The Locks Today
Foxton provides a wonderful day out with plenty to do. Watching the boats go through the locks is one of the most entertaining pastimes.
The locks are essentially the same as they were when they opened nearly 200 years ago. The one big difference is that you now walk on well maintained paths and the grass is cut!
The water is controlled by paddles painted red or white. In effect they are big taps, turning the water on or off. Red paddles fill locks, white empties them. A past lock keeper chose to paint the paddles red and white to make it easier to explain the operation of the locks. He summed it up with "Red afore white and you'll be alright, white afore red and you'll wish you were dead!" Get the sequence wrong and you risk flooding the pub!
The Last lottery project completed in 2008 refurbished the land surrounding the locks and added modern interpretation. British Waterways maintain the locks and employ lock keepers to shepherd the boats through them.
There are ten locks in two staircases of five with a passing pond between them. The locks are unusual in that each lock leads directly in to the next. It takes an average of 45 minutes for each boat to negotiate the flight, however there is often a queue and this can last for up to five hours.
The cottage at the top lock has been refurbished and you can now purchase a snack to eat whilst watching the boats.
At the bottom of the locks you have a choice of places to eat and drink...
'Bridge 61' specialises in good value pub grub and real ale. It has a garden with views of the canal. They also serve snacks from a window, to eat whilst watching the boats.
In the old stables next door is a small shop which serves souvenirs, groceries and stuff for boats this is also the base for Foxton Boat Services who can provide Day boats, trips on 'Vagabond' and repairs to boats. Visit.....
T. 0116 279 2285 foxtonboats@btinternet.com
Foxton Locks Inn offers a canal side restaurant and bar. Attached to it, in the old blacksmiths workshop, is the Old Boat House, a venue where you can purchase snacks or book for a party. Both have licensed bars and offer a wide range of wines.
T. 0116 279 1515 foxtonlocks@btinternet.com
