Foxton Canal Museum

Foxton Canal Museum is a museum about the history of the boat lift and waterways in the area in Foxton, near Market Harborough in Leicestershire.

This attraction is on the site of a historic boat lift (Foxton Inclined Plane Boat Lift) which was built during the Victorian era to raise boats up the 75 foot height difference in this stretch of the canal system. The alternative was to use a series of 10 conventional canal locks, which are still used today. In creating the lift, the hope was that there would be increased use of the canal as a method of transport, but as that didn't materialise the lift was closed in 1911 and in part dismantled in 1928. The museum is located in the building that was once the boiler house of the boat lift and is run by a charitable organisation (the Foxton Inclined Plane Trust) and run by volunteers whose eventual aim is to restore the lift to working order.

The museum contains exhibits and displays about history of the lift, the canals and waterways in the area and the people who worked on them. Amongst the things to see are models, interactive displays and waterway artefacts, plus there are also people's personal experiences of life on the waterways retold. The site itself, with the series of 10 locks and the old boat lift, is free to access and the tow paths and walkways are now well maintained through the work of the organisation and British Waterways. There are also a number of interpretation panels around the site giving information about it's current and historic uses.

• Car parking (charge, free for disable badge holders).
• Cafe at the top of the locks serving snacks and drinks.
• Other places to eat and drink nearby.

Opening Times & Ticket Prices:

• Please visit the Foxton Canal Museum website for opening times and prices.

Before you start your journey to Foxton Canal Museum for your day out, we recommend that you check their website or contact them to confirm opening times and admission prices.

• Harborough Museum
• Wistow Maze
• Mini Meadows Farm
• Elsie's Pottery Painting Barn
• Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens
• Wigston Framework Knitters Museum

• Family Holidays & Breaks
• Days Out and Tours
• Adults & Couples Days Out
• Family & Kids Activities
• Hot Air Balloon Flights
• Couples Holidays & Breaks