Quick guide and location map
Enjoy lovely views along this pretty canal that starts near New Haw in Surrey, where it flows into the River Wey Navigation and, in the other direction, continues for 32 miles (51.4 kilometres), up to the collapsed tunnel in Greywell in Hampshire. You can choose to walk any section of the canal of a distance that suits you or you can cycle or explore by boat. Watch for the varied wildlife, have fun in canoes or kayaks or on pedalos, or buy a fishing permit and savour the peace and quiet as you fish.
Surrey County Council run the Canal Visitor Centre. Further information is available for Campsite bookings, boat trips, hire and charter. All bookings can be made by phoning 01252 370073 or emailing canal.centre@surreycc.gov.uk.
Management of the rest of the canal is in partnership with Hampshire County Council through our joint delivery body the Basingstoke Canal Authority (BCA). For all issues regarding canal maintenance, use of the waterway by your own boat, canoe or kayak, and for angling on the Canal please visit the BCA website.
Quick guide
- Address and references: Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett Surrey GU16 6DD
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Ordnance Survey (OS) map reference: SU893549 - Contact: 01252 370073 or email: canal.centre@surreycc.gov.uk
- Type of site: canal
- Accessibility: accessible toilets in the car park, towpath is wheelchair and buggy accessible except for in wet weather and accessible boat trips available as well
- Facilities: Visitor Centre at Mytchett, café, toilets, large free car park
- Nature to discover: fish, amphibians, dragonflies, kingfishers and other birds, butterflies and much more
- Size: 32 miles long (51.4 kilometres)
Location map
On the map below, use the plus symbol to zoom in to see the locations of the site's facilities, including the café, toilets and car parks. Zoom out using the minus symbol to view where the site is situated in Surrey, and to find other countryside sites nearby. The home symbol resets the map to the default setting.
The Basingstoke Canal has a Visitor Centre with a café, located at What3Words reference: ///common.traded.tops, and the toilets at What3Words reference: ///nuns.vocab.codes.
It also has a canal path on the opposite bank to the Visitor Centre and a footpath leading along from the car park into the woods.
The car park is at Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett Surrey GU16 6DD.
Site details
Canal Visitor Centre
The 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.
Opening times
April to September
- Tuesday to Friday: 10.30am to 4.45pm
- Saturday, Sundays and school holidays: 10am to 4.45pm
- Closed on Mondays except bank holidays and school holidays
October to March
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10.30am to 4pm
- Friday: 10.30am to 3.45pm
- Closed at weekends
About the canal
The Basingstoke Canal opened in 1794 and was the first canal to be built in England for the transportation of agricultural goods. Its purpose was to carry farm produce and other local products between south east England and London as cheaply as possible. It closed in 1932 and was purchased in the mid-1970s by both ourselves, Surrey County Council, and Hampshire County Council to save it from becoming derelict.
Nowadays, the canal is enjoyed by millions of visitors for a number of different activities, including walking, cycling, fishing, boating and camping to name a few.
The Basingstoke Canal has a number of pubs and train stations along the current 32 miles that are open, so you can plan a long walk or a shorter stroll to suit your preferences. Whatever stretch of the canal you chose to explore, you will enjoy beautiful and peaceful surroundings with much to discover including the abundant wildlife. Different parts of the canal hold their own surprises such as the series of locks in the Surrey part of the canal, the lakes and ponds near Mytchett or the rolling fields and picturesque cottages near Odiham.
The Share the Space 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.
What you can do here
- Take scenic walks of any length from a gentle stroll to a long hike along the canal
- Explore many rural stretches of the canal where you can find peace and tranquillity by the water
- Cycle, walk or embark on an adventure by visiting the Canal Visitor Centre to hire an unpowered boat such as a canoe, sit on top kayaks, row boats and pedalos. Cyclists, please give way to walkers on the towpath
- Camp out at the Canal Centre campsite
- Visit the on-site Canal cafe
- Hire a function room in the Visitor Centre
- Children's large grass play area
- Watch the abundant wildlife
- Dog walking
What you can see here and when
- Beautiful countryside
- Scenic waterway views
- Spring bluebells along the towpath
- Summer wildflowers
- Autumn colour along the towpath
- Winter frosty scenes
- Nature to discover: fish, amphibians, dragonflies, families of ducks or, if you're lucky, you may spot the blue flash of a kingfisher, butterflies, insects and much more.
