Caen Hill Locks
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Caen Hill Locks

4.7
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

Witness a breathtaking feat of Georgian engineering: 29 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, a must-see for canal enthusiasts and history buffs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends & Holidays

More boats, more lock action!

CrowdHigh
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Caen Hill Locks

Caen Hill Locks

Best Time

Weekends & Holidays

More boats, more lock action!

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness a breathtaking feat of Georgian engineering: 29 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, a must-see for canal enthusiasts and history buffs.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Stunning series of locks, a marvel of Georgian engineering!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The lock path can be uneven. Walking boots are recommended for exploring the entire flight and surrounding areas. :athletic_shoe:

🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking

The car park fills up fast, especially on weekends. Consider arriving early or parking in Devizes. :car:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Flight of Locks

The Grand Flight of Locks

The entire 29-lock system

Witness 29 interconnected locks lifting boats up a steep incline. A marvel of Georgian engineering!

Kingfisher Spotting

Kingfisher Spotting

Along the canal banks

Keep an eye out for the flash of iridescent blue – kingfishers are frequent visitors to these waters.

Waterside Cafe Views

Waterside Cafe Views

Top of the locks

Enjoy refreshments with panoramic views of the locks and surrounding countryside. A perfect resting spot.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Locks

To witness the impressive Caen Hill Locks in action, aim for times when narrowboats are actively navigating the flight. Weekends and warmer months often see more boat traffic, offering a dynamic spectacle. Check local canal authorities for any planned lock closures or maintenance.

Parking and Accessibility

Parking is available at the top of the Caen Hill flight, though it can fill up quickly, especially on busy days. Consider arriving early or exploring alternative parking options in Devizes if the main car park is full. The towpath offers a scenic walk, but sturdy footwear is recommended for navigating the lock steps and surrounding terrain.

Best Times

When
Weekends & Holidays
Why
More boats, more lock action!
Crowd
High
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful strolls
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Summer
Why
Best weather for walking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Problems on the Caen Hill flight today making it hard work. #caenhilllocks #narrowboat #canal #boat #traveltiktok
@narrowboatforlife
79 likes • 2.3K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The lock path can be uneven. Walking boots are recommended for exploring the entire flight and surrounding areas. :athletic_shoe:

🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking

The car park fills up fast, especially on weekends. Consider arriving early or parking in Devizes. :car:

Caen Hill locks walk along the tow path today #wiltshire #canal #holidays #boatlife
@gemmanelson_77
3 likes • 360 views
Caen Hill Locks Devizes, Wilshire, England #travelgirl #worldtravel #travelbug #englandhikes #canalwalk
@spaistravel
6 likes • 288 views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks

A great spot for dog walkers, but be aware of limited dog poo bins near the cafe. :dog:

📸 Capture the Action

Wait for boats to navigate the locks for the most dynamic photos and videos. :camerawithflash:

Caen Hill Locks are a flight of 29 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal, between Rowde and Devizes in Wiltshire, England. #wiltshire #caenhilllocks #devizes
@beautyoftheworldbymoyo
8 likes • 535 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The lock path can be uneven. Walking boots are recommended for exploring the entire flight and surrounding areas. :athletic_shoe:

🅿️ Arrive Early for Parking

The car park fills up fast, especially on weekends. Consider arriving early or parking in Devizes. :car:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Walks

A great spot for dog walkers, but be aware of limited dog poo bins near the cafe. :dog:

📸 Capture the Action

Wait for boats to navigate the locks for the most dynamic photos and videos. :camerawithflash:

☕ Refuel at the Cafe

The cafe at the top offers food and drinks with lovely views. :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Caen Hill Locks for its stunning engineering and picturesque setting, offering a unique glimpse into canal life. The opportunity to watch boats navigate the impressive flight of 29 locks is a major draw. While the cafe and parking are convenient, some note a lack of dog poo bins and the potential for crowds during peak times.

