Foxton Locks
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Foxton Locks

4.7
·6k reviews·Foxton, United Kingdom

Witness Britain's largest canal lock staircase, a historic marvel on the Grand Union Canal, perfect for scenic walks and family fun.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny weekday mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy the sun

CrowdLow
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Foxton Locks

Foxton Locks

Best Time

Sunny weekday mornings

Beat the crowds, enjoy the sun

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness Britain's largest canal lock staircase, a historic marvel on the Grand Union Canal, perfect for scenic walks and family fun.

4.7
(6k reviews)

"A real gem for a family day out, offering something for all three generations."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Options

Two car parks: top and bottom locks. Pay on exit, cash or card. Up to 8 hours is £5.

🚶‍♀️ Accessible Paths

Level towpaths with wheelchair access make it easy for everyone to enjoy the views. :wheelchair:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Staircase Locks

The Grand Staircase Locks

The main lock system

Witness the engineering marvel of Britain's largest canal lock staircase, with 10 locks in total.

Canal Towpath Walks

Canal Towpath Walks

Along the Grand Union Canal

Enjoy miles of scenic walks with opportunities to spot narrowboats and enjoy peaceful waterside views.

Foxton Locks Museum

Foxton Locks Museum

Near the bottom locks

Discover the rich history of this vital shipping lane and the ingenious lock system.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the Locks

Foxton Locks features Britain's largest staircase of locks, with two sets of five. Watch boats ascend or descend this impressive feat of engineering. Parking is available at both the top and bottom of the locks, with fees based on duration. Be aware that it gets extremely busy on sunny days, so arriving early is recommended.

Family Fun & Accessibility

This is a fantastic spot for families, with accessible towpaths and plenty of benches for relaxation. Supervised children will be captivated by the lock operations. Dogs are welcome on leads. The nearby museum offers historical insights, and there are cafes and a pub for refreshments.

Best Times

When
Sunny weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds, enjoy the sun
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends during festivals
Why
Lively atmosphere, boat events
Crowd
High
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Peaceful walks, fewer visitors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Foxtonlocks in uk More than 200 years old shipping lane #foxtonlocks #uk #leicestershire
@goy_jittima
17K likes • 511.8K views

🚗 Parking Options

Two car parks: top and bottom locks. Pay on exit, cash or card. Up to 8 hours is £5. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Accessible Paths

Level towpaths with wheelchair access make it easy for everyone to enjoy the views. :wheelchair:

Hello! I’ve come to Foxton Locks to make a start on the @Stand Up To Cancer UK walkies challenge! Stand Up to Cancer are challenging people to get out with their fur friends and walk 60 miles over the month of April to help raise funds for life saving cancer research. This is something close to home for us, as I am sure it will be for many, so we have decided to not only tell you about the challen...
@thelabraseal
7.1K likes • 43.2K views
Boat are on the move after a fantastic weekend at Foxton Locks Festival ☀️#tik_tok #boatlife #summer2025 #canalandrivertrust #festival #calm #towing #starcrafts #summervibes
@starcraftsonthecanal
2.2K likes • 153.4K views

🐶 Dogs Welcome

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to join your canal adventure. :dog:

☕ Refreshments Available

Cafes, an ice cream hut, a shop, and the Foxton Locks Inn offer plenty of choices. :coffee:

Foxton Locks #drivingtiktoks #drivingtips #abcxyz #drivinglessons #drivingschool #drivinginstructor #examiner #drivingtiktoks # #abcdxyz #drivinglessons #drivingtiktoks #drivingtips #abcxyz #drivingtipstips #drivinglessons #foryoupage #foryou #vital #rdrive
@rdriveschoolofmotoring
921 likes • 26.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Options

Two car parks: top and bottom locks. Pay on exit, cash or card. Up to 8 hours is £5. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Accessible Paths

Level towpaths with wheelchair access make it easy for everyone to enjoy the views. :wheelchair:

🐶 Dogs Welcome

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome to join your canal adventure. :dog:

☕ Refreshments Available

Cafes, an ice cream hut, a shop, and the Foxton Locks Inn offer plenty of choices. :coffee:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fascination

Kids love watching boats navigate the 10 locks; friendly boaters might even let them help! Reddit

📸 Capture the Action

Great spot for photos of boats moving through the locks. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Foxton Locks for its historical significance, scenic beauty, and engaging lock operations, making it a wonderful spot for families and walkers. The accessible paths and welcoming atmosphere are frequently mentioned positives, though it can get extremely busy on sunny days.

