Bingley Three Rise Locks - Image 1
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Bingley Three Rise Locks

4.7
·260 reviews·, United Kingdom

Witness 18th-century engineering at Bingley Three Rise Locks, a vital part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Bingley Three Rise Locks - Image 1

Bingley Three Rise Locks

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness 18th-century engineering at Bingley Three Rise Locks, a vital part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

4.7
(260 reviews)

"A superb example of 1700s engineering with beautiful walks and sublime views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Five Rise Locks

Don't miss the short walk to the magnificent Five Rise Locks for the complete experience.

☕ Cafe with a View

Enjoy a coffee and cake at the cafe near Five Rise Locks with sublime canal views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Three Rise Lock Flight

The Three Rise Lock Flight

Bingley

Witness a spectacular 18th-century engineering feat as boats navigate this impressive three-tiered lock system.

Canal Towpath Walk

Canal Towpath Walk

Leeds and Liverpool Canal

Enjoy a serene walk along the towpath, offering beautiful countryside views and a peaceful escape.

Views of Industrial Heritage

Views of Industrial Heritage

Footbridge from Bingley

Gain a unique perspective of the canal, road, and rail, showcasing Bingley's rich industrial past.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Lock Operations

While the Bingley Three Rise Locks are a historic marvel, their operation isn't constant. To witness the impressive engineering in action, check the Canal & River Trust's schedule or aim for times when narrowboats are expected. Seeing the locks work is a highlight, so plan accordingly to avoid disappointment. Instagram

Combine with Five Rise for the Full Experience

The Three Rise Locks are often visited in conjunction with the even grander Five Rise Locks nearby. Many visitors recommend walking the short distance between them to appreciate the full scale of this 18th-century engineering feat. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
When boats are scheduled
Why
See the locks in action
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning Walks
Why
Tranquil and scenic
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Ethan Blackwell was lit for a random Tuesday night 🔥 #bradford #leedsroadbradford #carsoftiktok
@armaganotomobil
37.9K likes • 895.3K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Five Rise Locks

Don't miss the short walk to the magnificent Five Rise Locks for the complete experience. InstagramReddit

☕ Cafe with a View

Enjoy a coffee and cake at the cafe near Five Rise Locks with sublime canal views. Reddit

Too many high school musical references in this😂😂 #usa #bradford #comedy #skit #fyp
@owaisrrr
34.6K likes • 346.7K views
Our volunteers help us look after some of England and Wales’ most incredible living heritage sites. 🤝💙⏳ Meet Philippa, who volunteers at Bingley Five Rise & Three Rise Locks in #Yorkshire. Find out why she is passionate about helping boaters through this incredible jewel on our waterways. 💬👇 #Bingley250 #KeepCanalsAlive #CanalRiverTrust #BingleyFiveRiseLocks #EnglishHeritage #Bingley
canalrivertrust
349 likes • 6K views

📅 Check Lock Schedules

To see the locks working, check the Canal & River Trust for operational times. Instagram

🧥 Be Prepared for Leaks

Some older locks can be leaky; waterproof gear is recommended for a dry experience. Instagram

Bingley five rise and three rise locks. Canal towpath walk. #daysoutyorkshire #canalandrivertrust #fiveriselocks #beoutdoors
yorkshiredays
1 likes • 154 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk to Five Rise Locks

Don't miss the short walk to the magnificent Five Rise Locks for the complete experience. InstagramReddit

☕ Cafe with a View

Enjoy a coffee and cake at the cafe near Five Rise Locks with sublime canal views. Reddit

📅 Check Lock Schedules

To see the locks working, check the Canal & River Trust for operational times. Instagram

🧥 Be Prepared for Leaks

Some older locks can be leaky; waterproof gear is recommended for a dry experience. Instagram

📸 Capture the Engineering

The locks are a fantastic spot for photography, showcasing 18th-century ingenuity. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(260 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Bingley Three Rise Locks for their historical significance and the impressive engineering on display. The scenic canal towpath walks and the opportunity to see boats in action are frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects. Some note that the experience is enhanced by visiting the nearby Five Rise Locks and utilizing the local cafe. While not as grand as Five Rise, Three Rise is appreciated for its own charm and historical value.