Accessibility
- There is a large car park with wheelchair access and toilets at the Canal Visitor Centre in Mytchett. There are also other car parks along the canal, but these have more of an uneven terrain
- The towpath varies in width between approx. 1 metre to 2 metres wide and can be muddy during the wetter seasons, particularly in the more rural, Hampshire half of the canal. The Surrey half of the canal is a hard sealed surface path for most of its length, suitable for wheelchair use
- There is also Accessible Boating based at Colt Hill Wharf in Odiham. This is a charity managed by volunteers who offer day trips and longer holiday cruises on two specially-equipped boats
- Multiple train stations along the length of the canal. Find out more on the canal centre website
Facilities
- Canal Visitor Centre in Mytchett with large free of charge car park and toilet facilities. Also includes campsite, play area and unpowered boat hire, such as canoes, sit on top kayaks and pedalos
- Take a trip on the canal from different locations. The 'John Pinkerton' trip boat operates from Colt Hill in Odiham, the 'Rosebud' trip boat operates from the Mytchett canal centre and you'll find 'Kitty' the trip boat in Woking town centre wharf
- Hire the function room within the Visitor Centre
- The Canal café is based at the canal centre in Mytchett serving a range of hot and cold food and a range of drinks
- Walking and cycling routes off the towpath, there is a Rambles on the Basingstoke Canal guide sold at the Canal Visitor Centre in Mytchett, or online. There is also Frimley Lodge Park just down the towpath in Frimley Green, GU16 6HY. They have three main car park areas which are free of charge
- Attractive angling locations – to fish on the canal you will need a permit. Please note there is a closed fishing season on the canal from 15 March to 15 June
- A series of guidebooks about the canal are available to buy online, or from the Canal Visitor Centre.
Boat hire
Boat hire
Pedalos, canoes, sit on top kayaks and rowing boats are available for hire at weekends from Easter to the end of September and daily during Easter, May half term and summer school holidays.
Please Note: Pedalos are currently not available to hire due to water levels in the canal being too low.
Times and prices:
Boats are available to hire from 10.15am to 3.40pm.
| Type of boat | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pedalo | £11 per half hour |
| Rowing Boat | £17 for 1 hour |
| Canoe | £16 for 1 hour |
| Double Kayak | £15 for 1 hour |
| Single Kayak | £14 for 1 hour |
Please note:
- 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
Boat trips
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.
Other boat trips
'Rosebud' is a 12-seater boat available for public trips at weekends from Easter to September. During Easter, May half term and throughout the summer school holidays boat trips run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Times and prices:
Return trips run for 55 minutes at 12.00pm, 1.30pm and 3.00pm and leave from the Canal Centre in Mytchett to Great bottom Flash.
| Adult/Child/Group | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult | £6.50 |
| Child (12 years and under) | £4.00 |
| Infant (1 and under) | Free |
| Family (Two adults and two children) | £20.00 |
| School/Uniform groups (per child) | £4.00 |
Charter hire
Our 12-seater narrowboat 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 | £60 for first hour, £50 for each additional hour |
| Evening hire (from 5pm onwards) | £80 for first hour, £60 for each additional hour |
Other boat options
For information on other boat options (John Pinkerton, Accessible Boating or Galleon Marine all running from Odiham or Kitty in Woking) please visit the Basingstoke Canal Authority Website.
How to book
Boat hire and 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 bookings
The campsite at the Canal Centre in Mytchett is open from Easter to the end of September. If the weather is fine the season may be extended.
- Arrivals 12.30pm to 4.30pm, departures by 12 noon
- We welcome tents, caravans and motorhomes
- Dogs welcome but must be kept on a lead and under control in the campsite area at all times
- No campfires, fire pits or disposable barbecues permitted on site
- BBQs and other cooking appliances raised well off the ground that do not damage the grass are allowed. Charcoal only to be used, no wood
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.
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.
Map of campsite
- Toilets and showers
- Dish washing area
- Water points
- Waste disposal
- Token-operated power-point to power your hairdryer (charge)*
- Mobile charging (charge)
- Ice pack freezing (charge)
There is no electric hook-up but quiet generators are permitted for use from 9am to 9pm.
Charges per tent or vehicle
Tent size or caravan, motorhome, or trailer | Charge per night |
|---|---|
1 to 3 berth tent | £9 |
| 4 to 6 berth tent | £10 |
| 7 plus berth tent | £12 |
| Caravan, motorhome, or trailer | £12 |
| Caravan rallies | £13 |
Charges per person
| Adult or child | Charge per person per night |
|---|---|
| Adult | £6 |
| Children 6 to 12 years | £3 |
| Children under 6 years old | Free |
Please note:
- A £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
- 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.
Refreshments
- There is a tea room next to the Visitor Centre, please enquire about opening times.
