Bradford Lock, Canal lock in Bradford on Avon, England
Bradford Lock is a lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal with a chamber designed to help boats navigate water level changes. The structure features two gates that allow vessels to pass safely between different elevations along the canal system.
The lock was built in 1794 as part of the Kennet and Avon Canal, which provided water transport across England. It formed a crucial part of the region's commercial infrastructure that supported trade and industry for over a century.
The lock and its surrounding buildings show how water-based industry shaped the town's development and character. Today, these structures reveal how important the canal was to everyday life and trade in this place.
The lock is viewable from the towpath and from nearby walks along the water, and the area remains accessible year-round. The best time to visit is in dry weather when you can easily explore the structure and surrounding paths without difficulty.
The water section below the lock extends unusually far without another lock in between, creating one of the canal's longest continuous stretches. This makes it a notably peaceful section for boaters traveling through the area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