"Lovely to visit for an early morning walk. Opened in 1774(!), the locks are easy to access from Bingley town centre where the tow path transports you into a much calmer world.
Crossing the footbridge from Bingley (past the fire station) provides a unique view of canal, road and rail, and the town’s industrial heritage, with views out to the beautiful Yorkshire countryside. It’s a short walk from the Grade II listed locks to beautiful Five Rise Locks and from there into the countryside."

John Maslen

"Wonderful place to visit for the young or old. From the Three Rise Locks, we walked a short distance to see the Five Rise Lock. We were so lucky to see all 8 locks working, it took a while for the barges or narrow boats to move up and down the locks, but well worth it. At the top of the Five Rise Locks, cross over the Leeds Liverpool Canal and you will find a delightful cafe serving some local Yorkshire cakes. Order your food and find a table (inside or out), kick off your shoes and relax and the barges pass through the beautiful and relaxing scenery of the Yorkshire countryside."

Judy C

"Not like Five Rise Lock but yeah it has it’s own beauty with Three Rise Lock. Love to walk around n enjoy the views."

UK Photo Journey

What People Like

Impressive 18th-century engineering
Scenic canal towpath walks
Watching boats navigate locks

What People Dislike

Can be leaky in older sections

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The locks are easily accessible from Bingley town centre. You can walk from the town centre, crossing the footbridge near the fire station. It's also a popular starting point for walks from Saltaire, which is a short distance away. Reddit

While direct parking at the locks might be limited, there are typically parking options in Bingley town centre. Consider public transport or walking from nearby areas like Saltaire if possible. Instagram

Yes, Bingley has good public transport links. Trains and buses serve the town, making it convenient to reach the locks. TikTok

Generally, canal towpaths are relatively flat and can be accessible, but conditions can vary. It's advisable to check specific accessibility information for the Bingley section if this is a concern. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy walking along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath. You can walk towards Saltaire or further into the countryside for scenic routes. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, visiting the Bingley Three Rise Locks and walking the towpaths is generally free. It's a public waterway and heritage site. Instagram

The locks themselves are operational when boats are transiting, and the surrounding towpaths are accessible at all times. However, to see them in action, it's best to check the Canal & River Trust's schedule. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to view or walk around the Bingley Three Rise Locks. It's a public heritage site. Instagram

While official guided tours might not be readily available, you can often find volunteer guides or information from the Canal & River Trust. Seeing the locks work is a highlight in itself. Instagram

The main consideration is to be aware of operational times if you want to see boats transiting. Always be mindful of safety around the water and lock mechanisms. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can witness the impressive engineering of the locks, walk along the scenic canal towpath, and enjoy the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. It's a great spot for photography and a peaceful stroll. InstagramReddit

Viewing the locks themselves can take about 15-30 minutes, but many visitors spend longer walking the towpath or visiting the nearby Five Rise Locks. Instagram

Yes, while Five Rise is larger, Three Rise has its own unique beauty and historical significance. Visiting both offers a comprehensive appreciation of the canal's engineering. Reddit

Along the canal, you might spot various bird species, ducks, and potentially other small wildlife. The surrounding countryside offers a richer natural environment. Reddit

Facilities are generally limited directly at the locks. However, there are cafes and shops in nearby Bingley town centre and a cafe near the Five Rise Locks. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a delightful cafe located at the top of the Five Rise Locks, offering Yorkshire cakes and refreshments with scenic views. Bingley town centre also has various dining options. Reddit

The canal towpath and surrounding areas offer pleasant spots for picnics. Enjoying a packed lunch with the canal scenery is a popular choice. Reddit

You can find traditional pub fare, cafes, and local eateries in Bingley town centre. The cafe near Five Rise Locks offers cakes and light refreshments. Reddit

