With family visiting for the weekend and the last of the summer upon us, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore Foxton Locks.

Built in the 19th century, Foxton locks are not only still fully functioning but they are the the largest flight of staircase locks on the English canal system. Climbing up the hill, the locks are pretty spectacular with beautiful narrowboats heading through on a watery adventure.

We spent several hours exploring, taking in the incredible victorian inclined boat lift and countryside views and treating ourselves to a homemade ice-cream. We also got to try our hand at opening and closing the locks as one of the friendly members of staff encouraged us to have a go to help a narrowboat on its way.

It was a perfect way to spend a Saturday morning and I will definitely be going back. Next time I’m going to go on the narrowboat ride and swap my picnic for a lunch in one of the lovely pubs that sit right by the locks.

Images by Joanna Payne and courtesy of Peter Leigh on Flickr