Please Support Tooley’s Boatyard
Help keep a working piece of canal history alive
For nearly 250 years, Tooley’s Boatyard has been part of Banbury’s story.
Since the Oxford Canal arrived in 1778, boats have been repaired here, traditional canal skills have been passed on, and the life of the waterways has continued in daily practice.
Today, Tooley’s is one of the longest continuously working boatyards on Britain’s inland waterways. It is not a museum — it is a living place where heritage is kept alive through use, learning and community.
Keeping a place like this alive takes care, skills and support.
If Tooley’s matters to you, there are several simple ways to help.
Become a Friend of Tooley’s
Help sustain the boatyard for the future
Friends of Tooley’s are people who support the boatyard with a regular donation, helping ensure that this historic working site continues to thrive.
Your support helps us to:
- care for historic boats and the dry dock
- pass on endangered canal skills to new generations
- welcome visitors, schools and volunteers
- share Banbury’s canal story
- plan confidently for the future
Suggested monthly gifts
Friend – £5 per month
Supporting Friend – £10 per month
Patron Friend – £25 per month or more
Every Friend makes a difference, whatever level feels right for you.
👉 Become a Friend of Tooley’s
(Gift Aid available for UK taxpayers.)
Make a One-Off Donation
If you would prefer to make a one-off donation, we would be extremely grateful.
Every contribution helps us care for this historic boatyard and support the work that happens here every day.👉 Make a Donation
Stay Connected
If you would simply like to follow what’s happening at Tooley’s, you can join our mailing list.
We send occasional updates about:
- events and open days
- historic boat restoration
- canal heritage and local history
- progress towards Banbury’s 250th canal anniversary in 2028
👉 Join our mailing list
We promise thoughtful updates, not too many emails, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Looking Ahead
In 2028, Banbury will mark 250 years since the Oxford Canal arrived and transformed the town.
As we build towards this milestone, Tooley’s is working to:
- conserve living canal heritage
- restore historic boats
- train the next generation in endangered canal crafts
- bring people together to celebrate Banbury’s canal story
Your support helps ensure that this extraordinary place remains alive and working for the next generation.
Thank You
Whether you become a Friend, make a donation, or simply stay in touch, your interest and support mean a great deal. Together we can ensure that
Tooley’s Boatyard continues to be part of Banbury’s story for the next 250 years.