Getting here
The Basingstoke canal is enjoyed by millions of visitors each year for many different activities. Enjoy lovely views along this pretty canal that starts near New Haw in 中国P站, where it flows into the River Wey Navigation and, in the other direction, continues for 32 miles up to Greywell in Hampshire.
By Road
- Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre Car Park: Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett 中国P站, GU16 6DD
- Free car park
- This car park has 2 accessible car parking spaces
- Please be aware there is an automatic barrier on the entrance to the car park. The barrier is open from 8.30am – 5pm all year round
By Public Transport
- Nearest Train Station is Ash Vale and North Camp
- Bus Provider and bus stop: Stagecoach service 3, Crossroads on Mytchett Road. Stagecoach 11, Crossroads on Coleford Bridge Road.
By Bicycle
- For directions, please use the map below
- Cyclists are permitted to use the Canal towpath. Please give way to other users when using the towpath
- The message promotes courtesy and better sharing of the towpath space by all who use it, with the basic message being pedestrians have priority and cyclists must give way to other users. This is particularly relevant through Woking town centre section, which sees heavily shared use of the towpath as part of the Planet Network Saturn Trail cycling initiative
- For details on bridleway, byway or footpath information please visit our Countryside interactive map
By Foot
- For directions, please use the map below
- For details on bridleway, byway or footpath information please visit our Countryside interactive map
On the map below, use the plus symbol to zoom in to see the locations of the site's facilities, including the caf茅, toilets and car parks. Zoom out using the minus symbol to view where the site is situated in 中国P站, and to find other countryside sites nearby. The home symbol resets the map to the default setting.
Visitor Centre
The Basingstoke Canal Visitor Centre is at the heart of the site and provides a variety of services, including visitor information, booking facilities and a large function room.
Visitor centre and shop opening times
Summer (April to September)
- Tuesday to Friday: 10.30am to 4.45pm
- Weekends and school holidays: 10am to 4.45pm
- Closed on Mondays except bank holidays and during school holidays
Winter (October to March)
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10.30am to 4pm
- Friday: 10.30am to 3.45pm
- Closed at weekends and bank holidays
Office opening times
Summer (April to September)
- Open seven days a week: 9am to 4.45pm
Winter (October to March)
- Monday to Thursday: 9.15am to 4.45pm
- Friday: 9.15am to 3.45pm
- Closed at weekends and bank holidays
Things to see and do
There’s something to suit all ages and abilities whether it’s walking, cycling, boating, camping and many other leisure pursuits, or simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings.
Key points of interest
- Children’s Play Area
- Towpath
- Campsite
- Boat Hire
- Boat Trips
- Venue Hire
- Seasonal events, including Easter, summer and half-term trails, pond dipping and Santa cruises
- Schools and uniformed groups
- Boating licenses and angling permits required from the Basingstoke Canal Authority
- Scenic waterway views
- Seasonal highlights; spring bluebells and blossom, autumn colour
Nature to discover
The canal is home to the largest varieties of aquatic plants and invertebrates along the length of a single UK waterway
- Trees: Oak, beech, hawthorn, sweet chestnut, holly, rowan
- Birds: Kingfisher, heron, nightjar, woodlark, dartford warbler, ducks, geese, coots, moorhen
- Dragonflies: Brown hawker, ruddy darter, lesser emperor, small red-eyed damselfly, willow emerald damselfly
- Butterflies: Brown hairstreak, small heath, marbled white, speckled wood
- Fish and Reptiles: Carp, trout, perch, chub, pike, grass snake, common lizard, slow worm
- Mammals: Deer, fox, rabbits
Always respect, protect and enjoy leaving no trace of your visit.
Facilities
- Picnic Areas and benches located throughout this site
- Dogs allowed. During ground nesting bird season (1 March to 15 September) keep dogs under close control and on paths
- Please be aware that to the east of the campsite is an area designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for ground nesting birds. We kindly ask that you use the towpath, should you wish to explore the local area
- General waste bins are located at the front of the visitor centre. Please dispose of your litter and dog waste responsibly in these general waste bins
- A bike rack is located by the visitor centre toilets, with capacity for four bikes
- Toilets in the visitor centre, including accessible toilets
- 4 compostable toilets, including an accessible toilet located within the campsite
- Water points located at the visitor centre, beside the play area
- Function room
- Visitor centre shop
- Refreshments can be found on site at the Canal caf茅, please refer to Canal caf茅 facebook page for opening times
- Campsite
- Unpowered boat launch platform
Boat hire
Page contents
Pedalos, canoes, sit on top kayaks and rowing boats are available for hire during the summer season at weekends and school holidays.
