Napton Locks
Navigate the picturesque Napton Locks on the Oxford Canal, a rewarding challenge for narrowboat enthusiasts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Napton Locks
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Navigate the picturesque Napton Locks on the Oxford Canal, a rewarding challenge for narrowboat enthusiasts.
"First time on the canal and we made the right choice, Alan gave us a concise run through with humour and patience."
Book Your Boat Early
Popular narrowboat rentals fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book well in advance! ⛵
Physical Effort Required
Operating the locks can be physically demanding. Be prepared for some work! 💪
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 161 reviews
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Napton Lock Flight
Oxford Canal
A picturesque series of seven locks, offering a rewarding challenge and stunning canal views.
Historic Pillbox
Near Napton Locks
Discover a unique WWII pillbox, sometimes noted as having a charming cottage nearby.
Canal Boat Experience
Oxford Canal
Enjoy a serene journey on a narrowboat, experiencing the tranquility of canal life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Napton Flight
Seasonal Water Levels
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Your Boat Early
Popular narrowboat rentals fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book well in advance! ⛵
Physical Effort Required
Operating the locks can be physically demanding. Be prepared for some work! 💪
Check Water Levels
Low water can affect lock access. Confirm conditions with your hire company. :droplet:
Dog-Friendly Fun
Many canal boats are dog-friendly and even offer welcome packs! 🐕
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Your Boat Early
Popular narrowboat rentals fill up fast, especially during peak season. Book well in advance! ⛵
Physical Effort Required
Operating the locks can be physically demanding. Be prepared for some work! 💪
Check Water Levels
Low water can affect lock access. Confirm conditions with your hire company. :droplet:
Dog-Friendly Fun
Many canal boats are dog-friendly and even offer welcome packs! 🐕
Learn Lock Operation
Staff provide initial training, but practice makes perfect. ⚙️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Napton Narrowboats for their excellent service, well-maintained and comfortable boats, and helpful staff who provide thorough instruction. The narrowboat experience on the Oxford Canal, including navigating the Napton Locks, is described as memorable and enjoyable, with many vowing to return. +2
"Would Definitely use this narrow boat rental service again.
We (6 of us) rented a 65ft boat as our first canal adventure.
They made it easy for us to learn how to navigate, operate and have a stress free journey on the Oxford Canal."
Don R Campbell
"We have used Napton Narrowboats, many, many times before. They have always provided a first class service, help offered immediately when required and the boats are particularly well serviced and equipped. We especially enjoy the luxury on a narrowboat of a full king size bed and they are also extremely comfortable. We travel from France most years to hire their boats and they have always been very amenable to ‘extra’ requests as we come from abroad and it’s not always possible to bring everything with us, so we have often had deliveries to then Marina and they pop them on the boat for us. Both Napton Marina and Autherly marinas just brilliant! Highly recommend."
Peter CHAMBERS
"First time on the canal and we made the right choice, Alan gave us a concise run through with humour and patience, passing on enough basic knowledge to keep us safe.
After that we were on our own, we took the advice of the staff and went right from the Oxford canal onto the grand union which had more locks and a tunnel.
It was a brilliant 3 night break but be prepared to put in some physical effort.
The staff at Napton boats are brilliant.
Very friendly and helpful, they took over at the end of the trip to dock, let us unload and get on our way with absolutely no fuss or drama what so ever.
They even phoned us after about ten minutes to tell us we had left coats behind.
We will definitely be going again and using Napton boats.
All in all a great experience for myself the wife and daughter 2 grandchildren and a dog.
They even gave the dog a welcome pack of a few handy items, treats, water bowl, towel and a toy which he loves.
Thank you for a memorable Easter weekend."
carl webley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Napton Locks are located on the Oxford Canal. Access is typically via narrowboat. If arriving by car, there is free parking available at Napton Marina.
While the locks themselves are for boats, the surrounding area and Napton Marina are accessible by car, with free parking often provided for boat hire customers.
The village of Napton-on-the-Hill is adjacent to the locks, offering amenities and a picturesque setting.
Yes, canal towpaths often provide excellent cycling routes. You can cycle along the Oxford Canal to reach Napton Locks. 🚲
Public transport options directly to the locks are limited. It's best to arrange transport to Napton Marina or a nearby village and then access the canal. 🚌
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the canal and towpaths is generally free. If you are hiring a narrowboat, the cost of the boat hire will cover your passage through the locks. 🎟️
Napton Locks are navigable 24/7, but it's advisable to operate during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Boat hire companies have their own operating hours for check-in and check-out.
There are no direct charges for using the locks themselves. The cost is associated with hiring a narrowboat for your canal journey. :moneybag:
Absolutely! The towpaths alongside the locks are perfect for walking and enjoying the scenery. 🚶
During periods of low water, some locks may be temporarily closed or have restricted usage. Always check with your boat hire company or Canal & River Trust for current advisories.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Going through the entire Napton flight of seven locks can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and your efficiency.
If you're new to it, take the advice from your boat hire company. They often provide a brief training session and a short practice cruise.
Yes, with proper instruction from boat hire companies, beginners can successfully navigate Napton Locks. Be prepared for a bit of a workout!
Expect beautiful, picturesque canal scenery with rolling hills and charming waterside landscapes.
Yes, there are often moorings available near the locks, and the village of Napton-on-the-Hill is nearby for refreshments.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the village of Napton-on-the-Hill has several pubs and eateries that are popular stops for canal boaters.
Absolutely! Narrowboats are equipped with galleys, allowing you to prepare your own meals. Many people enjoy cooking onboard. :chef_knife:
You can enjoy meals onboard your narrowboat, stop at waterside pubs for dinner, or pack picnics to enjoy along the canal.
The village of Napton-on-the-Hill typically has a village shop for essential supplies. For larger shops, you might need to plan a stop in a larger town. :shopping_cart:
Yes, stopping at traditional canal-side pubs is a classic part of the narrowboat experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the locks in action, the surrounding countryside, narrowboats navigating the water, and any unique features like the historic pillbox.
Early morning and late afternoon light often provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for canal photography. 🌅 :city_sunset:
Yes, the towpath offers excellent vantage points for photographing the locks and boats. :camerawithflash:
The series of locks themselves, the historic pillbox, and the picturesque rural setting are all great subjects.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the full scope of the locks and landscape. :iphone:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit