Museum CLOSED
Wednesday 4 June
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:
ENTRY PRICE:
Summer hours
Saturday - Wednesday - 11am - 4.00pm
Dogs are welcome in the museum & shop on a lead.
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)
What's on 2025
EXHIBITION
Foxton Creates
12 April - 1 June
Discover the creativity of local young artists in this exhibition, featuring artwork by children from four primary schools as part of an Arts Council-funded project led by
Culture Leicestershire.
Festival of Boats
7 June - 28 September
The 1950 Market Harborough Festival & Rally of Boats was the first inland waterways rally. Organised by the Inland Waterways Association & Market Harborough Urban District Council this incredible event attracted 40,000 visitors & 130 boats. Our exhibition marks the 75th anniversary & reflects a post-war sense of adventure, & a diverse series of events across the town.
Charlotte Ashman
4 October - 2 November
Experience life on the waterways through Charlotte's artwork, inspired by her everyday life aboard and the rich heritage of Britain’s canals. Her prints beautifully connect the past and present, showcasing the enduring legacy of those who shaped the canal system.
ACTIVITIES
Inclined Plane Site Tours
5 April - 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 & Wednesday
12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Free, Donations welcomed
Half Term Trail
24 May - 1 June
Put on your nature detective hat and join the Poo and Paw Hunt this half term! Explore the towpath and see if you can work out which animal has left a clue somewhere around Foxton Locks…
Collect your trail from Bridge 61, Foxton Locks Inn, the museum or Top Lock Coffee Stop
FREE
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)