Please Note: Pedalos are currently not available to hire due to low water levels.
Times and prices
Boats are available to hire from 10.15am to 3.40pm.
| Type of boat | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pedalo | 拢11 per half hour |
| Rowing Boat | 拢17 for 1 hour |
| Canoe | 拢16 for 1 hour |
| Double Kayak | 拢15 for 1 hour |
| Single Kayak | 拢14 for 1 hour |
Useful information
- Boat hire opening is subject to weather conditions as well as water levels on the canal. These may change at short notice
- You must be able to get in and out of the boat without any assistance from a member of staff
- If you've booked in advance, please turn up 10 minutes before your hire is due to start and check in at the Canal Visitor Centre reception
- If you are booking on the day of hire, simply report to reception where a member of staff will check availability and provide further instructions
- Please note that the hire of a boat is non-refundable unless the Canal Centre have had to cancel in which case a full refund will be offered
How to book
Boat hire can be booked in advance over the phone on 01252 370073, or in person at the Visitor Centre reception.
We do advise that you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Boat trips
Page contents
- Public trips
- Mothers Day and Autumn Colours trips
- Cream Tea Cruises
- Charter hire
- Santa Cruises
- Useful information
- How to book
The best way to explore the Basingstoke Canal is on Rosebud, a charming 23-foot-long covered narrow boat.
Times and prices
Public trips
Return trips run for 55 minutes at 12.00pm, 1.30pm and 3.00pm and leave from the Canal Centre in Mytchett to Greatbottom Flash. They are available at weekends from April to September. During Easter, May half term and throughout the summer school holidays boat trips run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
| Adult/Child/Group | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult | 拢6.50 |
| Child (12 years and under) | 拢4 |
| Infant (1 and under) | Free |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | 拢20 |
| School/Uniform groups (per child) | 拢4 |
| Teachers/ accompanying adults | Free |
Rosebud can also be pre-booked for school trips and uniform groups.
Mothers Day and Autumn Colours trips
Return boat trip on Rosebud run from the visitor centre to either Greatbottom Flash or Deepcut. A free posy of spring flowers for every Mum is included for the Mothers Day trip.
Mothers Day trips take place on Mothering Sunday, 30 March. Autumn Colour trips take place on 27, 29, 31 October.
Greatbottom Flash return trips run for 55 minutes at 11.30am, and leave from the Canal Centre in Mytchett.
| Adult/Child/Group | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult | 拢6.50 |
| Child (12 years and under) | 拢4 |
| Infant (1 and under) | Free |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | 拢20 |
Mothers Day trips take place on Mothering Sunday, 30 March. Autumn Colour trips take place on 27, 29, 31 October.
Deepcut return trips run for 1 hour 30 minutes at 1.30pm, and leave from the Canal Centre in Mytchett.
| Adult/Child/Group | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult | 拢9 |
| Child (12 years and under) | 拢4 |
| Infant (1 and under) | Free |
| Family (2 adults and 2 children) | 拢25 |
Cream Tea Cruises
Cream tea boat trips run from the visitor centre to lock 28 where cream teas are either served on picnic tables on the lock lawn or on Rosebud in inclement weather.
Return trips run for two and half hours, depart at 1.30pm from the Canal Centre in Mytchett to lock 28, Deepcut.
Trips run weekly on Thursdays from 5th June to 25th September.
Cost is 拢15 per person, maximum 10 people.
Cream Tea cruises must be booked in advance by 1pm the day before.
Charter hire
Rosebud is also available for private ‘charter’ hire. Each trip will have a qualified skipper and crew member on board. Trips depart from and return to the Canal Centre in Mytchett any time between 10am and 8pm (latest return time). All trips are subject to the availability of the boat, skipper and crew member.
| Type of hire | Cost |
|---|---|
| Day hire | 拢60 for first hour, 拢50 for each additional hour |
| Evening hire (from 5pm onwards) | 拢80 for first hour, 拢60 for each additional hour |
Santa Cruise boat trips
Take the ‘Rosebud’ trip boat on a short journey to Santa’s woodland grotto during December when we run the hugely popular Santa Cruises. Tickets for this event go on sale at the end of September.
