Bingley Five Rise Locks
1 / 10

Bingley Five Rise Locks

4.8
·214 reviews·, United Kingdom

Witness the steepest staircase locks in Britain, a marvel of Georgian engineering on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. A must-see for history and nature lo...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Bingley Five Rise Locks

Bingley Five Rise Locks

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness the steepest staircase locks in Britain, a marvel of Georgian engineering on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. A must-see for history and nature lovers.

4.8
(214 reviews)

"An amazing piece of more than 250 year old engineering. So are the views, it's a great walk."

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Cafe with a View

Grab a coffee and sandwich at the cafe at the top of the locks for great views and reasonable prices.

🚶‍♀️ Explore by Foot

Take a walk from Saltaire or Shipley to enjoy the canal and reach the locks. Great for exercise!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Steepest Staircase Locks

The Steepest Staircase Locks

Bingley, West Yorkshire

Witness the incredible feat of Georgian engineering at the steepest staircase locks in Britain, a true wonder of the waterways.

TikTokInstagram
Canal Towpath Walks

Canal Towpath Walks

Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Enjoy scenic walks along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, taking in the historic locks and picturesque Yorkshire landscape.

Instagram+1
The Three Rise Locks

The Three Rise Locks

Adjacent to Five Rise Locks

Explore the equally impressive Three Rise Locks, a smaller but still significant part of this historic canal system.

Instagram
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Avoid Crowds

The Bingley Five Rise Locks are a popular spot, especially on weekends and during summer. To experience the locks with fewer people, aim for weekdays or early mornings. Watching a boat navigate the steepest staircase locks in the UK is mesmerizing, but crowds can detract from the experience. Reddit

Accessibility and Mobility Considerations

While the towpath offers lovely views, the area around the Bingley Five Rise Locks can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Visitors with mobility issues might find it challenging. Consider bringing a scooter or sticking to the flatter sections of the canal path. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring/Early Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather for walks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Steepest Canal Locks in the UK! The Bingley Five Rise locks are 250 years old today. #bingley #bingleyfiverise #fiveriselocks #leedsliverpoolcanal #canal
@foxesafloat
1.9K likes • 123.1K views

☕ Cafe with a View

Grab a coffee and sandwich at the cafe at the top of the locks for great views and reasonable prices. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore by Foot

Take a walk from Saltaire or Shipley to enjoy the canal and reach the locks. Great for exercise! Instagram+1

Come with us to Bingley Five Rise Locks, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’ - in Bradford, magic really is in the water 🪄 We’re exploring amazing locations across Bradford District in the lead up to RISE, Bradford 2025’s spectacular opening event on Fri 10 and Sat 11 Jan - bringing a little bit of magic to some unexpected and extraordinary places ✨   🔗 Book tickets for RISE now at the lin...
@bradford2025
388 likes • 10.7K views
Bingley five rise and three rise locks. Canal towpath walk. #daysoutyorkshire #canalandrivertrust #fiveriselocks #beoutdoors
yorkshiredays
1 likes • 154 views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capturing all five locks in one shot can be tricky, but the views are stunning. Drone shots offer a unique perspective. InstagramReddit

🚤 Boat Watching

Watching narrowboats navigate the locks is mesmerizing, especially for kids. TikTokReddit

📍 Bingley five rise locks - West Yorkshire Lovely walk around here today, opened in 1774 and is the steepest staircase lock in the country! ☕️ Cafe at the top with food and ice creams ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ #bingleyfiveriselocks #westyorkshire #your_outdooradventures #your_yorkshire #djiphotography #djidrone #your_best_shots #your_britain #uk_0utdoors #visityorkshire #exploreyorkshire #uklandscape #bingle...
_amy.newman
0 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Cafe with a View

Grab a coffee and sandwich at the cafe at the top of the locks for great views and reasonable prices. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore by Foot

Take a walk from Saltaire or Shipley to enjoy the canal and reach the locks. Great for exercise! Instagram+1

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capturing all five locks in one shot can be tricky, but the views are stunning. Drone shots offer a unique perspective. InstagramReddit

🚤 Boat Watching

Watching narrowboats navigate the locks is mesmerizing, especially for kids. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(214 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Bingley Five Rise Locks as an amazing piece of historical engineering and a beautiful spot for a walk. The friendly lock keepers and the scenic canal setting are frequently highlighted as positives. Some find it challenging to photograph the entire lock system, and those with mobility issues should be aware of the steep terrain.

