Hatton flight of twenty-one locks is situated near Warwick on the Grand Union Canal.

The locks were widened in the 1930s to take bigger boats and fight off the competition from roads and railways. When the new locks were completed, bands played and crowds gathered to watch the Duke of Kent cut the ribbon.

Today Hatton Locks is a peaceful location, great for watching narrowboats and exploring the wildlife.

Workshops

KS1 KS2 Hatton Locks Trail

Children take a guided walk along this stunning flight of locks, known as the Stairway to Heaven. It’s the perfect place to see how the canal has changed the landscape and engineers have solved the problem of moving boats up and down hills. Investigate how locks work, why bridges were built and why boats float.

KS1 KS2 Build a Canal

This session helps children to understand how and why canals were built and how they changed Britain. It provides an interactive way of discussing local industry and how the arrival of the canals shaped the landscape.

KS1 KS2 Building Bridges

What better place to learn how bridges are designed and built? Discuss how bridges are different shapes and sizes to suit the location and use. The bridges at Hatton were made with concrete - a new material for canal building in the 1930s.

KS1 KS2 Canal People

Learning how families worked and lived on the canals is an important part of canal history. Children worked on the boats to support their family, often leading the horse or working the locks. Imagine life without school! Take part in our dressing up and guess the artefacts to see how they relate to family life aboard.

KS1 KS2 Waterway Habitats

Many waterside creatures have made Hatton Locks their home, so spotting and identifying wildlife is a must here! Take the habitat challenge and find the answers to clues about what lives where and who eats who.

KS1 KS2 Stay SAFE Near Water

All our visits include learning about water safety and how to respect the canal environment.

Heritage Boat Visits

On special occasions our Heritage Boats visit Hatton Locks to offer a unique opportunity for children to step on board and see inside the cabin where boating families lived. These are available on specific dates. Please enquire when booking.

Learning Resources

Use the following resources to support learning on your trip and back in the classroom:

All About Canals

Life on the English Waterways

Canal & River Habitats Topic Pack

Discover Wildlife Poster

Canal Art

Building & Carrying Topic Pack

Find out more about Hatton Locks.

Facilities

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

Practicalities include limited toilets at the café or in our office, pay & display parking, indoor workshop space for pre-booked visits and a canal-side café.

Price

Visits to Hatton Locks are FREE!