are very conscious to look after their heritage, and improvements are all built so as not to clash with the older environment.

Most canals have towpaths that were used by horses which pulled the boats. They are very pleasant to walk, and are teeming with wild flowers and animals. You can also use bikes on the towpaths and local bye-ways to explore the countryside around the canals.

More information about the canals in Coventry can be found on the Visit Coventry website.

Other useful websites can be found at:

• Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (external)
  AINA represents the inland navigation authorities of the United Kingdom.
• Broads Authority (external)
  The Broads is Britain's largest wetland and is part of the family of National Parks.
• British Marine Federation (external)
  Website for the British boating industry's trade association, the British Marine Federation
• Coventry Canal Society (external)
  For excellent information and images of the canal art trail and more.
• Environment Agency (external)
  the leading public body responsible for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales
• Living Environment Trust (external)
  The Living Environment Trust has responsibility for the maintenance of Coventry Canal. 
• National Association of Boat Owners (external)
  The National Association of Boat Owners is dedicated to promoting the interests and concerns of boaters on Britain's Canals and Rivers.
• Residential Boat Owners' Association (external)
  The Residential Boat Owners' Association exists to act in the interests of boat dwellers. Maybe you'd like to live afloat but you don't know where to start, our FAQ covers the most common questions we get asked about living on a boat. You can also find details of our work and a diary of events.
• The Waterways Trust (external)
  Our task is to promote the widest possible public awareness and enjoyment of the UK's waterways. Working in partnership with individuals, communities and organisations, to conserve, restore, improve and interpret all aspects of waterways.
• Waterways Liaison Service On-Line (external)
  Bringing together waterway related organisations to promote their events to a wider audience.

How to find us

By road: For Coventry Canal basin, exit Coventry Ring Road at Junction 1. Follow Foleshill Road, first left down Leicester Row, up St Nicholas Street.
Nearest parking: John Sinclair Pay and Display (sign posted)
Admission: FREE. Open all year round, canal side shops and cafe open