Address: Foxton, Market Harborough, LE16 7RA, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.7
based on 507 reviews.
Scenery and Atmosphere
Pros:
"Beautiful place for walks."
"Such a pretty and idyllic place to visit with family and friends, on your own, or even with your dog."
"The views are so pretty, the water, the boats, the birds are amazing."
"A lovely sunny day and people were here in droves - young and old alike having a great time."
"Beautiful scenery, lovely walks & a great old pub where you can just switch off, relax."
"The scenery and views were spectacular."
"Such a lovely place for a walk, gorgeous views always but looking particularly gorgeous with the Autumn leaves in full swing."
Cons:
"On this occasion however lots of paths were closed off with metal railings and tape everywhere with no obvious work going on and fairly poor signage."
"Was okay went with my other half and two dogs, better in the summer as when we went we couldn't walk down the locks, was builders and diggers everywhere."
"The footpath alongside the locks is steep and some crossing points narrow."
"The hill up the locks can be quite steep and is not ideal for if you have walking issues."
"Great for children but maybe difficult those in pushchairs it's a steep incline."
"There are a couple of walks that are closed, why who knows but we think due to covid?"
"We found the paths difficult to negotiate with a wheelchair but are novices so that may just be us and it may be easier next time."
Locks and Engineering
Pros:
"This is a lovely place, quite a marvel of engineering."
"Beautiful place, a little bit of history."
"The actual locks had been drained for essential maintenance and it was very interesting to see them minus water!"
"Jewel of the canal system. Well worth a visit, whether on a boat or not. Of particular interest, the inclined plane, which pre-dated the locks."
"A splendid spot for some relaxation and to wonder at the marvels of Victorian engineering!"
"Really interesting place where you'll find ten locks, the biggest incline in the UK."
"Fabulous place to visit. Such marvels of 19th-century engineering with the lock staircase and the site of the inclined plane boatlift."
Cons:
"The inclined plane was closed off but you can get a good view of it from a round viewing platform looking down onto it."
"However be careful because water gates are not secured by any barriers or even simple rope and there's huge risk for small kids!"
"The downside at the moment is Social Distancing is not being observed."
"The only thing that spoils the experience is the surly and unwelcoming so-called volunteer lock keepers."
"Great boating but as is sadly often the case somewhat ruined by canal and river trust volunteers overstepping the mark and interfering with navigation rather than offering assistance as they’re meant to."
"Sadly we didn't manage to see the locks."
"Very well kept but unfortunately we got there after 4 and no boat traffic was passing through the locks."
Food and Refreshments
Pros:
"Family occasion here last weekend. Had the carvery and a cherry almond desert. The food was delicious and the service was good, despite being busy."
"Kids loved the burger n chips. adults enjoy beer."
"The food was lovely (cavery very much recommended - fill your plate as high as you like!)."
"Lunchtime at the Inn was good food and service."
"A delicious Ploughmans lunch and a pint."
"Lovely home made ice cream at the top cottage."
"Food tasty and well presented."
Cons:
"The service however was awful. It was ridiculously slow for our food to arrive and when it did it wasn't the best."
"Disappointing, ordered food and 30mins later told they had forgotten to put our order through."
"The whitebait we had as a shared starter was fried to a crisp."
"Pub food only very average and service less than adequate in The Boathouse."
"Very busy, and we were informed of a long wait for food."
"Prices at the food outlets were rather high."
"Shame about reduced menu made it hard for chef and me due to limited selections when presenting gluten intolerant and soya allergies."
Parking and Accessibility
Pros:
"Parking nearby was a good price and, even though it was a lovely day, it wasn't too busy."
"Plenty of parking spaces over 2 sites, £3 for the day."
"Parking in the area is plenty and spacious, again, at a reasonable price."
"The carparking was cheap (and lasted all-day), the walk from there to the Locks was fairly level and easy to access."
"Parked easily, just £3.00 for all day."
"Easy parking which (in the long stay car park) cost £2 for the day."
"Lots of places to park either at the top of the locks or down at the bottom."
Cons:
"The parking payment app isn’t available for download to non-UK iTunes accounts."
"Parking was cash or app only, rather frustratingly no contactless or card payment option."
"The payment website wouldn’t accept my credit card."
"Tourist unfriendly car park: doesn’t take cards, only coins."
"Parking becomes expensive if only half the site is open."
"Parking meters are a nightmare. No contactless payments."
"App payment is a joke. No card payments no help and Cash only."