Basingstoke Canal

01/06/2026

This week is National Volunteers’ Week, and all of us at the Basingstoke Canal are celebrating the tireless enthusiasm and dedication of our fantastic volunteers.
From lock keepers, to skippers, crews, canal work parties, lengthsmen and those working behind the scenes,
each play a vital part in keeping our canal navigable, accessible for all the neighbouring communities.
If you see a volunteer when you are out and about along the canal this week, please let them know how much you appreciate them too .

27/05/2026

This is a great post from our friends at The Cotswolds Canals Trust and applies to all canals, including the Basingstoke Canal.

Did you know the canal is not for swimming? ❌

➡️Canal water does not ‘flow' like rivers and can carry pollutants from litter and boat traffic discharges that do not quickly disperse.
➡️There are hidden dangers under the water, and you won’t be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the water. Canals are operational spaces with moving boats, weirs, sluices and locks all of which pose dangers for swimmers.
➡️Swimming in open water has a range of risks from water borne diseases and infections such as stomach illnesses or Weil's disease.
💚We really want you to enjoy the canal and there are many ways in which you can do so, but if you want to go for a swim please do so in a safe environment such as a swimming pool. 💚

25/05/2026

🚤 Update for Tomorrow (Tuesday 26th May) 🚤

Due to the very hot weather, our unpowered boat hire will be taking a short break tomorrow. We’ll be back open as normal on Wednesday!

If you’d like to make a booking for Wednesday or another day this week or in the future, please feel free to give us a call on 01252 370073.

22/05/2026

As we welcome everyone to the Basingstoke Canal to enjoy the warmer weather this Bank Holiday weekend, we would like to offer a reminder about the increased risk of wildfire due to high temperatures and dry ground.

❌ Please remember that BBQs/open fires are not allowed on the canal banks and picnic areas, and please ensure that cigarette ends are disposed of safely.

🔥 If you do spot a fire please call 999 and use What3Words to give a precise location to the Fire Service.

🚯 Visitors are reminded to take all litter home as it can harm wildlife, and glass bottles etc increase the risk of fire.

🏊🏻 Finally, although you may be looking for ways to keep cool, swimming in the canal is not allowed, due to the high risk of contracting Weil's Disease as well as risk of injury from moving boats and underwater obstacles.

21/05/2026

🌟 Campsite Fully Booked This Weekend 🌟

Our campsite is now fully booked for this weekend (22nd, 23rd & 24th)

To make a booking for other dates, please visit our website down below.

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure/countryside/sites/visitor-information/basingstoke-canal/campsite-bookings

15/05/2026

At this time of year our Waterway Rangers (and Society volunteers) are regularly out and about strimming our moorings, lock tops and landing stages to ensure they remain safe areas for boaters, and for us to work around.

Please, PLEASE pick up after your dog! It's really not OK to leave it "because it's in the grass". Just imagine what it is like strimming through piles of dog poo, several times a day. Not to mention the health hazards, the operator then has to clean themselves and their equipment up. Many thanks.

07/05/2026

A big milestone this week as our first Volunteer Lock Keepers officially began helping with the passage of boats through the beautiful Deepcut and Brookwood flights.

Working alongside the Basingstoke Canal Authority Ranger Team, the volunteers are assisting with lock operations to help make journeys safer and smoother for boaters, while also helping to reduce water loss and minimise wear on the locks.

Our rangers continue to oversee all boat movements through the lock flights and carry out the important daily task of sealing (caulking) the lock gates after use to help conserve the Canal’s limited water supply.

It’s great to see volunteers and rangers working together to help keep the Basingstoke Canal navigable for everyone to enjoy this season.

If you would like to book your boat onto the Basingstoke Canal to enjoy this wonderful, unique experience, you can visit our online bookings page
https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/basingstokecanal/onthewater/narrowboats

or speak to the team directly Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm on 01252 370073.

The Basingstoke Canal Authority Team.

01/05/2026

🏕️ BOOK NOW – Online Booking Has ARRIVED! 🏕️

Exciting news! You can now book your camping stay online 🎉✨

Simply follow the link below to secure your booking.

⚠️ Please note:
We are fully booked for this Bank Holiday weekend (1st–3rd May), with very limited availability remaining for Sunday night only.

https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/culture-and-leisure/countryside/sites/visitor-information/basingstoke-canal/campsite-bookings

30/04/2026

🐾 NEW Paw Wash Open Day! 🐾

Mud, mess, and mucky paws? We’ve got it covered!

✨ Come down this Saturday (2nd May) and be among the very first to try out the brand‑new Paw Wash! Bring your four‑legged friends along for a fun, fresh experience and see how easy it is to keep those paws clean.

NEW LOCATION ALERT!!!

We're launching a brand new self-service dog wash right in the car park, and we're throwing a launch party to celebrate!
Saturday 2nd May — from 10am - 2pm Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett
Come down, bring your dog, and try the Paw Wash for free on us.

Warm water, elevated tub, amazing smelling shampoos — a proper wash that beats wrestling them into the bathtub at home.

Whether your pup needs a full spring clean or just a quick freshen up after a walk along the canal, we've got you covered.

RSVP here: https://mailchi.mp/pawwashstation/sk8vrvvjua
See you there!
Paw Wash — Play Dirty. Come Home Clean.
www.pawwashstation.com | /PAWWASHUK*