The Canal & River Trust is inviting visitors to see Foxton Locks from a different perspective this summer as it announces a new programme of events and activities.
The charity, which cares for the popular landmark as part of its 2,000-mile canal network across England and Wales, is holding a series of activities enabling people to explore the historic site.
Foxton Locks is the UK’s longest, steepest flight of staircase locks and also home to the remains of the Foxton Inclined Plane – a Victorian boat lift designed to haul boats up the hill and now a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The Trust holds a series of canoeing experiences as part of the summer activities, giving a duck’s eye of the Grand Union Canal. The 90-minute sessions, held on Saturdays and some Tuesdays until 22 August, are a great way of exploring the canal’s heritage and the beautiful Leicestershire countryside. Anyone is welcome to participate, whether a seasoned canoeist or a first-timer. Sessions are available to anyone over the age of eleven.
On Tuesday, 15 August, the charity invites families for a fun day. Visitors can have a go at canoeing and fishing sessions, kids’ crafts, water safety activities, pond dipping, moth trapping and guided walks unveiling the site’s history and wildlife secrets. There will also be Caribbean drumming workshops and music sessions taking place in the canalside orchard.
Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service, Leicestershire Police and the Community Safety Partnership will also be on hand showcasing their work and demonstrating some of the equipment they use. Delicious food and drink will be available from the on-site cafes and pubs.
Diana Vogtel, community development manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Foxton is such an incredible place, steeped in history and full of wildlife, but we want to encourage people to see it from a different perspective and have a go at something different this summer.
“There’s really nothing better than being on a canal in a canoe or exploring the bugs and beasts living in our local waterways, and these events will give people a chance to do that in the beautiful surroundings of Foxton Locks.
“Many people may not know that the locks are cared for by a charity so it’s also an opportunity for them to find out about the work we do to keep canals alive and how they can help us to protect the locks for future generations.”
Details of the fun day, which runs from 11 am until 3 pm, can be found at: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-events-canal-festivals/2023-08-15-family-fun-day-foxton-locks.
Tickets for the Canoe Adventures can be bought from: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-events-canal-festivals/2023-07-29-foxton-locks-canoe-experience
For more information about the Canal & River Trust, including how to volunteer and donate, visit: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
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