Skip to main content

Institute of Tourists Guiding

MR 04676

The Kennet and Avon Canal Illustrated Talk

Explore the The Kennet and Avon Canal - its history and its restoration, in this illustrated talk

What is the story of the Kennet and Avon Canal?

The Kennet and Avon Canal, across Southern England, is one of Britain’s premier inland waterways.

This illustrated talk explains how and why the canal came about, how it worked during its heyday, and what led to its decline.

Then we look at the vision for its  restoration and how that took place over the last four decades of the 20th century.

What will I learn about the canal?

We start in the 1720s with the River Kennet and the River Avon, and in the 1790s we build a canal linking them.

The history includes finding a route, land disputes, competition from the railways and financial issues.

The structures built then and now restored include locks, aqueducts, tunnels and numerous bridges.

The restoration started as a vision, and over 35 years turned to reality.  We also take a look at the canal today.

Talk details and schedule

Tickets for this online talk are £8 for a single viewer and £12 for two or more viewers on one screen.

For live talks, or bespoke groups online, please contact us directly.

Kennet and AvonDateTimeLengthBooking link
Online via Zoom
Monday 24th May 2021
8pm - 9pm
45 to 60 minutes
Online via Zoom
Tuesday 22nd June 2021
8pm - 9pm
45 to 60 minutes
Online via Zoom
Wednesday 30th June 2021
8pm - 9pm
45 to 60 minutes
Online via Zoom
Friday 6th August 2021
8pm - 9pm
45 to 60 minutes
Online via Zoom
Friday 20th August 2021
8pm - 9pm
45 to 60 minutes

Book securely via TicketSource

Book now

Qualifications and accreditations

  • Member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding
  • Member of the British Guild of Tourist Guides
  • Blue Badge Guide for South and South East England 2011
  • Blue Badge Guide for South West England 2014
  • Ambassador for the Great West Way
  • Member of Reading UK CIC
  • Guiding endorsement for Windsor and Eton
  • Member of the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust

Alan Copeland

Whitchurch Camera Club

Graham is a regular visitor to our meetings and his talks are always very popular. He displays a great depth of knowledge of his subject, is very professional and informative in his delivery and his talks are illustrated with superb photography.

Hilary Powley

The Friendship Club

We have enjoyed several of Graham’s talks and they have always been well presented, interesting and entertaining.

Mollie Dunning

Maidenhead Townswomen's Guild

We have had some very interesting talks from Graham. He really enjoys his subjects and passes his interest and knowledge on to his audiences. Our members certainly look forward to the meetings when Graham is giving a talk.

HF Holidays guest

Don’t think he could improve! Excellent in all respects.

Discuss your unique needs for your talk?

Contact us

Explore more talks:

Discuss your talk:

Get in touch

If you have any questions about a talk, or if you're interested in booking, then don't hesitate to get in touch.