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

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Bingley Three Rise Locks
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness 18th-century engineering at Bingley Three Rise Locks, a vital part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
"A superb example of 1700s engineering with beautiful walks and sublime views."
🚶♀️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Enjoy a serene walk along the towpath, offering beautiful countryside views and a peaceful escape.
Views of Industrial Heritage
Footbridge from Bingley
Gain a unique perspective of the canal, road, and rail, showcasing Bingley's rich industrial past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Lock Operations
Combine with Five Rise for the Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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.
📅 Check Lock Schedules
To see the locks working, check the Canal & River Trust for operational times.
🧥 Be Prepared for Leaks
Some older locks can be leaky; waterproof gear is recommended for a dry experience.
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.
☕ Cafe with a View
Enjoy a coffee and cake at the cafe near Five Rise Locks with sublime canal views.
📅 Check Lock Schedules
To see the locks working, check the Canal & River Trust for operational times.
🧥 Be Prepared for Leaks
Some older locks can be leaky; waterproof gear is recommended for a dry experience.
📸 Capture the Engineering
The locks are a fantastic spot for photography, showcasing 18th-century ingenuity.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Yes, Bingley has good public transport links. Trains and buses serve the town, making it convenient to reach the locks.
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.
Many visitors enjoy walking along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath. You can walk towards Saltaire or further into the countryside for scenic routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Bingley Three Rise Locks and walking the towpaths is generally free. It's a public waterway and heritage site.
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.
There is no entrance fee to view or walk around the Bingley Three Rise Locks. It's a public heritage site.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
Along the canal, you might spot various bird species, ducks, and potentially other small wildlife. The surrounding countryside offers a richer natural environment.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The canal towpath and surrounding areas offer pleasant spots for picnics. Enjoying a packed lunch with the canal scenery is a popular choice.
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.
Yes, many establishments in Bingley town centre offer takeaway options, which you can then enjoy by the canal.
The cafe at the top of Five Rise Locks is known for its views, providing a pleasant dining experience overlooking the canal.
📸 📸 Photography
The footbridge crossing from Bingley offers a unique vantage point. Capturing boats transiting the locks and the surrounding landscape provides excellent photographic opportunities.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Watching and photographing narrowboats or barges as they move through the locks is a key attraction.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
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.
📸 Photographers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Bingley Locks
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.
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.
Exploring the Canal Towpath and Surroundings
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.
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.
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