Foxton Locks
Foxton Locks
4.6
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.
The area
Address
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
59 within 3 miles
Attractions
33 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.6
1,117 reviews
Excellent
719
Very good
350
Average
30
Poor
5
Terrible
13
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Anyone Elsa
Axminster, UK109 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Went there while on holiday about half an hour away. It was a blisteringly hot June day, a Sunday so we expected it to be busy and although there were lots of folk about it still had a very tranquil, peaceful, slow-paced feel to it that is synonymous with canal boating. Having never been to a canal, let alone on a canal boat I was fascinated to see the locks being used but opted out of going into the museum in order to nab a bench to sit on and let my husband go inside on his own. I have mobility problems, not sufficient to class myself as disabled but I do need to use a walking stick to go any kind of distance and it was a long walk from the car park to the start (top) of the run of locks with only one bench that entire distance. When we got to the top lock there were plenty of benches there but they were part of the cafe so understandably you couldn't use them unless you bought something which we were happy to do. The ice creams were lovely. Then we gradually walked downhill alongside the locks as far as the museum at the half way point. With few places around to sit down we decided it would be silly to walk to the bottom and then have all the uphill to do so we slowly made our way back to the top lock again. Once past that it was the long trek to the car park with the only rest option being to lean on the bridge! On a less busy day we might've been able to have stopped and sat more often and even managed the whole length down and back up again taking our time and resting more often but even then I would've had a problem on the long walk between the top lock and the bridge and from the bridge to the car park. Some more benches between the cafe and the bridge would improve things please.
Written 5 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dcems
Bexley, UK624 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
I took my dad to Foxton Locks for Fathers Day. It was a beautiful sunny day. Despite being busy it was peaceful with birds singing in the trees.
Foxton has some incredible history which we found fascinating. Built in 1814 they are still used essentially in the same way.
It is in a very steep incline. Both my dad and I use walking aids. We were advised to take the left fork past the bridge as its somewhat easier and meant we would be walking back down the locks which would be easier.
However it is still a challenge of a walk and one thing I have to mention and why I gave 4/5 is that is not disabled friendly. By that I mean there is not a single place to sit down and rest on that walk apart from 2 benches which were occupied, and 1 bench where the canal boats moor on the way down. My poor dad really struggled. There really does need to be more benches in general. It would really help. There is seating outside the cafe but only if you purchase food and this appeared to be monitored by staff.
Despite this set back though, it was really nice to see working locks and watch boats go through.
We visited the museum but felt this was a little disappointing at a cost of £7.
We finished our visit by going to the pub Foxton Locks Inn, which has a prime spot by the canal with plenty of outdoor seating and lovely maintained gardens.
A nice day out but definately not disabled friendly. As a Grade II listed site I dont expect adaptations obviously but additional seating would be welcome.
There is free parking for disabled blue badge holders. This parking area is monitored. £3.50 charge a day for everyone else.
Foxton has some incredible history which we found fascinating. Built in 1814 they are still used essentially in the same way.
It is in a very steep incline. Both my dad and I use walking aids. We were advised to take the left fork past the bridge as its somewhat easier and meant we would be walking back down the locks which would be easier.
However it is still a challenge of a walk and one thing I have to mention and why I gave 4/5 is that is not disabled friendly. By that I mean there is not a single place to sit down and rest on that walk apart from 2 benches which were occupied, and 1 bench where the canal boats moor on the way down. My poor dad really struggled. There really does need to be more benches in general. It would really help. There is seating outside the cafe but only if you purchase food and this appeared to be monitored by staff.
Despite this set back though, it was really nice to see working locks and watch boats go through.
We visited the museum but felt this was a little disappointing at a cost of £7.
We finished our visit by going to the pub Foxton Locks Inn, which has a prime spot by the canal with plenty of outdoor seating and lovely maintained gardens.
A nice day out but definately not disabled friendly. As a Grade II listed site I dont expect adaptations obviously but additional seating would be welcome.
There is free parking for disabled blue badge holders. This parking area is monitored. £3.50 charge a day for everyone else.
Written 18 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freddie B
Coalville, UK206 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
Foxton Locks is an impressive piece of Victorian engineering from the 19th century. The site has many amenities such as a bookshop, a well stocked gift shop, a pub, and a museum. Sadly, when I visited the museum was closed but I can imagine it was interesting. The volunteers at the site were very helpful and informative, and they even allowed me to help them operate the locks. The locks are arranged in a staircase formation, which is the longest in Britain, sepeeated by a pool in which narrowboats can wait and allow others to pass. Also on the site is the Foxton Inclined Plane, another piece of magnificent Victorian engineering that allowed larger narrowboats to travel up the hill. The inclined plane only operated for 11 years before closing and being overtook by nature. Overall, Foxton Locks is a must-see for any narrowboat or canal enthusiast and should even be visited by people not interested in them.
Written 6 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Braindamagedbaron
Newark-on-Trent, UK1,837 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
A really lovely hidden gem and a stunning place to walk and stretch your legs. The locks are fascinating and worth exploring. Take a seat and watch the boats gracefully ride the ladder of locks. The footpaths lead far and wide and can teat the most ardent of walkers. Walk as far as you want from the locks deep into the countryside and enjoy the scenery all around. Peaceful and charming and well worth a visit. You may never have heard of it, but you'll be pleased you went....
