canalsonline magazine
the online magazine for the inland waterways
Whether you are an aspiring boater, a part-time enthusiast, live aboard permanent cruiser, holiday maker, towpath user, or someone who simply lives or works beside our inland waterways, you have come to the right place.
CanalsOnline Magazine is written and published for you!
Within our constantly updated content you will always find gallons of stuff to keep you occupied, informed and entertained, with useful information to answer your questions and special features of interest to stir your imagination!
products & services
two separate resources… all in one place!
We've created two separate resources to make finding the lifestyle products or services you require as intuitive and effortless as possible. Browse a huge range of products and accessories for your narrowboat, wide beam, Dutch barge or cruiser. Plus those elusive and very specialist services you need to help keep your vessel in tip top condition.
If you've enjoyed particularly good service from a company or individual, please let us know.
a waterways guide
to every navigable canal and river in the uk
You will find every navigable canal & river in the UK listed here, each with its own detailed guide. Organised by region and waterway system for ease of use, this invaluable resource is perfect for holiday boaters and seasoned cruisers alike.
Find the nearest bank, eatery, pub, supermarket, Post Office, or any other facility you may ever need, all within easy reach of the cut and recommended for inclusion by fellow boaters.
Become an 'Active Cruiser' and help to keep our canal and river guides up to date.
features & editorial
for your interest & entertainment
Our Editorial Section consists of contributions by a wide diversity of authors, from teenagers too octogenarians, all connected in some way with our waterways. You will find entertaining and informative articles on just about anything - including glimpses into the history of canals and boating, cooking on board, boating electrics, and all aspects of life on board.
Our Features Section contains current and archived material provided by specialist companies and is full of technical information and guides to choosing or buying specific merchandise. Plus glimpses into the faces behind the companies offering products and services to the boating community.
Why not join our team of contributors and WRITE FOR US.
narrowboat holidays
Take a real break and cruise the inland waterways and rivers of the UK. With a narrowboat holiday, you will experience a part of the past, roving through our industrial heritage and finding places you never knew existed. Navigating your way through our waterways is a true adventure, enabling you to learn new disciplines and embrace a completely different way of life. We feature some of the best hire fleet companies with the experience and commitment in making your holiday afloat one that you will remember for a long, long time.
featured in this edition...
check your insurance
In 2023, RCR warned boat owners about checking their 3rd Party insurance policies. Now RCR are warning that the wording on all policies needs to be checked. This article includes case studies.
trader of the season
I become very attached to a piece during the painting process, but then once it is finished it goes on to be someone else’s story. I like to think that people can make an emotional connection with my art.
author of the season
All Boats are Sinking is Hanna's first book and is a memoir of love, life and chaos. Compelling account of Hannah's slightly chaotic, but certainly never dull life aboard her 45' narrowboat.
cooking on the cut
Lisa Munday , our resident boating chef, concentrates on summer salads, dips and dressings, and on BBQ cooking on her Cobb BBQ Oven. She even manages to cook delicious pizzas on the Cobb...
how to wire a narrowboat
In 'How to Wire a Narrowboat' Graham Mills takes us through the entire process in painstaking detail. He also shows us the best way to wire our leisure batteries. In fact, he is a mine of information.
boaters & housing
There is a certain animosity reserved for London boaters within the British boating community. The stereotype goes that London boaters don’t move in accordance to the CRT rules, they moor…
[faceboat]
a social group for anyone interested in our inland waterways
Why not join our Facebook group [faceboat] to share your interests and experiences, ask questions and offer advice to other members. Upload photos and comments, chat and connect with other like-minded people across the UK, and beyond.
- NEWS & EVENTS - find out what's going off
- BECOME AN ACTIVE CRUISER - share your waterway experiences with others
- WATERWAY BOOKS - author of the season & more
- ROVING TRADERS - who's selling what on the cut
- PUB OF THE SEASON - find waterside watering holes
- USEFUL LINKS - some great information from others
Republished fresh every season bringing you news and events, unmissable stories and editorial along with fascinating features