"Find with postcode LE16 7RA.
As you come up to the entrance on your right, you'll also see another entrance to the left within the trees.
This top left entrance is another car park that brings you to the top of the locks.
If you turn right, you'll go down a long drive to a car park that brings you to the bottom of the locks.
This car park is smaller.
Pay when you leave at the pay station.
The cost is up to 4 hours, £3.50
Up to 8 hours £5.
You can pay with cash or a card.
There are toilets nearby.
There are plenty of long walks available along the paths next to the canal. It goes for miles.
There are several cafes available.
Little ice cream hut.
A small shop.
A pub.
A walkway by the side of the locks, which has wheelchair access.
Bins for dog toilet.
Dogs are very welcome on leads.
Suitable for supervised children as the locks have severe drops at the side.
The walk-up to the top lock is not very steep.
It is a great place to visit with families, however its gets EXTREMELY busy when it's sunny."

R J

"It is an excellent place to visit if you love to walk.
The tour guides were helpful with the historical perspective as well as the museum.
Well worth another visit.
Adequate parking and lots of shops available.
I feel that enforcing folks to have dogs on leads will be safer.
Overall, it was a good experience."

Abisoye Lawal

"Foxton Locks is a real gem for a family day out, and it offered something for all three generations of our party. My two young daughters were fascinated by the impressive flight of ten locks, watching narrowboats inch their way up and down with wide-eyed excitement. The friendly boaters were happy to chat and even let the girls help with a gate or two—something they’re still talking about!

For my 81-year-old mother, the level towpaths and ample benches made it easy to enjoy the scenery without feeling worn out. We took our time walking along the canal, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and chatting to fellow visitors. She particularly enjoyed reading the historical signs and reminiscing about times gone by.

We stopped for lunch at Foxton Locks Inn and sat outside by the water—perfect on a sunny day. The fish and chips were excellent: crisp batter, generous portions, and just what we needed after a long stroll. Service was friendly and relaxed, which suited the pace of the day.

Foxton Locks strikes a rare balance: peaceful but not dull, engaging for kids without being chaotic, and accessible without being overdeveloped. A truly lovely place to slow down and reconnect as a family."

Jonathan Sparrow

What People Like

Impressive lock staircase
Scenic canal walks
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can get very busy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Foxton Locks is accessible by car, with two main car parks available (top and bottom of the locks). The nearest train station is Market Harborough, about 3 miles away, from which you can take a taxi or bus. Reddit

Yes, there are two car parks. The top car park is on the right as you approach the entrance, and another entrance to the left leads to a smaller car park at the bottom of the locks. Parking fees apply based on duration. Reddit

Parking costs up to 4 hours are £3.50, and up to 8 hours are £5. Payment can be made with cash or card at the pay station before leaving. Reddit

Yes, the towpaths along the Grand Union Canal are popular for cycling. It's a great way to explore the area and enjoy the scenery. TikTok

While not directly on a main bus route, you can reach Market Harborough by train and then take a local bus or taxi to Foxton Locks. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Foxton Locks itself is free. There are charges for parking and for entry into the museum if you choose to visit. Reddit

Foxton Locks is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours for walking and viewing the locks. The museum and on-site facilities like cafes and pubs have their own operating hours. TikTok

No, there is no entrance fee to walk around Foxton Locks and observe the boats. Reddit

Yes, there is a museum at Foxton Locks that provides historical context about the canal and the locks. TikTok

Foxton Locks often hosts events like floating markets and festivals, especially during warmer months. Check local listings for upcoming events. TikTok+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can watch boats navigate the impressive staircase locks, enjoy scenic walks along the canal towpath, visit the museum, and relax at the cafes or pub. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Children are fascinated by the lock operations, and the accessible paths make it easy for all ages to explore. Reddit

Yes, there are miles of walking routes along the canal towpaths, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities to see narrowboats. Reddit

Yes, dogs are very welcome at Foxton Locks, provided they are kept on a lead. Reddit

It's Britain's largest staircase of canal locks, consisting of two flights of five locks each, allowing boats to ascend or descend a significant change in water level. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several options including cafes, an ice cream hut, and the popular Foxton Locks Inn, which offers meals by the water. Reddit

The Foxton Locks Inn serves classic pub fare, with reviewers highlighting excellent fish and chips. Reddit

