The iconic Lune Aqueduct in Lancaster, Lancashire, is now fully open to the public after a series of multi‑million‑pound projects to conserve the structure and improve local towpaths. This stone aqueduct, which carries the canal roughly 16 metres above the River Lune, has become a central part of the city’s plans to boost tourism and active travel.
A £2.4 million restoration of the aqueduct was completed in March 2012 with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and partner organisations; the Canal & River Trust now manages the site. More recently, a separate £1.1 million project to upgrade sections of the Lancaster Canal towpath was completed in January 2025, improving surfacing and accessibility on parts of the Towpath Trail.
The towpath improvements have delivered hard‑wearing, all‑weather surfaces on parts of the Lancaster Canal towpath, improving routes for walkers and cyclists along the Towpath Trail and strengthening links to attractions such as the Lune Aqueduct. The Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership says the better access will help the site become a more popular destination for visitors moving between Kendal, Lancaster and the wider region.
Boaters were also able to use the Lancaster Canal again after a separate £1.6 million emergency repair at Hollowforth Aqueduct, with work completed in March 2025 to repair the breach and reinstate navigation. Canal & River Trust and local partners say the repairs, which included a clay liner and embankment reconstruction, were designed to protect the waterway for the long term.
The Lune Aqueduct is a Grade I listed structure on the National Heritage List for England (Historic England), recognised for its age and engineering significance. Local partners continue to consult on the next steps for the area; proposals under discussion by the Lancaster Canal Regeneration Partnership include options for a permanent visitor centre and a café to support visitors and the local community.
