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Foxton locks

Foxton Locks

Foxton Locks, Gumley Road, Foxton, Leicestershire, LE16 7RA.

When Foxton Locks were completed in 1814, canal trade was booming. The locks became a bottleneck with loads of boats wanting to use them at the same time. To solve the problem, a boat lift was built which carried boats up and down the steep hill in giant tanks of water.

Visit Foxton Locks to discover the full story and find out why the lift was only open for ten years.

Educational visits to Foxton Locks

  • Workshops

    KS1 & KS2

    Discover Canal people

    How people lived and local history.

    Habitats and lifecycles

    The importance of wildlife and Biodiversity.

    Build a canal

    Discover how were the canals made.

    Water safety

    How to be safe around the water's edge.

    A Plastic Challenge

    Help clear our canal of plastic and help reduce, re-use and re-cycle to benefit our environment.

    How a lock works

    Discover how a lock works, what it does and see one in operation.

    Floating and Sinking

    This workshop will help children develop a clearer understanding of the factors affecting whether something sinks or floats.

    Don't forget a boat trip!

    Book direct with Vagabond Boat Trips. T: 0116 2792285

  • Learning Resources
  • Facilities

    Free facilities for teachers include pre-visits, risk assessments and downloadable trails.

    Practicalities include toilets in upper and lower car parks, outdoor picnic area, shop, café, restaurant, pub, canal museum, stable building, and interpretive trail.

    Coaches need to park in the pay & display car parks.

  • Price

    Visits to Foxton Locks are FREE!

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