Commercial Road Lock

Commercial Road Lock is a water lock on the Regent's Canal in Tower Hamlets that connects the waterway to Limehouse Basin with a water level drop of about 8 feet. The lock features standard gate mechanisms and control systems typical of London's canal infrastructure.

The lock was built in the early 1800s to support growing commercial activity during London's industrial growth. It formed part of a wider canal system that linked the city with industrial and residential areas.

The lock area shows how Londoners and visitors use the canal today, with walkers and boat owners passing through regularly. The surroundings reflect the connection between industrial heritage and modern leisure activity.

Access to this lock is free and possible on foot with good sightlines from the towpath. Visitors should be aware the lock operates actively and the area can be busy when boats are passing through.

The lock remains one of the few functioning systems regularly used by leisure boats and traditional narrowboats in active operation. Many visitors overlook the fact that the hand wheels and mechanisms are operated manually without modern electronic controls.

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

GPS coordinates: 51.51240,-0.03661

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:02