"I should really visit more with this being right on our doorstep. Took my son down today to have him walk over the bridges on the 5 rise and we ended up watching a barge come up. He was so mesmerised by it. The three lock keepers on today were really nice and let him help open some of the locks by pushing which really made his day. They were so helpful and great with him.
Lovely clean area and well looked after. Great for anyone to enjoy."

Caroline Ellerton

"A lovely walk up past the five locks.

This used to be the highway to Liverpool on river boats & barges.

A must for all walkers on a beautiful day wander up past the Victorian Engineering of the Five Locks.

There is a wicked little coffee shop at the top of the Locks we had to pop in and grad a sandwich and Tea, This was very reasonable for £9.00

A must if you like to de tune from the modern life and want a slower pace."

Tahir Anwar

"An amazing piece of more than 250 year old engineering. We've gone up and down in our boat, which is still terrifying with the depth of them but the works are amazing. So are the views, it's a great walk. The cafe is also great."

Marjory Jager

What People Like

Impressive engineering
Scenic canal walks
Friendly lock keepers

What People Dislike

Difficult to photograph
Steep and slippery terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The locks are easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. You can also reach them via public transport, with train stations in Bingley and Saltaire. Many visitors enjoy walking along the canal towpath from nearby towns like Saltaire or Shipley. Instagram+1

Yes, there is parking available close to the locks. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Absolutely! Walking along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal towpath is a popular way to visit. You can start from Saltaire or Shipley for a scenic stroll. Instagram+3

The best way depends on your preference. For a scenic journey, walking or cycling the canal towpath is ideal. For convenience, driving or taking a train to Bingley station are good options. Instagram

While you can see boats navigating the locks, dedicated boat tours that go through the Five Rise Locks are not commonly advertised. It's more common to see private narrowboats or barges. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Bingley Five Rise Locks area is free. You can explore the locks and the surrounding towpath without purchasing a ticket. Instagram

The locks themselves operate according to canal traffic schedules. The surrounding towpath and cafe are generally accessible during daylight hours, though specific cafe hours may vary. Reddit

There is no admission fee to visit and explore the Bingley Five Rise Locks. It's a public area managed by the Canal and River Trust. Instagram

Boat traffic can vary. Weekends and peak season months might see more activity, but weekdays can offer a more relaxed viewing experience. Check with the Canal and River Trust for any specific schedules. Reddit

No booking is required for general visits. You can simply turn up and explore. If you are planning a boat passage, you would need to adhere to the Canal and River Trust's regulations and timetables. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can watch boats navigate the impressive staircase locks, enjoy scenic walks along the canal, visit the cafe at the top, and learn about the history of this engineering marvel. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

Yes, children are often fascinated by watching the boats and the mechanics of the locks. Some lock keepers have even allowed children to help with minor operations. TikTokReddit

Bingley Five Rise Locks are identified as one of the 'Seven Wonders of the Waterways' due to their unique and impressive engineering. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, photography and videography are welcome. Drone photography can offer spectacular views, but always be mindful of local regulations and privacy. Instagram

Opened in 1774, these locks are a remarkable example of Georgian canal engineering, designed to overcome a significant elevation change on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. TikTokInstagram+2

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a cafe located at the top of the Five Rise Locks offering sandwiches, tea, and ice cream. It's a convenient spot to refuel. InstagramReddit

