There are some important things you need to know when joining our waterways or leaving for the Thames. The tidal locks to the Thames are Thames Lock Brentford, Limehouse, Bow and West India Dock Entrance.
Boating on the Thames
Boating on the tidal Thames presents a unique set of challenges. For instance, it's not uncommon for the passage between Teddington and Limehouse to have waves over a metre tall with tidal flows above four knots. But for the experienced boater, it's well worth a go.
The River Thames flows downstream towards Docklands. But the tide is more powerful - it'll be either pushing water back up towards Teddington or pull it back towards the Docklands. If you're travelling on the Thames, you need to travel with the tide.
High tide (or high water) is the point at which the tide's direction switches. You'll want to be at your destination by then.
Boats travelling from Teddington to Brentford:
The usual advice is to lock into Teddington about 45 minutes after high water at London Bridge (about 45 minutes to Brentford)
Boats travelling from Brentford to Teddington:
The usual advice is to lock into Brentford about 60 to 90 minutes before high water at London Bridge (about 45 minutes to Brentford)
Boats travelling from Brentford to Limehouse:
The usual advice is to lock into Brentford about one hour after high water at London Bridge
Boats travelling from Limehouse to Brentford:
At this point ask yourself 'what time are you leaving Limehouse?'. Your arrival in Brentford will be about two and a half hours after that
When to use the tidal locks
So, using the tidal locks, therefore, depends on the tide. However, you can only use the tidal locks at Thames Lock Brentford, Limehouse, Bow and West India Dock Entrance when our team or volunteers are on site.
Find out more about how to book passage through each lock in the information below. You can double check for any planned or emergency lock closures on our stoppages page.
The Port of London
The Port of London (PLA) expects most vessels and especially those of 13.7m or more in length overall, to have an operational VHF radio onboard.
If you want to travel through Thames Lock, you'll need to book online at least two working days in advance
If you have any problems with your booking or you're a contractor, please email our Customer Service Team, stating 'Thames Lock Booking' in the subject line of your email.
In your email please include:
your name and telephone number
your boat's name and index number
the date and time you'd like to book for travel (taking into account tidal times)
your direction of travel i.e. up from the Thames, down to the Thames (if you are coming from the direction of Teddington Lock or Limehouse Lock)
You are required to book the lock online at least two working days in advance.
Telephone and email bookings can be confirmed between 08:00 – 15:30, Monday – Friday.
Requests outside of the hours of 08:00 – 15:30 will be picked up for processing, the next working day.
Before you go on your journey, check lock closures on our stoppage pages. It is advised that when the Thames Barrier is closed for planned testing, we cannot operate Thames Lock. More information on planned closures for the Thames Barrier can be found here.
Limehouse Lock
To book passage you are required to complete this online, a minimum 2 working days in advance. (For example, 2pm on a Monday for a 2.30pm Wednesday, or 12 noon on a Thursday for a Saturday or Sunday booking)
Telephone and email bookings can be confirmed between 8am to 3.30pm Monday – Friday. (Excluding bank holidays).
Requests outside of the hours of 8am to 3.30pm will be processed the next working day.
Lock availability
Limehouse Lock is not available for any operations for around two hours either side of low water at London Bridge.
During our Summer season which runs 1 April though to 31 October - the lock is operational between 7am until 7pm.
During our Winter Season which runs from 1st November until 31 March- the lock is operational between 8am until 4pm.
Please note the lock, and all bookings, are subject to tidal windows and any prevailing operational requirements at that time.
Passage
On the day – we will assume that you are intending to honour your booking unless you tell us otherwise – please ring 0303 040 4040 and inform us if you need to cancel your booking.
Please ensure you are contactable on the day of your passage. If we cannot reach you, this may have an impact on other users and operations
Should your arrival be more than 30 minutes after your booking slot, you will need to re-book, please consider your journey times and weather conditions accordingly.
If you want to travel through Limehouse Lock, you'll need to book online at least 48 hours in advance
Bow Lock
Bow Lock must be booked 7 days in advance. Availability is restricted to two hours either side of high water at London Bridge between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.
the date and time you'd like to book for travel (taking into account tidal times)
your direction of travel i.e. up from the Thames, down to the Thames (if you are coming from the direction of Teddington Lock or Limehouse Lock)
West India Dock Entrance
West India Lock must be booked seven days in advance. Availability is restricted to three hours either side of high water at North Woolwich. We can guarantee a lock booking between 8.30am to 3.30pm, as the tidal window permits, Monday to Friday. For any operations outside these hours, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Please note that you will need to have full salvage cover/wreck removal insurance to enter West India Dock.