Written 26 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy S
London, UK3 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Wonderful to see real working locks! We even ‘helped’ a barge to go through. Area was beautiful so we walked and relaxed. Parking was easy although we did arrive early. Toilets were clean. Unfortunately we visited on a Monday so the Canal museum was shut.
The volunteers were full of useful information!
The volunteers were full of useful information!
Written 10 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria G
4 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Our second visit to Foxton Locks where we had the pleasure of chatting to David one of the many volunteers. It was so nice to have things explained and my husbands many questions answered. If you haven't visited Foxton locks before it's well worth the trip with plenty of volunteers on hand for any questions you may have. If you are lucky enough to have a sunny day it's beautiful.
Written 22 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue O
Broughton, United Kingdom17 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
We thoroughly enjoyed our walk up the lock path and back. Fascinating watching the canal boats going up the locks.
Enjoyed a warming bowl of soup in the cafe at the bottom end of the locks.
Enjoyed a warming bowl of soup in the cafe at the bottom end of the locks.
Written 30 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H_Tu
Almere, The Netherlands79 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Totally by chance we were passing here, we wanted to stop somewhere. The experience of stopping here and seeing all kinds of longboats going through the locks was really great. There is a relaxed quiet atmosphere so nice for a visit and a look at boats.
Automatically translated
Written 20 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin h
Leicester, United Kingdom4 contributions
Jan 2025 • Friends
So Foxton Locks is very good the only cost being the car park which at £3 is absolutely fair enough.
However the car park payment system is very bad. Coins or app no card reader. Take some coins and if you can, check the machine's display before you commit to parking. It was cold and the display was fogged over, I couldn't see what I was doing see the picture, so entering the details was pure luck. The person before me wasn't so lucky and having paid his fee is now awaiting a letter from the car parking management company (no contact phone number available).
However the car park payment system is very bad. Coins or app no card reader. Take some coins and if you can, check the machine's display before you commit to parking. It was cold and the display was fogged over, I couldn't see what I was doing see the picture, so entering the details was pure luck. The person before me wasn't so lucky and having paid his fee is now awaiting a letter from the car parking management company (no contact phone number available).
Written 3 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LadyatManor
Market Harborough, UK99 contributions
Jun 2022
I love this place. It’ a really rural setting and phone signal is poor so take along coins for the parking. Two choices, long stay @ £3.00 for 12 hours which is at the top of the site or short stay @ £3.50 for 4 hours. No card payments. Long stay takes 5 to 10 minutes to walk to the locks down a wooded path and short stay is a 5-minute walk up the hill. At the top is a café, bookshop and activities. On the day we visited there was a free guided walk, free pond dipping and craft activities. We did a guided walk with a volunteer called Tim and my niece did pond dipping with another volunteer. The walk included the history and heritage and he showed us how the locks work. My niece was amazed by what lives under the water. This day was so interesting, the volunteers are knowledgeable and welcoming and it is great to see the boats going up and down. There are 10 locks and the incline is steep so it’s a strange sight. Don’t miss the viewing spot to see the old boat lift and the bookshop (cash donations) in the white cottage. There is an orchard with picnic benches at top lock. Lots of wildlife, we saw a water vole, rabbits and a green woodpecker. There are otters but we didn’t see any. A brilliant day out and I spent less than £20 with ice creams and coffees. I will definitely be going back.
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry I have not seen any dates for this year.
Written 16 December 2019
How many locks are there?
Written 19 August 2019
How many locks are there?
Written 19 August 2019
There are 10 locks,cafe little museum and wheelchair friendly
Then onto Warwick locks near Hatton .....22 locks a lovely walk too
Written 20 August 2019
Can I park overnight in a motorhome
Written 21 April 2018
Are you traveling on the narrow boats? I would ask at the office - I'm sure they would give you the best answer and they seem to do everything they possibly can to help. Heck, we were so miserably lost, they came and got us and led us back to the marina.
Written 6 May 2018
Vanessa S
Lowestoft, United Kingdom
what is the parking like for motorhome please
Written 19 February 2017
there is a car park though the spaces are for cars not motor homes at the bottom car park, use the one at the top as there is more space and no marked spaces as such.
Written 19 February 2017
Can you see the water from the car park?
Is there plenty of parking?
Written 21 August 2016
Hello
The answer is yes to both questions
Written 29 August 2016
Is the site suitable for people with walking difficulties, or can mobility scooters be hired.
Written 4 July 2016
I run a facebook group for disabled boaters as I am one, there is an document here on Foxton Locks Accessabilty
Foxton Locks
Foxton Locks Bottom car park has 4 dedicated disabled bays and a disabled toilet by the car park, there are also disabled bays up towards the Boiler House museum.
Blue Badge holders can park free of charge.
The towpath by the locks is a hard surface, though steep it is a good surface for chairs.
Be warned it is a very steep incline to foot bridge at top locks to the car park there and you have to cross a road. The top car park has a very uneven surface and can be tricky to negotiate if unsteady walking.
From the bottom car park to access the towpath side it is easier to cross the swing bridge, which is wide enough for a mobility scooter. The tow path towards Rainbow Bridge is very good and wide, it continues like this pass the bridge up to the wooden bridge then starts to narrow a bit. If you wish to go further along the towpath be warned there are two spots where is has collapsed a bit to one side into the canal so you need to be careful. Apart from those two sections for the most it is easily accessible for wheel chair uses etc all the way to debdale wharf – after which it does narrow a bit more.
Written 19 February 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 13
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing