
Caen Hill Locks
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
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
More boats, more lock action!

Caen Hill Locks
Best Time
More boats, more lock action!

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

👟 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Waterside Cafe Views
Top of the locks
Enjoy refreshments with panoramic views of the locks and surrounding countryside. A perfect resting spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Locks
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Caen Hill Locks is free. You can wander along the towpath and observe the locks at your leisure.
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.
There is no admission fee to visit Caen Hill Locks. It's a public right of way along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
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.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
The area is rich in birdlife, with kingfishers being a notable sighting. You might also see ducks, moorhens, and other waterfowl along the canal.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The cafe typically serves a variety of snacks, light meals, and beverages, catering to walkers and boaters.
While there aren't designated picnic tables, the grassy banks along the canal offer pleasant spots for a picnic.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy along the canal towpath.
The nearest comprehensive dining options are in Devizes, which has a selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
The top and bottom of the flight offer distinct perspectives. Walking along the towpath provides numerous vantage points to capture the locks in sequence.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
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.
📸 Photographers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Caen Hill Locks
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.
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.
Navigating the Kennet and Avon Canal
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.
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.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit