Celebrating 75 Years of the Inland Waterways at Foxton Locks
Last weekend I had the pleasure of joining the celebrations for the 75th Anniversary of the Inland Waterways Association at the iconic Foxton Locks. Even though the day began with slightly wet, overcast weather, it somehow felt fitting — the kind of damp, atmospheric English day that makes the brickwork of the locks glisten and the greenery along the towpath look even more vibrant.
We set off on foot, walking steadily up alongside the famous staircase flight of locks. This remarkable series of ten narrow locks is the longest flight in Britain and has been carefully guiding boats up and down the hill for more than 200 years. Despite the drizzle, there was no shortage of activity: narrowboats slowly working their way through, crews calling out instructions, and curious onlookers peering down into the chambers as the water rushed in and out. There’s something endlessly fascinating about the process — an engineering marvel that still works as effectively today as when it was built.
At the top of the locks, we visited the Foxton Canal Museum, housed in a former boiler building. It offered a wonderful chance to dive deeper into the story of Foxton. Displays told the tale of life on the waterways, from working boat families to leisure cruising, as well as the wider story of the Inland Waterways Association, whose campaigning has played such a vital role in keeping canals alive and thriving for three-quarters of a century.
One of the highlights was learning about the ambitious yet short-lived Foxton Inclined Plane Boat Lift. Built in 1900, it was an extraordinary piece of Victorian engineering designed to carry boats in water-filled tanks up and down the hillside in minutes, bypassing the slow locks. Standing on the site today, it takes imagination to picture the scale of it, but the museum’s models and photographs really brought it to life. It’s easy to understand why it was considered revolutionary, even if its working life was sadly brief.
The day was less about sunshine and more about reflection — on history, engineering, and the shared passion of those who value our canals. What struck me most was the sense of community: families enjoying the day, walkers stopping to chat, volunteers eager to share their knowledge, and the steady rhythm of the locks carrying on as they always have.
Despite the drizzle, it was a day filled with warmth, learning, and a deep appreciation for the waterways that wind so quietly through our landscape. Foxton Locks provided the perfect backdrop to celebrate 75 years of the IWA — a living reminder of how important it is to protect and cherish this part of our heritage for future generations.