The cafe typically serves light meals like sandwiches, along with hot and cold drinks and ice cream. It's a good option for a casual bite. Reddit

Reviews suggest the cafe is reasonably priced, with one visitor mentioning a sandwich and tea costing around £9.00. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy by the canal. There are often benches or grassy areas suitable for picnicking. Instagram

Bingley town centre, a short walk or drive away, offers a wider range of pubs, cafes, and restaurants for more substantial meals. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The towpath offers various vantage points. For a full view of all five locks, you might need to experiment with angles or consider a drone. The surrounding canal scenery is also picturesque. InstagramReddit

Yes, capturing all five locks in a single frame can be challenging due to their sequential nature and the surrounding landscape. Reddit

Drone photography is possible and can provide stunning aerial views. However, always ensure you comply with drone regulations and respect privacy. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the locks and canal. Instagram

The steepness and sequential nature of the locks can make it hard to get a single, comprehensive shot. Reflections in the water can also be a factor, depending on the weather. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Bingley Five Rise Locks is a fantastic destination for families. Children are often captivated by watching narrowboats ascend and descend the steepest staircase locks in the UK. Some lock keepers are known to be very friendly and might even let children help with small tasks, making their visit truly memorable. TikTokReddit

While the towpath offers great views, be mindful of the steep and potentially slippery sections. Bringing a scooter or sticking to flatter areas can help. The cafe at the top provides a convenient spot for snacks and refreshments, perfect for a family outing. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

For walkers, the Bingley Five Rise Locks are a highlight of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. You can embark on scenic walks from nearby Saltaire or Shipley, enjoying the picturesque Yorkshire landscape and the historic waterway. Instagram+3

These walks offer a chance to experience the 'slower pace' of canal life and appreciate the Victorian engineering. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some sections of the towpath can be steep and slippery, especially in wet weather. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find plenty to capture at Bingley Five Rise Locks. The unique engineering of the staircase locks, the boats navigating them, and the surrounding canal scenery offer diverse photographic opportunities. Instagram+1

While capturing all five locks in a single shot can be a challenge, experimenting with different angles and times of day can yield stunning results. Drone photography is also an option for unique aerial perspectives, but always adhere to regulations. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel of Five Rise Locks

The Bingley Five Rise Locks are a testament to 18th-century canal engineering, designed by John Longbotham and opened in 1774. They represent the steepest staircase lock flight in Britain, overcoming a significant elevation change on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. This ingenious design allows boats to ascend or descend five locks in quick succession, directly one into the next, minimizing the space required. TikTokInstagram+1

This feat of engineering was crucial for the canal's success, facilitating the transport of goods between Liverpool and Leeds. Today, the locks are a Grade I listed structure and a significant historical landmark, recognized as one of the 'Seven Wonders of the Waterways'. Visitors can still witness boats navigating these historic chambers, a process that is both fascinating and a little bit terrifying, especially for those new to canal travel. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

The Canal and River Trust actively maintains these locks, ensuring their continued operation. The lock keepers play a vital role, guiding boats and ensuring the safety and efficiency of the passage. Their knowledge and kindness are often highlighted by visitors, particularly those new to canal life. Reddit

Exploring the Canal Towpath

The towpath along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal offers a delightful experience for walkers and cyclists. It provides a peaceful escape from urban life, with opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the changing scenery. Popular starting points for walks include Saltaire and Shipley, both easily accessible and offering pleasant routes to the Bingley Five Rise Locks. Instagram+3

These walks are not just about reaching the locks; they are an integral part of the experience. The gentle gradients and well-maintained paths make them suitable for most fitness levels, though some sections can be steep or slippery. The journey itself allows for a deeper appreciation of the canal's role in the region's history and its current recreational value. Reddit

Many visitors combine their visit to the locks with a longer canal walk, making a day of it. The opportunity to de-tune from modern life and embrace a slower pace is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, highlighting the restorative power of these waterside trails. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2