- Within the Visitor Centre you'll discover a small selection of refreshments and a vending machine. There is also a gift shop with a selection of gifts, from pocket money toys to books about the canal.
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
There is a large function room at the canal Visitor Centre with a maximum capacity of 45 people, 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.
| Hire period | Charge |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | £13 per hour |
| Evenings (after 5pm), weekends and school holidays | £16 per hour |
How to book
To check availability and for further details please phone 01252 370073 or email canal.centre@surreycc.gov.uk.
Events and activities
A wide range of events and activities take place on Surrey's countryside estate, visit our What's On web page for further details.
Cream Tea Cruises
What better way to take in the sights of the canal than on a cream tea cruise! Enjoy a 2.5 hour cruise followed by a cream tea on picnic tables on the lock lawn back at the canal visitor centre.
- Date: Thursday afternoons from the beginning of June to September
- Place: Check in at Canal Visitor Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, Surrey GU16 6DD
- Time: 1.30pm for a 2.5 hour round trip to Deepcut
- Cost: £15 per person
Booking in advance is essential please phone 01252 370073 or email canal.centre@surreycc.gov.uk. Please note the maximum number for each cruise is 10.
Schools and groups
We are delighted to welcome school and community groups to the Basingstoke Canal. We offer a selection of self-led activities.
For all school and group enquiries please contact the Visitor Services Officer at canal.centre@surreycc.gov.uk or on 01252 370073.
Activity Trails/Nature walk
Take a stroll along the canal towpath looking our for and identifying the many birds, animals, insects and plants. The canal has a protected dragonfly and damselfly population.
- Date: Anytime
- Place: Start from Canal Visitor Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, Surrey GU16 6DD
- Time: This activity is self-led and can be enjoyed at any time
- Cost: £4.00
Pond dipping
- Date: Anytime
- Place: Start from Canal Visitor Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, Surrey GU16 6DD
- Time: This activity is self-led and can be enjoyed at any time
- Cost: £30.00
Minibeast hunt
- Date: Anytime
- Place: Start from Canal Visitor Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett, Surrey GU16 6DD
- Time: This activity is self-led and can be enjoyed at any time
- Cost: £10.00
Latest news
Changes to the Basingstoke Canal Authority and Canal Centre
Surrey County Council (SCC) and Hampshire County Council (HCC) are joint landowners of the Basingstoke Canal, with the Basingstoke Canal Authority (BCA) managing operations on the canal on behalf of both councils. A number of Borough, District, Town and Parish Councils that have the canal running through their areas (known as 'riparian authorities') also make important contributions to the BCA.
Over recent years, decreases in funding coupled with rising costs have made it harder and harder for the BCA to present a balanced budget. Both HCC and SCC recognise the importance of the canal and the significant recreational and health and wellbeing benefits it offers, and are proposing to make changes that will help make the BCA more effective in its decision-making abilities and more financially resilient to help protect it into the future.
SCC took on direct responsibility for the Canal Centre from 1 April 2024 and will be reviewing ways to make it operate more efficiently, but there is a strong focus on continuing to provide the services that residents and visitors value. The vast majority of residents and visitors will notice very little difference and will be able to continue enjoying the canal itself and Visitor Centre facilities as they always have done.
Staff who are involved with critical functions and navigation of the canal will be unaffected and will continue working for the BCA under their contract with HCC.
Site management, contact and designations
Site management
Surrey County Council (SCC) and Hampshire County Council (HCC) 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, Surrey Heath, Woking and Runnymede) that have the canal running through their areas (known as 'riparian authorities') also make important contributions to the BCA. All partners work together as the Basingstoke Canal Joint Management Committee.
The Canal is managed by the Basingstoke Canal Authority (BCA), that was set up in 1992 to manage the canal on behalf of Surrey and Hampshire County Councils. The BCA responsibilities are on critical functions, such as ensuring the canal remains safe, maintaining navigation, and conserving nature. The BCA has no legal or corporate identity itself and its staff are employed by Hampshire County Council and are governed by their policies.
From 1 April 2024 Surrey County Council took on the Canal Visitor Centre and the Visitor Services functions and staff.
Contact
Send us any photos you take that you're happy to share on social media, tag @ExploreSurreyUK
If you need to contact us about any issues on the Basingstoke Canal:
- Telephone: 01252 370073
- Email: canal.centre@surreycc.gov.uk
- Write to us at: Basingstoke Canal Centre, Mytchett Place Road, Mytchett Surrey GU16 6DD.
Environmental designations of the Basingstoke Canal and what they mean
The canal is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its water-based vegetation and its dragonfly and damselfly populations.