Canals

Tower Hamlets has many miles of canals. For more information about where they are, you can download a guide to walking along east London's historic canal network (PDF 241kb).

These days, commercial boats and barges have all but disappeared, but the waterways still retain their charm and character. These canals are full of historical interest - you will find more listed buildings on canals than anywhere else in Britain.

The waterways code

British waterways look after the canals in this country. You can see the British waterways code for all users here.

Walking, cycling & fishing

Most canals have towpaths. These towpaths were used by the horses that pulled the boats carrying Britain's goods 200 years ago, long before the advent of railways and motorways.

These towpaths can provide pleasant, traffic free areas for walking and cycling. They are abundant with wild flowers and wildlife. Canal sides are open to the public but you probably will need a permit if you wish to use them for fishing or cycling.

All canal users are requested to follow the Waterways Code, which provides advice and guidance to visitors on how to enjoy the waterways safely and sustainably.

For more information about cycling on a towpath, and how to get a special cycle permit go to waterscape.com.

Recommended canal walks in Tower Hamlets

• Limehouse basin to Bow locks
• Bow locks, Three Mills and Old Ford locks
• Old Ford locks to Bow wharf
• Bow wharf to Limehouse basin

Useful websites

British waterways
The public body responsible for maintaining and developing the waterways and their heritage

Lee valley park - river Lee country park
The river lee country park is a great starting place for discovering the joys of walking. You can see more information about specially selected walks

Inland waterways advisory council (IWAC)
A statutory body to advise the department for environment, food and rural affairs (DEFRA), the Scottish executive and British waterways on strategic policy for the use and development of 2000 miles of inland waterways

Inland waterways association
Founded in 1946 - over 50 years of successful campaigning for the inland waterways of Great Britain

The waterways trust
Established in March 1999, it works with individuals, communities and organisations, to conserve, restore, improve and interpret all aspects of waterways

Towpath action group
The towpath action group campaigns for better access on the towpaths of the country's canals

Waterways liaison service on-line
A UK-based organisation, formed in 1982. It brings together waterway related organisations to promote their events to a wider audience.