Foxton Locks Canal
Foxton Locks Canal
Distance: 0.5 miles
Walk: 15 mins
sat nav: LE16 7RA
Explore Foxton Locks, a historic canal marvel in Leicestershire, offering picturesque landscapes, canal heritage, boat trips, and a glimpse into 19th-century engineering brilliance.
How do you lift a fully loaded narrowboat up a 75ft hill? Engineers of the past 200 years have come up with not one but two ingenious solutions at Foxton and, together, they offer a day out like no other.
There are flights of locks all over the nation’s canal network but there’s nowhere quite like Foxton Locks – the longest and steepest staircase of locks in the country. Ten locks back-breakingly carved by hand through the Leicestershire countryside.
An innovative boat lift, or inclined plane, was built next to the locks to carry boats up and down the steep hill in giant bathtubs, or caissons, of water. Expensive to operate, and under increasing competition from the railways, it was mothballed after just 11 years but today visitors can stand on the remains and find out more about how it worked in the nearby museum.
Two centuries ago Foxton would have bustled with the sights, sounds and smells of a working waterway but today it offers a peaceful escape where you can almost feel life slowing down. There’s a friendlier feel too, where people passing on the towpath say hello and there’s always a smiling lock keeper on-hand for a chat.
Maybe you’ll enjoy a spot of ‘gongoozling’, the art of watching the beautifully painted narrowboats make their way through the locks. With around 5,000 boats passing through each year, Foxton is the perfect place to try it.
Visit Foxton Locks Canal
Rockingham Castle
This remarkable castle, built on the instruction of William the Conqueror, it has been a family home for 450 years. Prior to the Watson’s ownership the Castle was held by the crown. There are very few other homes that have been continuously occupied for nearly 1000 years and within that time been owned by just one family since being relinquished as a royal Castle. I think this is a particularly extraordinary aspect of Rockingham’s long and fascinating story.
Miles: 13
Rutland County Show
The Rutland County Show is one of the oldest shows in the country and has a very traditional feel with livestock classes, equine showing, heavy horses, show jumping and main ring entertainment as well as a host of other show attractions.
Miles: 20
National Space Centre
The award winning National Space Centre is the UK’s largest attraction dedicated to space. From the minute you catch sight of the Space Centre’s futuristic Rocket Tower, you ‘ll be treated to hours of breathtaking discovery and interactive fun.
Miles: 17
Loughborough Market Town
A quaint market town with over 400 shops. The town boasts an array of fashion, arts/ crafts & local produce stores. The street market runs every Thursday & Saturday.
Local Village Quorn (LE12 7TZ) Car boot every Sunday
Miles: 30
Foxton Locks Canal is 0.5 miles from Foxton Locks Lodges
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