Canal & River Trust Winter Lock Open Days 2026/27

Each winter the Canal & River Trust drains sections of canal for lock gate replacements and invites the public down ladders to walk on the bed of the empty lock chamber. Locations and dates for the 2026/27 programme across England and Wales are announced in late autumn, with past open days held at Newark Town Lock, Hatton Locks and the Caen Hill flight.

What’s on

• Walk inside a drained lock chamber
• See giant oak lock gates up close
• Talks from Trust engineers and volunteers
• Free family activities

The next date has not been confirmed by the organiser yet. This event usually runs in January. We check weekly and will publish the date as soon as it is announced.