Yes, many establishments in Bingley town centre offer takeaway options, which you can then enjoy by the canal. Reddit

The cafe at the top of Five Rise Locks is known for its views, providing a pleasant dining experience overlooking the canal. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The footbridge crossing from Bingley offers a unique vantage point. Capturing boats transiting the locks and the surrounding landscape provides excellent photographic opportunities. Instagram

Early mornings often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the serene beauty of the locks and canal. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be stunning. Reddit

Shots showing the multi-tiered nature of the locks, the boats navigating them, and the interplay of water and stone are very popular. The view from the footbridge is also a classic. Instagram

Absolutely! Watching and photographing narrowboats or barges as they move through the locks is a key attraction. Instagram

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. If you're interested in landscape shots, a wide-angle lens can be useful. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance water reflections. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bingley Three Rise Locks offer a fascinating educational experience for families. Children are often captivated by watching the boats move through the different lock chambers. The towpath walks are generally flat and safe, making them suitable for strollers and little legs. Instagram+1

Consider combining your visit with a stop at the cafe near Five Rise Locks for a treat. The open spaces along the canal are great for kids to explore (with supervision, of course). It’s a chance to teach them about engineering, history, and the importance of waterways in a fun, engaging way. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts

For walkers, the Bingley Three Rise Locks are a gateway to beautiful canal-side trails. The towpath is well-maintained and offers miles of exploration, connecting to Saltaire and beyond. You can enjoy the serene environment, spot wildlife, and appreciate the blend of industrial heritage and natural landscapes. InstagramReddit

Don't miss the short walk to the Five Rise Locks, which offers a different perspective on canal engineering. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for more extensive hikes, making this area a prime destination for those who love to explore on foot. Reddit

📸 Photographers

The Bingley Three Rise Locks present a unique photographic subject, blending historical engineering with scenic canal views. Capture the dramatic movement of boats through the lock system, the intricate details of the 18th-century construction, and the surrounding Yorkshire landscapes. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for capturing atmospheric shots. The footbridge crossing from Bingley offers a particularly iconic viewpoint. Remember to also explore the towpath for different angles and compositions. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel of Bingley Locks

The Bingley Three Rise Locks, built in 1774, are a testament to 18th-century canal engineering. Alongside the nearby Five Rise Locks, they form one of the most significant and impressive flight of locks on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The Three Rise system features three chambers that lift boats a total of 30 feet. This ingenious design was crucial for navigating the significant elevation changes required for the canal route. Instagram+1

Witnessing the locks in operation is a highlight for many visitors. Volunteers from the Canal & River Trust often assist boaters, making the transit a smooth and educational experience. The sheer scale and precision of the mechanism, even after centuries, are awe-inspiring. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the industrial heritage that shaped Britain’s waterways. Instagram+1

While the Five Rise Locks are larger and more dramatic, the Three Rise Locks offer a more intimate view of the lock operation. They are easily accessible from Bingley town centre and provide a wonderful starting point for exploring the canal network. The historical significance and the ongoing efforts to maintain these structures make them a vital part of England's living heritage. Reddit

Exploring the Canal Towpath and Surroundings

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath offers a tranquil escape and a chance to immerse yourself in the Yorkshire countryside. Walking from the Bingley Three Rise Locks, you can head towards the equally impressive Five Rise Locks, a short and scenic stroll away. This area is perfect for a leisurely walk, offering beautiful views and a sense of peace away from urban bustle. InstagramReddit

Beyond the immediate vicinity of the locks, the towpath provides access to longer walking routes. Many visitors enjoy walks that connect Bingley with the picturesque village of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Victorian industrial architecture. The combination of canal scenery, industrial heritage, and natural beauty makes this region a delight for walkers and nature enthusiasts. Reddit

Keep an eye out for local wildlife along the canal banks. Ducks, swans, and various bird species are common sights. The surrounding landscape offers a refreshing contrast to the engineering marvel of the locks, providing a well-rounded experience for anyone visiting the area. Reddit

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