Useful Information
- We advise that you book your boat trip in advance to avoid disappointment
- Boat trips are subject to weather conditions as well as water levels on the canal. These may change at short notice
- You must be able to get in and out of the boat without any assistance from the crew members. There are handrails either side of the steps
- Please turn up 10 minutes before your trip is due to start and check in at the Canal Visitor Centre reception
- Please note that all boat trips are non-refundable unless the Canal Centre have had to cancel in which case a full refund will be offered
How to book
Boat trips can be booked in advance over the phone on 01252 370073, or in person at the Visitor Centre reception.
We do advise that you book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Campsite
Page contents
Get away from it all on a camping trip! Our large campsite surrounded by woodlands and next to the canal offers a peaceful retreat. Tents, caravans and mobile homes are all welcome.
Opening Times
The campsite is open from Easter to the end of September. If the weather is fine the season may be extended.
Please arrive between 12.30pm to 4.30pm, an depart by 12 noon. Please contact the office should you want check the feasibility of arriving either before 12.30pm or after 4pm.
Prices
Charges per tent or vehicle
Tent size or caravan, motorhome, or trailer | Charge per night |
|---|---|
| 1 to 3 berth tent | 拢9 |
| 4 to 6 berth tent | 拢10 |
| 7 plus berth tent | 拢12 |
| Caravan, motorhome, or trailer | 拢12 |
| Caravan rallies | 拢13 |
Charges per person
| Adult or child | Charge per person per night |
|---|---|
| Adult | 拢6 |
| Children 6 to 12 years | 拢3 |
| Children under 6 years old | Free |
Please note
- A 拢15 refundable security deposit is required at the time of booking
- The first night (first two nights on a bank holiday) is non-refundable. Any cancellations within seven days of arrival will result in the full loss of payment
- All bookings for early or late season weekends needs to be made and paid for by 3pm on Friday
- Minimum booking of two nights for Bank Holidays weekends
How to book
To check availability and for further details please phone 01252 370073 or email canal.centre@surreycc.gov.uk.
The visitor centre and campsite reception is open daily during the school holidays from 10.00am to 4.45pm.
Campsite welcome pack
Below are some guidelines and helpful tips for a safe and successful stay at our campsite.
Map of campsite
You can download a map of the campsite (PDF) here.
- Toilets and showers, including an accessible toilet located in the visitor centre
- 4 compostable toilets, including an accessible toilet located within the campsite
- Dish washing area
- Water points
- Waste disposal
- Token-operated power-point to power your hairdryer*
- Mobile charging*
- Ice pack freezing*
- There is no electric hook-up but quiet generators are permitted for use from 9am to 9pm.
*Charges apply. Electric tokens cost 30p, mobile phones cost 拢1 per item, ice packs cost 20p per pack.
- All campers must be booked in and display a camping permit. Failure to do so will result in removal off site.
- All campers must vacate the campsite by 12pm on their date of departure.
- The codes and the permit are the responsibility of the hirer and shall not be passed on to anyone else.
- Visitors to campers welcome but must depart the site by 7pm.
- Antisocial behaviour will result in removal off site.
- Music must be turned down by 9pm
- No noise between 10.30pm and 8am
- Quiet generators may be used between 9am and 9pm
- Dogs must be kept on a lead and under control at all times on the campsite and around the Visitor Centre.
- All losses or damages shall be the responsibility of the camper.
- Gazebos are not to be used as accommodation.
- Sky lanterns strictly prohibited
- Please report any issues to the reception, located in the main building, during office hours.
- Payment is taken in full at the time of booking. The first night of your stay (first two nights on a bank holiday) is non-refundable. Any cancellations within 7 days of arrival will result in the full loss of payment.
- Early departures will not be refunded.
- Antisocial behaviour or allowing unauthorised access to the site, will result in a loss of the Security deposit.
Fire safety
- Please leave at least six metres between units to prevent fire spreading to neighbouring tents and caravans.
- Campfires/bonfires/disposable BBQs are not permitted. Other BBQ and cooking appliances are allowed but must be raised off the ground and at least six metres from any foliage or shrubbery.
If a fire breaks out
- Immediately raise the alarm using the fire bells located at the fire points.
- Dial: 999
- Only attempt to extinguish the fire using the fire extinguishers if safe to do so. The padlock combination is 9999.
