Coventry Canal

Exploring Coventry Canal

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

Exploring Coventry's towpaths

Because of their age, the canals are home to some fascinating buildings. In fact, you will find more listed buildings on the canals than anywhere else in Britain. The Canal River Trust looks after the canals in England and Wales and their heritage, and makes sure any improvements fit in.

Most canals have towpaths that were used by horses which pulled the boats. They are very pleasant to walk, and alive with wildflowers and animals. You can also use bikes on the towpaths and local footpaths 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
• 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.

How to find us

By road: For Coventry Canal basin, leave 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.