Canals are an often overlooked – yet deeply significant – part of the cultural landscape. They pass through urban sprawl and peaceful countryside, providing an opportunity to pause, reflect and embrace the unhurried rhythms of life. Once bustling arteries that connected industrial towns and cities during their commercial peak, canals worldwide have undergone a remarkable transformation. From the historic waterways of Britain to the serene canals of France, the dynamic network of the Netherlands and even urban marvels like New York’s Erie Canal, they now serve as sanctuaries for those seeking to slow down and enjoy a few moments of calm.
Renaissance for the waterways
Two centuries ago, Britain alone boasted nearly 4,000 miles of canals, which were vital for commerce during the Industrial Revolution. While the network fell into decline in the mid-20th century, parts of it have since experienced a renaissance, much like other notable waterways globally. France’s Canal du Midi, a Unesco World Heritage Site, now attracts leisure boaters and tourists seeking its blend of natural beauty and historic engineering, while the Netherlands’ intricate canal system, from Amsterdam’s iconic waterways to its lesser-known countryside routes, exemplifies how canals seamlessly integrate into modern life while retaining historical significance. Meanwhile, New York’s Erie Canal, which once revolutionised trade, now draws recreational users and cultural explorers eager to connect with its past. Across the world, these revitalised waterways have taken on new identities. Once utilitarian passageways, they now offer a blend of heritage and nature and have become sources of solace, inspiration and adventure.
And you don’t need to hop aboard a narrowboat to experience their benefits – simply being near a canal or, indeed, any body of water, can bring a profound sense of peace. Blue spaces – environments dominated by water, such as oceans, rivers, lakes and canals – are increasingly recognised for their role in bolstering wellbeing. Theories like attention restoration and stress recovery explain why. The former suggests that natural environments help refresh our mental energy, while the latter refers to the power of these spaces to lower stress and promote relaxation.
‘Canals are environments that appeal to all the senses,’ explains Piran White, professor of environmental management at the University of York in the UK. ‘The constant movement of water, its light reflections and soothing sounds, provide a calming influence. Immersing yourself in such surroundings can be deeply comforting.’
Stop and stare
One of the simplest joys of canal life is gongoozling, an old English term that refers to the act of observing life on the waterways. The word, thought to have originated in the 19th century from Lincolnshire dialect, captures the quiet magic of watching boats glide by, locks open and close and wildlife go about its day.
Studies have shown that even brief visits to canalsides can support mental and physical wellbeing, lowering stress levels and enhancing mood. Melissa Marselle, a lecturer in environmental psychology at the University of Surrey in the UK, adds that they’re ideal environments for relaxation, offering fascinating elements such as moving water, waterfowl and the gentle sounds of nature. ‘They foster a sense of being away from it all,’ she says. ‘In research comparing group walks along canals versus urban public spaces, we found significantly less perceived stress and negative emotions among participants who walked canals.’
Escape from the everyday
Chef Gareth Stevenson, who earned Wales’s first Michelin Green Star and now heads up renowned restaurant Tyddyn Llan in Llandrillo, North Wales, is one of the many people who finds canalsides immeasurably relaxing. Outside his long shifts in a busy kitchen, he enjoys nothing more than visiting Pontcysyllte Aqueduct – which carries the Llangollen canal across the River Dee – with his wife, two sons and the family dog.
‘Canals are the polar opposite of my work life – they’re slow, steady and undemanding, which couldn’t be further from a high-pressure kitchen environment,’ says Gareth. ‘I love that Wales’s history is right on my doorstep, and it’s something that I can share with my boys. The canals may move slowly, but there’s always something new to see, and I think that’s something worth cherishing.’
William Price, a headteacher from Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire, England, shares a similar sentiment: ‘The Midlands are often considered the heartland of the Industrial Revolution, so we’re lucky to have plenty of canals to enjoy. The Ashby Canal, in particular, has been undergoing restoration for the past 25 years, largely thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers. Progress is slow and steady, which I guess suits canal life perfectly. I take my daughter there as often as I can, and she loves it just as much as I do.’
