Explore the engineering marvel of Foxton Locks through interactive exhibitions, artifacts, and hands-on STEM workshops in a reconstructed boilerhouse.

Foxton Canal Museum celebrates the fascinating history of Foxton Locks, one of Britain's most impressive canal engineering achievements. Located in a reconstructed boilerhouse that once powered the famous boat lift, the museum houses a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibitions telling the story of the locks, the innovative incline plane boat lift, and the lives of the people who built and operated them. Visitors can experience the dramatic landscape shaped by Victorian engineers and navvies, including the iconic staircase of ten locks and the remains of the Thomas Boat Lift from 1900. The museum offers engaging activities for families, including the "Poo and Paw Trail" interactive game around the site and regular STEM Summer Workshops (£5 per child) designed for ages 5-12, featuring hands-on art, science, and technology sessions. The venue is particularly family-friendly with free entry for children under 18 when accompanied by a paying adult (adult tickets £4). Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the museum and shop. The site provides both indoor museum exploration and outdoor heritage discovery, with guided tours available during Heritage Open Days. Educational school visits and free STEM primary learning packs support learning beyond the visit.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Ray

4 months ago

Not open on the day we visited, but a sign posted outside says it will be open on 3rd April 2026.

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Inveer Chadha (Warcrazyness)

6 months ago

Visited on 31/08/25, not a very big museum but recommend the tv room which plays a video of history of the canal

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Dave Britton

a year ago

Lovely little museum with very friendly, helpful staff. We were just passing through, and I'd never heard of this unique inclined plane lift before, so I was very happy to find out how it worked as the staff took time to explain to us personally. Also, it's dog friendly, so bonus, as our little fella enjoyed it rather than being left outside.

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UK Photo Journey

2 years ago

Very nice experience I had when visited this museum. Got more knowledge about Foxton Locks and how they work. Even sad to know that the Locks plane were demolished in 1928 but still there's remains. Knowledgeable staff and very helpful too.

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Stephen Grenfell

3 years ago

This museum is great it gives a great insight into the inclined plane that used to be here, its such a shame that it was scrapped in 1928

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026