Chesterfield Canal
The Chesterfield Canal is an oasis of calm, a beautiful waterway and its surrounding countryside within minutes of the hustle and bustle of supermarkets and the busy town of Chesterfield. It was built more than 200 years ago.
We have five miles from Chesterfield to Staveley that is open for boating and then another nine miles in need of restoration. You can visit Chesterfield Borough Council's (opens in a new window) website for news about the exciting new waterside development. For more information about the history and restoration of the canal have a look at the Chesterfield Canal Trust's (opens in a new window) website. You'll also find information here about Hollingwood Hub (opens in a new window), the Chesterfield Canal Trust's new home.
The canal tow-path is multi-user so whether you are walking, cycling, have a pram or a wheelchair you can enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Look out for the elusive water vole or the brilliant blue flash as a kingfisher darts past.
Towpath and trail works
We are working to improve the towpath along the Chesterfield Canal over the next three months. Wherever possible we will keep the towpath open and a banksman will guide you through the works if necessary. We are aiming for minimum disruption and diversions will be well signposted along the route. Please download the latest news from the related documents below.
Contact
Tapton Lock Visitor Centre
Tel: 01246 551035)
Boat trips
On summer Sundays and Bank Holidays you can enjoy a trip on the John Varley - the Chesterfield Canal Trust (opens in a new window) trip boat. The Canal Trust also run special Santa trips in December.
Boating
You can buy a license from Tapton Lock Visitor Centre which allows you to launch your own boat on the Chesterfield canal.
Several local groups use the canal to coach children and young adults in the handling of canoes and water safety.
Trailer boats can also use the canal and there have been several boating festivals held here.
See the license terms and conditions and application forms in the related documents.
Fishing
You can enjoy fishing on the canal wherever you find a built fishing platform.
For information on where to fish and to buy a permit call in at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, or see the bailiff from the Barrow Hill Memorial Angling Club at the bank side.
Facilities available
- Footpath
- Bridleway/Horseriding trail
- Picnic area
- Woodland with public access
- Wildlife area
- Museum
- Light refreshments
- Parking
- Toilets
- Easy access for all
- On-site information
- Camping/Caravan site
- Children's play area
- Gardens
- Nature trail
- Events area
- Cycle path
Contact details
- Address
- Unknown
- Telephone
- Call Derbyshire 08 456 058 058
- coutrysideservice@derbyshire.gov.uk
Related documents
The following document is in Portable Document Format (PDF). You can download the PDF software for free from the Adobe website (opens in a new window)
The following documents are in Word format. You can download the Word software for free from the Word viewer page (opens in a new window) of the Microsoft website.
The following documents are in Excel format. You can download the Excel software for free from the Excel viewer page (opens in a new window) of the Microsoft website.
- Summary - Code of Practice for boaters (38KB)
- Boat Licence Fees (167KB)
- Pleasure boats licence conditions (34KB)
- Pleasure boats application form (79KB)
- Pleasure boats explanatory notes (26KB)
- Portable boats licence conditions (45KB)
- Portable boats application form (79KB)
- Portable boats licence - explanatory notes (29KB)
- Group licence conditions (48KB)
- Group application (76KB)
- Group licence - explanatory notes (38KB)
- Trans Pennine Trail closures and diversions in north east Derbyshire (18KB)