Toilets and showers
When checking in, you will have been given codes to all toilets and showers which are located at the bottom end of the main Canal Visitor Centre building.
Bin store
When checking in, you will have been given codes to the bin store this will allow you to access general waste bins and recycling, please dispose of all your rubbish correctly before you leave the site. Please ensure bags are tied up before being placed in the skip. There are also separate glass and general recycling bins next to the skip.
Please do not dispose of hot ashes from barbeques in the skip, two metal ash bins have been provided on the site for their safe disposal.
Entrance barrier
Open from 8.30am to 5 pm. Automatically opens to allow exit after this time but you will need the code (which you will have been given on arrival) to get back on site out of hours.
Field gate
Upon arrival you will be issued with a code for the field gate (allowing access to the camping field). This gate must remain locked at all times.
For security reasons please do not pass these codes on to anyone else. To do so will result in the loss of your security deposit.
Local shops
- For groceries and basic supplies, the closest shop is the Marks and Spencer Simply Food at the BP garage on Mytchett Road (5 minute walk. Turn right out the Canal Centre entrance and go over the bridge. At the mini roundabout, turn left for the BP garage.)
- The next nearest is the co-op on Mytchett road, GU16 6ES or the Ash Vale Tesco Express, GU12 5QL.
- Larger supermarkets can be found in Farnborough (Sainsburys GU14 7GL, Asda GU14 7LT) or Aldershot (Tesco GU11 1SQ, Morrisons GU11 1NX.)
Camping supplies
The nearest local shops which sell camping supplies are:
- Decathlon (Farnborough, GU14 7LT) Telephone: 01252 518315.
- Halfords (Farnborough, GU14 8BL) Telephone: 01252 372903.
Local taxis
Rushmoor taxis. Telephone: 01252 333555.
Emergency medical care
The nearest hospital with an Accident and Emergency department is Frimley Park Hospital (turn right out of the main entrance and follow signs for Frimley). Satellite navigation users: GU16 7UJ Tel: 01276 604604.
Most non-urgent medical issues can be dealt with by NHS Direct. Call 111. They will be able to refer you to a GP, pharmacy or hospital.
Vets
For any issues relating to pets, the nearest practices are:
Grazely Vets . Telephone: 01252 544244 (GU14 6PU) Farnborough.
Kynoch Vets. Telephone: 01252 836699 (GU16 6JX) Frimley Green.
Venue hire
Hire our function room with a view! It’s available to hire for meetings, classes, talks, celebrations and more. The room is available seven days a week from 9am to 10.30pm, hire period must include set up and tidying away time.
Facilities
- Maximum capacity of 45 people
- Kitchenette with cups and saucers
- Urn and kettle
- Forty-five chairs
- Fifteen Tables
- Access to toilets in visitor centre
| Hire period | Charge |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 拢13 per hour |
| Evenings (after 5pm), weekends and school holidays | 拢16 per hour |
How to book
To check availability and for further details please phone 01252 370073 or email canal.centre@surreycc.gov.uk.
Accessibility
- Two accessible car parking spaces
- Two accessible toilets located in the visitor centre
- Four compostable toilets, including an accessible toilet located within the campsite
- This car park has marked car parking spaces
- Accessible picnic table
- Refreshments can be found on site at the Canal caf茅, refer to Canal caf茅 facebook page for opening times
- Ramp located at entrance to visitor centre
- Paths around the visitor centre are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
- The towpath varies in width between one metre to two metres wide and can be muddy during the wetter seasons. Part of the towpath has a hard surface suitable for wheelchair use
- a charity, based at Colt Hill Wharf in Odiham offers day trips and longer holiday cruises on two specially-equipped boats
- The nearest accessible trail is located at Basingstoke Canal Towpath and Lakeside Nature Reserve
Contact Us
中国P站 and Hampshire County Council are joint landowners of the Basingstoke Canal, with the Basingstoke Canal Authority (BCA) managing operations on the canal on behalf of both councils. Six local, borough and district Councils (Hart, Rushmoor, Guildford, 中国P站 Heath, Woking and Runnymede) also make important contributions to the BCA. All partners work together as the Basingstoke Canal Joint Management Committee.
To contact us, please use one of the options below:
Email: canal.centre@surreycc.gov.uk
Phone: 01252 370073
Send us any photos you take that you're happy to share on social media, tag @BasingstokeCanal and @Explore中国P站UK
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