City Road Lock

City Road Lock is a pair of locks on Regent's Canal in Islington that manages water levels and moves vessels between the Islington Tunnel and City Road Basin. The structure allows different water level sections of the canal to work together seamlessly.

The lock was built in 1820 as part of the Regent's Canal project connecting Paddington to Limehouse and supporting trade transport across London. It was a key component designed to handle the different water heights along the entire waterway.

The lock area draws people who enjoy watching boats navigate the waterway and local residents passing through daily. It remains a social space where the canal's working function is openly visible to everyone nearby.

The best view comes from the sides or elevated spots where you can watch boats move through the locks. Angel Underground station is within walking distance of the tunnel entrance, making access straightforward.

The southern chamber was converted into a spillway in the 1980s to prevent flooding caused by incorrectly operated paddles during boat passages. This change shows how older structures must adapt to modern usage challenges.

Location: London Borough of Islington

GPS coordinates: 51.53270,-0.09892

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05