Welcome to Basingstoke Canal

The Basingstoke Canal is a 32-mile long canal that runs through Surrey and Hampshire in England. It was built in the late 18th century to connect the town of Basingstoke to the River Thames at Weybridge. The canal was used primarily for transporting goods such as timber, coal, and agricultural produce. However, with the advent of the railway, the canal gradually fell into disuse and was officially closed in 1910.

In the 1960s, a group of enthusiasts formed the Basingstoke Canal Society with the aim of restoring the canal for recreational use. Over the years, the society has worked tirelessly to restore the canal, and today it is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and boaters. The canal is home to a variety of wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, and otters, and there are several nature reserves along its length.

One of the highlights of the Basingstoke Canal is the flight of 29 locks at Deepcut. This impressive feat of engineering was designed to lift boats 74 feet up the hillside and is one of the longest continuous flights of locks in the country. Today, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the towpath and watch as boats navigate the locks, or even hire a narrowboat and experience the canal for themselves. The Basingstoke Canal is a wonderful example of how a historic waterway can be restored and repurposed for the enjoyment of future generations.