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Address
Gumley Road,
Foxton,
Market Harborough,
Leicestershire,
LE16 7RA
Details
The BoilerHouse is Foxton Locks exciting new space. Originally, the building was home to the boiler and mechanical workings that powered the Caissons (barge containers) up and down the Inclined Plane, and now after extensive refurbishment, it shows not only how it all worked, but also brings to life what it was like to live and work on the canals and locks of the Victorian waterways.
Containing many fascinating exhibits of the time, the BoilerHouse demonstrates how tough it was to make a living showing how families survived the harsh conditions of 19th century canal life.
The BoilerHouse does much more than simply display these original artefacts, it allows you to interact with them. The centrepiece being an interactive game where the whole family can stoke the boiler to create the right conditions for the Inclined Plane to successfully operate. When you achieve the exact boiler conditions, the loaded barges make their journey up and down the Inclined Plane, all in real time. Progress is visible on large projection screens where the Inclined Plane can be seen operating in a fully recreated virtual reality world. Hearing the sounds of the boiler coming up to temperature, with dials to monitor, and the Caissons moving, this becomes a completely immersive experience.
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. Upgrade the App to give you views of a virtual reality Inclined Plane boat lift, take part in the Foxton Quest to solve an age old mystery and explore Foxton Locks site on the Discovery Trail.
If you upgrade the App you will gain discounted entry in to the BoilerHouse. Visit www.foxton-locks.co.uk to plan your visit and download the App.
Opening details
10am - 5pm every day apart from Saturday where we open at 11am
Winter
11am - 4pm weekends and selected days please call 0116 279 2657 for details
Prices
Admission to BoilerHouse: Adults £4, children £1
The Locks site is open and free to visit at all times. If you visit by car there is a small parking charge, £1.50 all day in the long stay or £2.00 for 4 hours in the short stay.
Facilities
Baby changing facilities
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Disabled toilets
Education/study area
Facilities for groups
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
On-site catering
On-site light refreshments
Picnic site
Postbox
Public toilets
Welcome Host
Accepts groups
Facilities for corporate hospitality
Children welcome
Disabled access
Dogs accepted
Self-Assessed Accessibility Details
Parking
Designated parking for guests with disabilities
Within 50 metres approx. of entrance
- The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
is solid
is gravel
Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
- The route from the parking area to the entrance:
Is flat (i.e. without steps)
Has a ramp
Food
Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift to cafeteria
Seating suitable for wheelchair users, ie moveable and good height for person sitting in a wheelchair
High chairs for children
Public Areas
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
From the entrance to reception / ticket area
To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
To the gift shop
Good contrast between the floor and walls
Baby changing facilities
General
Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
Notes
Foxton Locks has several elements to it all managed separately. The Locks are on a hill, so wheelchair users may need assistants. Wherever possible we strive to provide good access. If you have any questions please ring the Museum for advice on 0116 2792657
Location
Directions
Map reference: SP 691895 Lat: 52.49975 Long: -0.98263
Follow the brown signs from the A6-B6047 roundabout near Market Harborough. From junction 20 of M1, follow A4304 to Lubenham and turn left at brown sign.
Bus services: 44, RR2 (Rural Rider).
Parking: with charge
Accessible by Public Transport: 6.4 km from Market Harborough station