"Stunning series of locks. We arrived just after the last boat had been allowed to come up, so we're fortunate enough to see it going through a lock. Also the proudest kingfisher I have ever seen 🤩"

Stu Burton

"I had some time to kill and a dog to walk. Great location, lots to see, good information, generally friendly dog walkers, hikers and canal users. There's a lack of dog poo bins given the popularity of this space with dogs, I asked and was directed to one near the café. Lots of birds, nice views."

Bruce Johnston

"Lovely place for a walk as long or short as you need it. It's very peaceful and beautiful. There is a good size car park and a nice cafe, so all the facilities required to spend a couple of hours or more."

Angie K

What People Like

Impressive lock engineering
Scenic canal walks
Watching boats transit

What People Dislike

Limited dog bins
Crowded parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Caen Hill Locks are located near Devizes, Wiltshire. The easiest way to access them is by car, with a dedicated car park at the top of the flight. Public transport options are limited; you might need to take a bus to Devizes and then a taxi or a longer walk. Reddit

Yes, there is a car park at the top of the Caen Hill flight. However, it can get very busy, especially on weekends and during peak season. Arriving early is advised. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore the Kennet and Avon Canal, including Caen Hill Locks. The towpath is generally suitable for cycling, though it can be narrow and uneven in places. Reddit

The nearest town is Devizes, which is a short drive or a pleasant walk from the locks. Devizes offers amenities like shops, cafes, and further parking options. Reddit

Direct public transport to the locks is limited. You can take a bus to Devizes and then arrange onward travel, which might involve a taxi or a significant walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Caen Hill Locks is free. You can wander along the towpath and observe the locks at your leisure. Reddit

Caen Hill Locks are always accessible as it's an outdoor public space. However, the locks themselves are only operational when boats are transiting, and the cafe has specific opening hours. Reddit

There is no admission fee to visit Caen Hill Locks. It's a public right of way along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Reddit

While you can't directly book a trip through the locks as a passenger on a private boat, you can sometimes join organized narrowboat holidays or day trips that navigate this section of the canal. Reddit

The main restriction is to be mindful of the operational locks and boats. Always stay on the towpath unless directed otherwise and be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can watch boats navigate the impressive flight of 29 locks, enjoy scenic walks along the Kennet and Avon Canal, spot wildlife like kingfishers, and relax at the waterside cafe. Reddit

Walking the entire flight of 29 locks can take around 1-2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to watch boats. You can also do shorter walks along sections of the canal. Reddit

Yes, children often find watching the boats and the mechanics of the locks fascinating. Ensure they stay close and are supervised, especially near the water. Reddit

The area is rich in birdlife, with kingfishers being a notable sighting. You might also see ducks, moorhens, and other waterfowl along the canal. Reddit

Fishing is generally permitted on the Kennet and Avon Canal, but you will likely need a rod license and adhere to local angling rules. Check with the Canal & River Trust for specifics. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located at the top of the Caen Hill Locks, offering a range of hot and cold food and drinks with views over the locks. Reddit

The cafe typically serves a variety of snacks, light meals, and beverages, catering to walkers and boaters. Reddit

While there aren't designated picnic tables, the grassy banks along the canal offer pleasant spots for a picnic. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy along the canal towpath. Reddit

The nearest comprehensive dining options are in Devizes, which has a selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most dramatic shots are of boats transiting the locks. Capture the scale of the 29 locks, the narrowboats themselves, and the surrounding rural scenery. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft lighting for landscape shots. Midday can be harsh, but is excellent for capturing the action of boats. Reddit

Drone usage is subject to regulations and permissions. It's advisable to check with the Canal & River Trust and local authorities regarding drone operation in the area. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both the overall flight and details of boats. A wide-angle lens can emphasize the scale. Reddit

