Foxton Locks in Leicestershire | days out

Foxton Locks
Foxton
Leicestershire
LE16 7RA

T: 01162 792657

Related Waterways:

Grand Union Canal Leicester Line

Foxton Locks is a landmark location on England's waterways, noted not only for its famous flight of locks but also as the site of the Foxton Inclined Plane - a pioneering boat lift opened at the start of the 20th century to speed the flow of traffic. The sweeping views of farmer's fields add to the appeal of this tranquil rural location.

The sandy towpath leads visitors alongside green fields of grazing sheep and cattle to the top of the staircase locks, where the magnificent patchwork panorama unfolds. Here, the pastoral peace transforms into a more bustling scene as curious passers-by gather to watch the colourful boats make their halting progress up the flight of locks. The Foxton Museum occupies the site of the boat lift boiler-house, and down at the bottom of the locks, a tearoom and shop provide welcome refreshment.

July 1900 saw the opening of the Foxton Inclined Plane Boat Lift - commissioned to replace the 10 aging locks which took impatient boaters a total of 45 minutes to navigate. Ascending the new lift took only 12 minutes from start to finish. The plane was the brainchild of Gordon Cale Thomas. It raised and lowered boats on a steep slope in two large water-filled tanks.

For the first time, it was also possible for wide-beam vessels to pass through Foxton - a crucial factor in the canal company's attempt to compete with the railways. However, unwidened locks at nearby Watford continued to limit the volume of traffic coming through Foxton, and sadly, financial pressures led to the closure of this engineering feat after only ten years of operation. Despite this, Thomas' design inspired a number of larger boat lifts built elsewhere in Europe from the 1960s onwards.

Watch a youtube video about the Foxton Inclined Plane Boat Lift

But even without the boat lift, Foxton is a particularly popular destination for boaters and sight-seers alike. A comprehensive programme of visitor improvements is underway, led by the Foxton Locks Partnership and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The Foxton Inclined Plane Trust is working towards restoration of the lift.

Accessibility

• Blue Badge parking situated at both the top and bottom lock car parks. Please ensure your badge is displayed.
• There is seating provided around Foxton Locks, which also acts as leaning posts.
• Access ramps have been installed at Coffee Stop.
• The museum is level throughout, and advice is taken on all new displays.

Orienteering
British Waterways, working in partnership with the Leicestershire Orienteering Club has created a permanent, family-friendly 2km orienteering course at the site of the famous Foxton Locks.

Orienteering packs can be downloaded free of charge from www.leioc.org.uk

Read more about the orienteering course at Foxton Locks

Foxton Locks audio trail

Hear the navvy’s introduction to Foxton Locks

Hear young Tilly’s tale as she gets her horse ready for a day’s work

Hear about Derek the lock keeper’s work at Foxton Locks

Listen to boat woman Lily’s story

Learn about how engineer Gordon Thomas designed the inclined plane boat lift

Hear about Foxton Locks from the museum manager, Mike

When you’re visiting Foxton Locks, look out for Jack Cryer in the cottage where he once lived and worked. Visitors press a button and listen to Jack’s voice coming from a sculpture.

Download the Foxton Locks Discovery Trail

Download Foxton Lock Flight opening times.

For information on the Foxton Locks Inn, including bookings, please call 0116 279 1515.

Foxton Locks

Boating

Fishing

Cycling

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