Foxton Locks – when you enter the basin

Foxton basin

Once you are through the foot bridge, you are straight into Foxton basin. This is the canal basin that sits at the base of Foxton Locks, and in the summer months it is a hive of activity.

If you are planning on booking in to go up Foxton Locks, you will need to moor up at any available point on the right. From here at least one of you can then go up the tow path in search of one of the lock keepers, who will be dressed in blue with a red lifejacket.

If you want to head north, towards Debdale, Kibworth Locks and beyond, then keep to the right hand side. This will take you under Bridge 62 known as Rainbow Bridge and onwards. There is no need to stop unless you want to.

mooring outside Foxton Locks inn in the Foxton basin

Pausing for a pint at Foxton

If you’d like to moor up in Foxton basin and take a look around, there are two idyllic mooring spots, right in front of the pub garden of Foxton Locks Inn. That’s the large white pub to the left of you, with tables right up to the black fence.

If you find one of the spots empty, just moor up on the left and tie off using the mooring rings embedded in the concrete. From here you can let yourself in to the pub garden through the little gate.

If you prefer the look of boaters’ favourite, Bridge 61, then you might prefer to plan ahead and moor up before you reach the foot bridge. This is because there are no mooring spots right outside that pub, the towpath being reserved for the trip boat, Vagabond, which runs during the season.

More information about Foxton Locks

The Canal and River Trust publish a useful map of the surrounding area, showing where you can moor around Foxton basin.

The locks themselves are only navigable between certain hours, when the Lock Keepers are on hand.

The hours of opening change with the seasons and according to any maintenance work.

Foxton Locks opening times are on Foxton Locks’ own website here.

We are delighted that more and more narrowboat novices are enjoying the canals around Market Harborough. We are putting together a series of Beginner Guides to help you prepare for your holiday and find a few solutions to common problems en route.

It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Canal and River Trust’s Boaters’ Handbook before you arrive.

We offer all kinds of narrowboats, from Day Boats to Boutique Narrowboats and boats suitable for families. All our hires involve full training and we welcome complete beginners.