The Basingstoke Canal is declared by many to be Britain's most beautiful waterway. From the rolling North Hampshire hills to the dramatic flights of Locks in Surrey, the tree lined Canal offers a variety of delights! The Canal is a SSSI nature reserve , teeming with wildlife, while its 200 year old bridges and locks hold a surprise around every corner. Add in the colourful sight of traditional canal boats and you have a unique attraction for free!

You can enjoy the Canal from the 32 mile long towpath or by boat or canoe. The best place to start your visit, or to find out more is at the Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre, Mytchett, right on the Hampshire and Surrey border.   

The Visitor Centre is open Easter to end September:
Tuesday to Friday 10.30 – 16.45

Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 10.30 – 16.45

October to Easter:

Tuesday to Thursday 10.30 – 16.00

Friday 10.30 – 15.45

The Canal Visitor Centre has information boards including a large map of the canal as well as a small gift shop selling canal related items and pocket money toys and gifts. The centre also sell fishing permits and boat licences. The Canal Centre is accessible to wheelchair uses.

Public boat trips and unpowered boat hire:

Enjoy a 55 minute trip along the Canal from the Canal Centre on board our 12 seater boat ‘Rosebud’. Boat trips run four times a day from Easter to September on Saturday and Sunday, plus Wednesday during school holidays. Trips are skippered by volunteers so please check that they are running before travelling.

Canoes, rowing boats and pedalos can be hired at weekends from Easter to the end of September and daily during the school holidays – depending on the weather. Again please check with the centre if you are travelling any distance.

Canal Cafe

The Canal Cafe has a wide selection of hot and cold food, drinks and ice creams.

Canal Café hours:
April to September

Monday to Friday 09.30 – 16.00

Weekends 09.00 – 17.00

October to March

Tuesday to Friday 09.30 – 15.00

Weekends 09.00 – 16.00

Caravanning and Camping Site:

Eight acre field next to the canal surrounded by woods is available for camping and caravanning. Toilets and shower facilities and a dish washing area are provided along with water points and waste disposal. Please note that there is no electric hook-up. Pre-booking essential - especially at weekends during the summer.

Yurt also available for hire – please contact for details.

Camp site is usually open Easter to end of September (depending on weather.)

Picnic, play area and parking.

Free access all year round to the Canal Centre grounds, picnic tables and ‘trailblazer’ play area for children.

N.B. Entrance barrier to car park opens at 08.30 and closes at 17.00 all year round.

Function room

The function room is available for hire for meetings, conferences, talks, parties and other functions. Maximum 45 seated or 70 standing. Tables and chairs in the room plus small kitchenette area with sink and fridge but no cooking facilities. Please ring for prices.

Contact details: 

The Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre

Basingstoke Canal Authority, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, Surrey. GU16 6DD.  01252 370073

For latest information and news on the canal see their Facebook Page - Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre - or twitter feed @TheBCATeam

 Canal Video 

Day Out