TBCJan
Canal & River Trust Winter Lock Open Days 2026/27
Selected drained locks across the Canal & River Trust network, Various · Various
Canals
Photo: Vieve Forward · CC BY-SA 2.0
Canal & Waterway Events · 0 dated · verified weekly
Lock Open Days 2026/27
A lock open day is the strangest free day out on the canals. The Canal & River Trust drains a lock for winter maintenance, puts steps down into the chamber, and lets you walk along the bottom where the boats normally float. You stand under gates the size of barn doors and look up at brickwork that has held back water since the 1790s, and it costs nothing.
They only happen in winter, because that is when the Trust replaces gates and repairs chambers while boat traffic is at its quietest. The 2026/27 open day programme runs between January and March 2027 at locks around the network, with venues announced in late autumn 2026. Entry is free and hard hats are provided; some sites run timed slots, so check whether your nearest one wants you to book.
Wear wellies or solid boots, because a freshly drained lock floor is exactly as muddy as you would hope. Kids find the whole thing brilliant, and the volunteers on the chamber floor are usually the lock keepers and engineers who do the actual work, which makes the questions half the fun. When the dates drop we list every one with a postcode, and they go in the Thursday Runsheet first.
Awaiting dates
These run most years but the next date is not announced yet. We check weekly and date them the moment organisers confirm. Get the weekly email and you will not miss it.
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Lock Open Days: your questions answered
When are the next lock open days?
Between January and March 2027, during the Canal & River Trust's winter maintenance season. The Trust announces the 2026/27 venues in late autumn 2026, and we list each one with its date and postcode as soon as it is confirmed.
Are lock open days free?
Yes, completely. They are run by the Canal & River Trust as public engagement during winter works, hard hats included. Some sites invite donations, which is fair given what you are getting.
Do I need to book a lock open day?
Often, yes. Popular sites use free timed slots to manage numbers on the chamber steps, while smaller ones let you walk up on the day. Each listing says which applies, and booking early is wise because the well-known flights fill quickly.
Why do they drain the locks?
To replace the gates and repair the chambers. A set of lock gates lasts roughly 25 years, and the work can only happen in winter when the navigation is closed anyway. The open days let the public see engineering that is normally hidden under eight feet of water.
What should I wear to a lock open day?
Wellies or sturdy boots, warm layers and gloves. It is winter, the chamber floor is wet and muddy, and you will be standing around looking at things. Hard hats are provided on site, so that is one thing you can leave at home.
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