UPDATE 48 hours notice for Thames Lock Bookings (with 3pm cut off on a Friday)

From 2 November 2020, you will have the additional option to book passage through Thames Lock, Brentford via our online booking system. Before booking your passage online, you will be able to see all the information you need, including lock dimensions, opening days and operating times.

Please be aware, we will still continue to also take bookings via email and over the telephone.

48 hour notice will be applicable for all booking methods.

Find out more on the ‘Booking your passage online’ page of the website. Bookings can be made via the online licensing portal, in the ‘Bookings’ section.

48 hours pre-booking essential for Thames Lock, Grand Union (Last bookings taken 3:00pm every Friday, excluding bank holidays) 

The team are working remotely as our local offices remain closed. The preferred method for bookings is to please email us directly .Please do not use the Customer Service contact us web-form on the website as this may cause delays. You can reach us at

[email protected] 

Please ensure to include all of the following details to the message box:

• that you wish to book passage through Thames Lock
• the date and time of your call
• your name and telephone number
• your boat’s name and index number
• the date and time you’d like to book for travel (considering 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)

3:00pm Friday cut off for bookings

48 hours’ notice is required in advance notice for passage through Thames Lock, Brentford on the Grand Union

The London & South East Region enquiries team are contactable via email, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays and weekends) between the hours of 9am to 5pm.

Last booking requests for the following Monday passage will be taken taken up to 3:00pm every Friday (excluding bank holidays) After that time pre-booking notice period will re-commence on the following Monday

Teddington Lock (EA)

Teddington Lock is only bookable through the Environment Agency (EA)  If you require passage,  please ensure to contact the EA directly taking into consideration Thames Lock operation hours are around high tide, between 7am and 6pm, for passage every day of the month.

WE REQUEST THAT IF YOU ARE AWARE OF OTHER BOATS THAT HAVE BOOKED, PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL TO THAMES LOCK ON THE TIDEWAY WITHOUT MAKING A PRIOR BOOKING

Changes to essential booking for Thames Lock

Commencing from Monday 22 June, we will be changing from 72 hours to 48 hours’ notice in advance notice for passage through Thames Lock.

Also, from Monday 22 June the lock operating hours will also be changing, and Thames Lock will be operational around high tide between 7am and 6pm, for passage every day of the month.

WE REQUEST THAT IF YOU ARE AWARE OF OTHER BOATS THAT HAVE BOOKED, PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL TO THAMES LOCK ON THE TIDEWAY WITHOUT MAKING A PRIOR BOOKING

Thames Lock Office hours for booking requests

The London & South East Region enquiries team will be available to take Thames Lock booking requests, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays and weekends). between the hours of 9am to 5pm.

Last booking requests for the following Monday passage will be taken take at 3pm every Friday (excluding bank holidays)

Thames Lock office contact details

To request a booking please only call 0303 040 4040 or you can email [email protected] and add the following to the message box:

• that you wish to book passage through Thames Lock
• the date and time of your call
• your name and telephone number
• your boat’s name and index number
• the date and time you’d like to book for travel (considering 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)

Due to COVID19 reducing staffing resources in the London & South East region we are currently restricting the service at Thames Lock (101A) in Brentford.

When is Thames Lock Open?

in June, passage through Thames Lock will be Mondays and Fridays only and passage time will need to coincide with tide times (No weekend service)

Please bear in mind that it will take time for the Trust and other organisations on the Thames to get the entire network fully operational. As you will expect, booking for some passages and services will be required. Some sections and structures may be closed for a further period. We are working with the other organisation on The Thames to provide a full service asap.

PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL TO THAMES LOCK ON THE TIDEWAY WITHOUT A BOOKING.

Booking information

All bookings must be made at least 72 hours in advance of passage

Bookings can be made by telephone or email [email protected]

London & South East office hours are available to take your details during the following days and times: 

Monday to Thursday: 9:00am till 5:00pm

Friday: 9:00am till 3:00pm (cut off)

Please note that the office is closed at weekends.

After 3:00pm on a Friday the 72-hour notice period will commence from the following Monday.

When requesting passage please confirm:

1) When are you seeking passage

2) Which direction you are coming from (from the Thames or onto the Thames) and which direction are you headed (Limehouse, Teddington or Brentford)

3) Your boat index number and name

4) Your name and telephone number