The Canal Visitor Centre

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 all for free!

The canal can be enjoyed 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 at Mytchett, right on the Hampshire and Surrey border.

Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre Mytchett Place Road Mytchett Surrey GU16 6DD Tel: (UK) 01252 370073 Fax: (UK) 01252 371758 e-mail: info@basingstoke-canal.co.uk

INFORMATION The Canal Centre is open - April to September  Tuesday to Friday & Bank Holidays: 10:30am - 4:45pm October to March Tuesday to Friday: 10:00am - 4.00pm The Canal Centre has an Information Point, full of maps and information to help you get out and enjoy the canal. Fishing permits and boat licences are on sale.  The Canal Centre is accessible to wheelchair users.   BOAT TRIPS and DAY BOAT HIRE Enjoy a relaxing 45-minute trip along the canal from the Canal Centre on board Daydream or Merlin. Boat trips run Easter to September: Saturday and Sunday, plus Tuesday to Sunday during school holidays. Just turn up! Day boats and boat charter are also available by arrangement. Contact: John Cale Canal Cruises - (UK) 01252 837165   TEA ROOM and SHOP Unfortunately the Tearoom is closed until further notice.   CARAVANNING and CAMPING SITE The beautiful 8-acre field next to the canal, and surrounded by woods is available for camping and caravanning. Toilets, showers and chemical disposal point available. Pre booking essential - special rates for rallies.   FLOATING GALLERY Step aboard the cosy Floating Gallery Towed Haul to view the works of canal artist Nancy Larcombe. Weekends 11.00am - 4.00pm   SCHOOLS SERVICE and GROUP VISITS Special packages are available for school and other visiting groups. Arrangements can be made for a day's worth of educational activities, a boat trip, a talk, a visit to the exhibition - whatever you wish! School trips are very popular so book early. Prices available from the Canal Centre.   SPECIAL EVENTS A variety of special events are held at the Canal Centre all year round, and include such popular things as the Car Boot Sales, Easter & Summer Activities and Santa Specials. Other events take place along the canal - come into the Centre to get an up-to-date events list or see the BCA Website. BACK

Last updated April 2002