There are 45 locks on the non-tidal River Thames
Each one has its own individual history and unique personality. From the famous ‘Father Thames’ statue and the site of the first pineapple grown in Britain to a garden redesigned by the BBC’s Ground Force.
Lock keepers on the Thames are generally available between 9am and 6pm during the summer season and take their lunch 1-2pm. The lock keepers are there to help you through the locks and also to maintain the lock site and facilities and operating the weir. If they are not available they will display a blue ‘self-service’ sign. When this is displayed there will be operating instructions provided.
Many of the locks provide a great place to start your trip along the River Thames while our map shows attractions and accommodation. Here are some suggestions:
Buscot
Once owned by Thomas Cook, it is now a National Trust picnic area. This is a beautiful area with frequent sightings of otters, kites and kingfishers. You can even stay at the lock in Lock Cottage available through the National Trust.
Goring
This lock began life back in the 1500s as a weir and became a lock in 1787. It is situated at the Goring Gap in the Chiltern Hills and borders Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire and on the opposite side of the river is Streatley-on-Thames, Berkshire. You may see kingfishers, buzzards, red kites and Egyptian geese. You can choose to join the Thames Path or The Ridgeway here. Enjoy lunch or afternoon tea at the nearby Swan at Streatley.
Boulters
This was a popular lock in Victorian times and the favourite pastime of the wealthy was to enjoy a leisurely punt. Today the lock is still popular today with nearby mini-golf complex and large playground ideal for all the family. There is a Pay & Display car park and you can dine in Boulters Riverside Brasserie or Terrace Bar.
Days
Said to be the most historic place in Oxfordshire, where a hilltop fort was built by iron-age man and it has also been a religious area. You can walk to the nearby Wittenham Clumps. The World Poohsticks Championships are held here.
Penton Hook
One of the newer locks this was opened in 1815 and is the ‘highest lock’ built by the Corporation of London. There is a large marina here, Penton Hook Marina , which is Britain’s largest inland marina and also Penton Hook Island which is rich in wildlife.