Caen Hill Locks

Type: Canal / Waterway / Marina

The flight of 29 locks were engineer John Rennie's solution to climbing the very steep hill in Devizes, and were the last part of the 87 mile route of the Kennet and Avon canal to be completed.

Because of the steepness of the terrain there was not the space to use the normal arrangement of water pounds between the locks. As a result, 16 of the locks utilise unusually large side ponds to store the water needed to operate.

Boaters and walkers alike can recover from the exertions of climbing the flight at the Caen Hill Cafe, delightfully situated at the top of the locks.

Opening Times

2010 1 Jan 2010 - 31 Dec 2010

Tickets Information

Road Directions

From Devizes take the A361 towards Melksham. Follow the brown tourist signs to the locks.

Public Transport Directions

Some bus routes run pass the top of the flight from the centre of Devizes.