Help protect the environment by protecting your canal
The canal plays an important part in the local environment and it’s important that it’s protected to minimalize any environmental impacts.
Boat Trips – Book Now
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Look after your wellbeing by enjoying activities on the canal
Health, wellbeing and happiness are important for all of us to experience, and the canal can help us to achieve these goals. Being near water and nature have proven effects on our wellbeing, as well as bringing communities and families together to enjoy.
Discover the wildlife along the canal
The natural environment of the canal makes it a special place to visit. Its bio-diverse space encourages a community of plant and wildlife, creating ideal habitats for species such as water voles, dragonflies and kingfishers.
Enjoy the beautiful canal by taking a boat trip
The canal can be used for many boating activities, from an active canoe journey to a peaceful trip on a pleasure boat – there’s something for everyone.
Find out more about the canal through the ages
The canal has many years of history and traditions. Discover the amazing story of why it was built and how it has changed over the years.
Help maintain and rebuild
Help preserve the canal for future generations to enjoy. If we don’t it will be lost forever. Check out the “Get involved” page.
We are the Guardians of the Basingstoke Canal
The Basingstoke Canal Society has been promoting and campaigning for the sustainable future of the Canal as a navigation and public amenity since 1966. Through the John Pinkerton Canal Cruises operation, it also raises money which is used to fund the maintenance and improvement works undertaken by more than 250 volunteers.
Within the pages of our website you will find our various publications, including our latest news, bulletins and newsletters. You can also purchase boat trips and items from our shop, find out about activities on the canal, or make a financial donation to help fund our work.
Becoming a member of the Society and volunteering can be very rewarding and has many benefits. There are a number of practical and administrative volunteering roles available. Click to find out about becoming a Member or Volunteer to contribute to the future of the canal.
| BCN Summer 2025 Basingstoke Canal News (Issue 285) is now available to read. —— Member’s Boat Trips Open for bookings. Book your place today —— Summer Themed Boat Trips Book a place on one of our boat trips. Find out more |
The Society was originally formed in 1966 to save the privately owned waterway, and campaigned for its restoration under public ownership. This was achieved in the early 1970s when Hampshire and Surrey County Councils purchased the then derelict canal.
In partnership with the local authorities, the Society organised voluntary working parties, managed work training schemes and employed a full-time team to restore the Canal. After nearly 20 years effort, thirty two miles of the waterway, from the Wey Navigation junction to the Greywell Tunnel, were formally reopened in May 1991 by HRH The Duke of Kent.
To find out more about how the canal was restored, click here.