Yes, there are cafes available where you can grab a coffee, snack, or light meal. Reddit

There are plenty of scenic spots along the canal towpath that are perfect for a picnic. Reddit

While specific menus vary, most cafes and pubs in the UK offer vegetarian options, and increasingly vegan choices. It's best to check with the individual establishments. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lock staircase itself is a prime subject, as are the narrowboats navigating the system. The canal towpaths offer scenic shots with reflections and surrounding nature. TikTok+1

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the atmosphere. Sunny days offer vibrant colours but can be busy. TikTok

You can get quite close to the boats as they enter and exit the locks, but always maintain a safe distance and be mindful of the operational machinery. TikTok

Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. Be respectful of boaters and other visitors. TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the locks, while a telephoto lens can help with details of the boats. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Foxton Locks is a fantastic destination for families. Children are often mesmerized by the lock operations, watching narrowboats ascend and descend. The accessible towpaths mean even little legs can manage a good walk, and there are plenty of benches for breaks. The museum offers educational fun, and the chance to see boats up close is always a hit. Reddit

Keep a close eye on younger children as the lock sides have steep drops. Dogs are welcome on leads, making it a great outing for the whole family, including furry members. Pack snacks and drinks, or enjoy the on-site cafes and pub for a treat. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts

For walkers, Foxton Locks is a paradise. The extensive network of towpaths along the Grand Union Canal provides miles of scenic routes. You can enjoy gentle strolls or more challenging hikes, taking in the diverse flora and fauna of the canal environment. The changing seasons offer different perspectives, from lush summer greens to autumnal hues. TikTokReddit

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species. The peaceful atmosphere of the waterways makes it an ideal location for mindful walking and enjoying the tranquility of the English countryside. Remember to wear comfortable footwear and be prepared for varying weather conditions. TikTok

🚢 Boat Enthusiasts and History Buffs

Foxton Locks is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by canal history and boat life. Witnessing the operation of Britain's largest staircase of locks is a highlight. The museum provides in-depth information about the canal's past and the engineering behind the locks. Observing the narrowboats and interacting with boaters offers a unique glimpse into this alternative lifestyle. TikTok+2

Consider visiting during a festival or event to see a greater number of boats and experience a more lively atmosphere. Even on a regular day, the constant movement of boats through the locks provides endless fascination. TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Engineering Marvel: Foxton's Locks

Foxton Locks is home to Britain's largest staircase of canal locks, a truly impressive feat of Victorian engineering. This system comprises two flights of five locks each, allowing boats to navigate a significant change in water level along the Grand Union Canal. The sheer scale of the operation, with water levels meticulously managed, is a captivating sight for visitors. You can observe boats being raised or lowered, a process that highlights the ingenuity required for canal transport. TikTok+2

The historical significance of Foxton Locks cannot be overstated. It was a crucial link in the canal network, facilitating the movement of goods and materials. While the original pull-cable system for hauling boats up the locks is no longer in use, its ruins can still be seen, offering a glimpse into the past. The nearby museum delves deeper into this history, making it a worthwhile visit for anyone interested in industrial heritage. TikTok

Watching the lock keepers at work, or even friendly boaters assisting, provides a dynamic and engaging experience. The synchronized opening and closing of gates, the rush of water, and the slow, steady progress of the narrowboats create a unique spectacle. It’s a place where history, engineering, and the rhythm of canal life converge. TikTok+1

Exploring the Waterways: Walks and Boat Life

The towpaths surrounding Foxton Locks offer a delightful network of walking routes along the Grand Union Canal. These paths are generally level and well-maintained, making them accessible for leisurely strolls, family outings, and even longer hikes. As you wander, you'll encounter a variety of narrowboats, each with its own character and story. Many boaters are happy to chat, offering insights into life on the water. TikTokReddit+1

For those who wish to experience the canals more intimately, canal boat rides or even hiring a narrowboat for a longer journey are options. While not always available directly at Foxton Locks for short trips, the surrounding waterways are part of a vast network. The presence of numerous boats, especially during events like festivals or floating markets, adds to the vibrant atmosphere. TikTok+2

Whether you're taking a short walk to admire the locks or embarking on a longer exploration, the peaceful ambiance of the canals is a major draw. The gentle lapping of water, the calls of waterfowl, and the picturesque scenery create a tranquil escape from the everyday. It’s a chance to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of the waterways. TikTok

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