Universal appeal
These reflections highlight the deep connection people have with canals as places of respite and reflection. They also give an insight into the renewed appreciation of gongoozling, as people are drawn to the tranquil charm of these waterways. Canals such as the Canal de Bourgogne, for example, in east-central France, attract not only boaters, but also those who enjoy strolling or cycling along the towpaths, watching the gentle passage of barges.
Similarly, Amsterdam’s canals, once neglected and in disrepair, have been revitalised as vibrant cultural landmarks and social hubs for residents and tourists alike. A 20-year, €2.5billion restoration project is under way to rebuild miles of deteriorating walls, underscoring their cultural and economic significance, while in the Dutch countryside, the sight of traditional windmills reflected in still waters enhances the charm of gongoozling. And the reimagining of New York’s Erie Canal as a recreational and cultural resource has brought communities closer to nature, creating shared spaces for reflection and connection.
Connection to the past
While many canals might seem like natural parts of their landscapes, it should be remembered that they are feats of human ingenuity. Today, they serve as reminders of the industrial past, blending natural beauty with historical significance. This dual appeal is reflected in the communities that form around canals, from Amsterdam’s houseboats and floating gardens to the creative enterprises flourishing along the waterways of Britain and France.
‘People feel strong connections to heritage, just as they do to nature,’ says Piran. ‘Seeing natural and built features together fosters a deeper appreciation for both.’ Timothy Betton, an artist living aboard a narrowboat in London, echoes this perspective: ‘Water is a focus of my artistic work – the permanence and impermanence. Living on the water means I have direct inspiration and interaction with it.’
Power of connection
Studies show that engaging with natural spaces can foster connections with others and encourage environmentally friendly behaviour. Kayleigh Wyles, associate professor in environmental psychology at the University of Plymouth in the UK, notes that the more people engage with these spaces, the stronger their benefits. ‘Spending time in nature supports mental and physical health, community relations and even encourages environmental stewardship,’ she says.
So, whether you’re sauntering along the towpaths of a British canal, sipping coffee at a canalside café in France, or observing the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam’s waterways, canals provide an invitation to slow down. They offer the opportunity to pause, notice the beauty in the mundane and to connect with something timeless. Embracing these spaces brings inspiration and solace, but also a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve them for generations to come.
Gongoozling tips
Do…
- Enjoy the view. Take in the serene surroundings. Relax, enjoy the moment and immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere.
- Take photos (but don’t block the view). Capture the beauty, but be considerate of others who are there to enjoy it, too.
- Be friendly. If you see someone else walking along the canal, a friendly smile or a wave goes a long way. Gongoozlers tend to be a welcoming bunch.
- Respect nature. The ducks, swans and occasional heron will appreciate your quiet observation as they go about their business.
- Take care. Canal paths might be slippy underfoot in winter, and the locks and lock gates can be dangerous.
- Pack a snack. Nothing says ‘perfect gongoozling’ like a thermos of tea and a few biscuits, but don’t make a mess. Leave footprints, not wrappers.
Don’t…
- Litter. This goes without saying. It’s harmful to wildlife, and no one wants to see trash in a pretty spot.
- Make a splash (literally). Don’t throw things in the water, including pebbles and dropped branches. The canals are meant to be enjoyed, not disturbed.
- Ignore boat traffic. Make sure to keep clear of boats. It’s not just good manners – it’s a matter of safety.
- Use bread to feed the birds. Bread can seriously harm swans and ducks. If you want to feed them, stick to grains like oats or seeds, or frozen peas (defrosted first). If they show no interest, stop feeding them, as any leftovers will rot and attract bugs. And don’t place birdfeed on the ground as it, too, might become contaminated and attract parasites.
- Get overfriendly with larger waterfowl. Geese and swans look and are wonderful, but they can become aggressive.