Netham Lock

Netham Lock is a river lock in Bristol that controls water between the River Avon and the Floating Harbour using a system of gates and a weir. The structure allows vessels to pass between the two bodies of water while managing the different water levels.

William Jessop designed the lock in 1804 as part of Bristol's harbor network. Later improvements by Isambard Kingdom Brunel enhanced its engineering to better manage river navigation.

The grade II listed lock-keeper's cottage from the early 1800s shows how Bristol worked as a busy port city. The way the lock moves water and ships tells the story of Bristol's role in maritime trade.

The lock has size limits for boats, which must not exceed about 24 meters in length, 5 meters in width, or 2 meters in depth. Visitors can walk around the lock area and watch how the system works during vessel passage.

The lock often keeps its gates open to supply water to the City Docks and Graving Docks rather than to move ships through. This reveals that its primary role today is managing flood risk and balancing water levels with the tides.

Location: City of Bristol

GPS coordinates: 51.45200,-2.55420

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:04