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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy the sun

Foxton Locks
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy the sun

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

🚗 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
Along the Grand Union Canal
Enjoy miles of scenic walks with opportunities to spot narrowboats and enjoy peaceful waterside views.
Foxton Locks Museum
Near the bottom locks
Discover the rich history of this vital shipping lane and the ingenious lock system.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Locks
Family Fun & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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:
🐶 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:
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.
🚶♀️ 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!
📸 Capture the Action
Great spot for photos of boats moving through the locks. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
No, there is no entrance fee to walk around Foxton Locks and observe the boats.
Yes, there is a museum at Foxton Locks that provides historical context about the canal and the locks.
Foxton Locks often hosts events like floating markets and festivals, especially during warmer months. Check local listings for upcoming events.
🎫 🧭 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.
Absolutely! Children are fascinated by the lock operations, and the accessible paths make it easy for all ages to explore.
Yes, there are miles of walking routes along the canal towpaths, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities to see narrowboats.
Yes, dogs are very welcome at Foxton Locks, provided they are kept on a lead.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The Foxton Locks Inn serves classic pub fare, with reviewers highlighting excellent fish and chips.
Yes, there are cafes available where you can grab a coffee, snack, or light meal.
There are plenty of scenic spots along the canal towpath that are perfect for a picnic.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. Be respectful of boaters and other visitors.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
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.
🚢 Boat Enthusiasts and History Buffs
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel: Foxton's Locks
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.
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.
Exploring the Waterways: Walks and Boat Life
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.
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.


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