Welcome
Foxton Locks is a place where the minds of engineers and the hard working hands of the navvy have shaped the landscape in a dramatic way. As well as the famous staircase of ten locks climbing up the hillside, there are also the remains of a gigantic boat lift.
The museum tells the story of the Lift, Locks and Lives associated with Foxton Locks. It is home to a treasure trove of artefacts and exhibitions; all housed in the reconstructed boilerhouse which once powered the boat lift.
OPENING TIMES:
Saturday - Wednesday - 11am - 4.00pm
October Half Term
Monday - Sunday - 11am - 4.00pm
20th October - 2nd November
November & December
Weekends only - 11am - 3.30pm
ENTRY PRICE:
ADULT £4
CHILD FREE
(Entry free for under 18s when accompanying a paying adult)
CONCESSION £3.00
(Over 65s, unemployed, students aged 18+, service personnel (including NHS, Canal & River Member, Blue Light Card)
CARER FREE
(Entry free when accompanying a paying visitor with additional needs)
Dogs are welcome in the museum & shop on a lead.
What's on 2025
EXHIBITION
Charlotte Ashman
4 October - 31 December
This autumn, step aboard a journey through time with Charlotte Ashman and Christian Vlasto. Discover contemporary lino cut prints and drawings by Charlotte, created on her 1935 narrowboats Hyperion and Hyades, alongside historical artwork and photographs by Christian, who lived and worked on Hyperion during WWII.
A magical creative link across nearly 80 years emerges as both artists captured the same intimate viewpoint inside the cabin – a shared moment across time and generations.
Charlotte’s exhibition celebrates women on the canals, their stories, and their artistic contributions – from historical sketches to modern creations made in her on-board studio.
FREE Workshop:
Creative Words & Touchpoints – 17th October, 10am–3pm,
led by Alarum Theatre & Charlotte Ashman.
Limited spaces – email info@foxtoncanalmuseum.org to book!
ACTIVITIES
Fun Craft Workshops
Half term 20th - 31st October
This Half term we are bring back our fun kids workshops. With a choice of three different activites to choose from.
Running every weekday inside the museum, come and explore fun craft activities to make and do. (Click the image for more info)
Each activity cost £3.00 per child accompanied by an adult.
Book your place online to guarantee a space.
Goblin Door Trail
18 October - 2 November
The goblins are on holiday—and they've chosen Foxton Locks for their magical getaway! But these cheeky creatures haven’t come quietly… they’ve hidden their enchanted doors all around the site, and now it’s up to YOU to find them!
Collect your FREE trail sheet from:
Foxton Canal Museum
Foxton Locks Inn
Top Lock Cottage
Bridge 61 Shop
Half Term Fun
Hidden Wonders Hunt
This October, embark on a magical museum trail at FOXTON LOCKS as part of the Hidden Wonders Hunt, organised by Kids in Museums and Walker Books. This free spotter trail for children aged 4+ and their families celebrates the release of The Search for our Cosmic Neighbours, the latest picture book by bestselling author-illustrator Chloe Savage.
Pick up a free activity sheet to join in at FOXTON CANAL MUSEUM Spot hidden wonders around the museum and complete a fun drawing challenge! Complete the trail and get a free sticker. Plus, enter the competition for the chance to win out of this world prizes, including a signed Hidden Wonders Hunt book bundle and a Double National Art Pass Plus Kids from Art Fund.
Starting inside the museum.
The activity will run from 18 October to 2 November 2025
Collect your free trail sheet when you visit
Half Term Fun
Top Trump Cards
To tie in with our half term trail Hidden Wonders, we have a special edition of canal cards based on the popular Top Trump game.
Come and find these hidden cards in our museum and complete a quiz sheet. Find out about the wonders of our canal network and have fun discovering the marvels of human engineering.
Starting inside the museum.
The activity will run from 18 October to 2 November 2025
Collect your free quiz sheet when you visit
Inclined Plane Site Tours
1 September - End of October
Accompanied by our knowledgeable guides, tours take visitors onto the remains of the inclined plane. Tours give historical insight into this extraordinary piece of Victorian engineering. Please note: our guides are all volunteers, & occasionally tours may need to be cancelled. We recommend calling the museum to confirm tours are running.
Starting from outside the museum.
Tours run:
Monday & Tuesday
12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Free, Donations welcomed
Make a donation to the museum
The Foxton Canal Museum is run by the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust which is a registered charity (No. 513241). Donations and bequests, large or small, are always welcome. A monetary donation will help preserve Foxton Canal Museum’s collection and the incredible stories of the people who lived and worked here for future generations, this in turn will enable the Museum to develop new exhibitions and broaden public access to its collections.
Foxton Canal Museum
Middle Lock
Gumley Road
Foxton
LE16 7RA
Telephone No: 0116 279 2657
Email: info@foxtoncanalmuseum.org
Foxton Canal Museum is an Accredited Museum (1644) operated by Foxton Inclined Plane Trust (charity no: 513241)
