foxton-locks

Foxton Locks

The locks were designed by Benjamin Bevan.

Foxton Locks

Building work started on Foxton Locks in 1810 and finished in 1814.

Foxton Locks

Water in the locks is controlled by paddles - red paddles to fill the locks and white paddles to empty them.

Foxton Locks

In its heyday at busy times it could take five hours, or even longer, to get through Foxton Locks.

Foxton Locks

In 1900 the boat lift was built and the locks were allowed to fall into decline.

Foxton Locks

By the end of the 1900s the canal was in poor condition.

Foxton Locks

The development of rail transport saw a decline in canal traffic and the lift closed in 1911.

Foxton Locks

The increase of leisure traffic has seen the canals and Foxton Locks experience a new lease of life.

Foxton Locks is a fabulous family day out whatever the weather.

The whole family will enjoy a fun-packed visit to Foxton Locks, situated within a few miles of Market Harborough. Surrounded by Leicestershire’s beautiful countryside, you will experience all that this unique waterways landmark has to offer – colourful narrowboats, the famous flight of 10 locks and the new BoilerHouse virtual experiences.

The BoilerHouse

Visitors to Foxton Locks can now experience the amazing inclined plane in a remarkable new way. At The BoilerHouse you can step back in time and see in breathtaking clarity how the boats travelled in the boat lift.

Using the very latest in digital technology you will also be able to stand alongside the inclined plane and use your smart phone or tablet device and see the boat lift magically appear in front of your very eyes. To make the most of your experience at Foxton look out for the exciting new app and website and be one of the first to experience what is set to become one of the most exciting new waterway attractions in the country.

Turnover Bridge

A turnover bridge allows horses that pull boats to swap sides of the canal and follow the towpath when the path ends on one side of the canal and starts again on the opposite side of the canal.

Bronze Horse

This bronze statue recognises the important part that horses played on the canals in days gone by. Horses (and sometimes donkeys and mules) were used to pull boats along using strong ropes.

Top Lock Cottage & Stables

The Top Lock Cottage and stables are now used to serve snacks and light refreshments and picnic benches are available to sit and watch the boats start their journey through the locks.

The BoilerHouse

Step back in time and see in breathtaking clarity how the boats travelled in the boat lift. Using the very latest in digital technology you will also be able to stand alongside the inclined plane and use your smart phone or tablet device and see the boat lift magically appear in front of your very eyes.

Bridge 61

Bridge 61 is a traditional canalside pub with a variety of award-winning local beers, lunches and snacks.

Foxtons Lock Inn

Watch the boats go by while enjoying a meal overlooking the water.

Swingbridge

This bridge can be swung round to allow boats to pass through as it is too low for them to pass underneath,

Short Stay Parking

The short stay car park has a tarmac surface which may help visitors using a wheelchair. This car park is also closer to the locks and facilities on site.

Remains Of Boatlift

Look at the remains of the boatlift from the top and bottom to see the full scale of the lift system.

Viewing Platform

From this platform you get a fantastic view of the remains of the boatlift and the locks and surrounding countryside.

Side Ponds

Alongside the locks you can see the side ponds which provide reserves of water for the locks and prevent wastage. These ponds are a haven for local wildlife, including ducks, heron and water vole.

Stop Lock

These locks are a safety device used to hold back the water in the main canal if there is a leak or maintenance is required to the main locks.

Upper Arm Canal

This area of the canal is very peaceful and attracts a variety of wildlife throughout the year.

Long Stay Car Park

Park in the long stay car park and walk along the towpath down towards the locks and other facilities.

Parking at the bottom car park is FREE after 5pm every evening

Discover more at Foxton Locks

Foxton Locks is home to two amazing feats of engineering in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside.

The Grade II listed locks on the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal are over 200 years old. They demonstrate how 19th century canal engineers solved the problem of getting boats up and down a steep hill.

This impressive flight of ten locks are the longest set of staircase locks in Britain. It takes an average of 45 minutes for boats to travel the entire flight and on a busy day as many as 40 boats can make the trip. The lock keepers will be busy directing the traffic, making use of the passing pond in the middle of the flight.

Alongside the locks you can see the side ponds which provide reserves of water for the locks and prevent wastage.

These ponds are a haven for local wildlife, including ducks, heron and water vole.

To find out more about how the locks operate, make sure you pay a visit to The BoilerHouse.

Download Foxton brochure

Behind the BoilerHouse you will see the evidence of another amazing feat of engineering: A fine example of Grand Victorian industrial engineering – the inclined plane boat lift.

Designed at a time when canals were the mass transport system for England it was to help improve the capacity of the canal network. The full story is told in The BoilerHouse.

At the base of the locks is a canal-side shop and two pubs; Bridge 61 and Foxton Locks Inn.

The locks and surrounding area are open and accessible to the public all year round. The network of footpaths and towpaths provide ideal walking and cycling opportunities with a choice of many routes.

To make the most of your visit make sure you download the free Foxton Discover App - either ahead of your visit or at The BoilerHouse.