The top and bottom of the flight offer distinct perspectives. Walking along the towpath provides numerous vantage points to capture the locks in sequence. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Caen Hill Locks offers a fantastic educational and entertaining outing for families. Children are often mesmerized by the sight of narrowboats moving through the locks, making it a living history lesson. The walk along the towpath is engaging, and the cafe at the top provides a convenient spot for snacks and a rest. Encourage kids to spot wildlife like ducks and potentially kingfishers, and explain the engineering behind the locks to spark their curiosity. Reddit

Wear comfortable shoes as the path can be uneven, and bring a picnic to enjoy by the canal if the cafe is busy. The car park at the top is a good starting point, allowing easy access to the upper locks. Remember to supervise children closely, especially near the water's edge, to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Hikers

For walkers, Caen Hill Locks provides a beautiful and varied route. You can choose to walk just a section of the flight or embark on a longer trek along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath. The scenery is picturesque, with rolling Wiltshire countryside surrounding the waterway. Sturdy walking boots are a must due to the uneven terrain of the lock path. Reddit

Consider walking from the top of the locks down to the bottom, or vice versa, to experience the full scale of the engineering. The towpath is generally well-maintained, offering a peaceful environment away from road traffic. The cafe at the top is a perfect spot for a post-walk refreshment. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Caen Hill Locks is a dream destination for photographers, offering unique opportunities to capture dramatic industrial heritage against a rural backdrop. The sequential nature of the locks allows for creative shots of boats in various stages of transit. Golden hour light can create stunning atmospheric images, while midday sun highlights the intricate details of the lock mechanisms. Reddit

Experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the grand scale of the entire flight and the intimate details of the lock gates and narrowboats. Look for reflections in the water and the interplay of light and shadow. The presence of wildlife, like kingfishers, also provides excellent opportunities for nature photography. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel of Caen Hill Locks

The Caen Hill Locks are a testament to Georgian engineering, forming one of the longest and most impressive lock flights in Britain. This series of 29 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal rises a remarkable 73 meters (240 feet) over a distance of just over 2 miles. Each lock is a masterpiece of design, featuring unique gates and chambers that allow narrowboats to ascend or descend the steep incline. The construction, which began in 1806 and was completed in 1810, was a monumental undertaking, involving significant manual labor and innovative techniques for its time. Reddit

Witnessing a boat navigate through these locks is a captivating experience. It involves a team of lock keepers or boaters working in tandem to open and close the gates, fill and empty the chambers, and guide the vessel smoothly from one level to the next. The process can take a considerable amount of time for a single boat to traverse the entire flight, offering ample opportunity for visitors to observe the intricate workings and appreciate the skill involved. The surrounding towpath provides excellent vantage points to follow the progress of boats through multiple locks. Reddit

Beyond their functional purpose, the Caen Hill Locks are a significant historical landmark and a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and canal enthusiasts. The area offers a glimpse into Britain's industrial past and the importance of canals for trade and transport. The picturesque rural setting, combined with the engineering spectacle, makes it a unique and memorable place to visit. Reddit

Navigating the Kennet and Avon Canal

The Kennet and Avon Canal is a historic waterway that stretches for 57 miles, connecting the River Thames at Reading with the Bristol Channel at Avonmouth. The Caen Hill Locks are a crucial and iconic section of this route, representing one of its most challenging and rewarding navigational feats. For narrowboat enthusiasts, successfully navigating this flight is often a highlight of their canal journey. Reddit

Boaters planning to tackle the Caen Hill Locks should be well-prepared. It's advisable to have at least two people aboard, as operating the locks requires coordination and effort. Many boaters recommend booking a passage with the Canal & River Trust or seeking advice from experienced canal users beforehand. The journey through the locks can take several hours, so it's essential to factor this into your travel plans. Reddit

For those without their own narrowboat, there are opportunities to experience the canal. Day boat hire is available from various points along the Kennet and Avon Canal, allowing visitors to enjoy a taste of canal life. Additionally, some companies offer guided narrowboat holidays that include passage through the Caen Hill Locks, providing a guided and informative experience of this remarkable waterway. Reddit

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