
Batchworth Lock Canal Centre
A charming waterside haven offering peaceful canal boat trips, a delightful cafe, and a shop, perfect for a relaxing escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Batchworth Lock Canal Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming waterside haven offering peaceful canal boat trips, a delightful cafe, and a shop, perfect for a relaxing escape.
"A truly relaxing and affordable experience, a hidden gem by the canal!"

🎯 Book Boat Trips Ahead
Secure your spot on the popular canal trips by booking in advance, especially on weekends.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The canal path can be uneven; good walking shoes are a must for exploring.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Canal Boat Trips
Batchworth Lock
Enjoy a peaceful 40-45 minute boat ride along the Grand Union Canal, a truly relaxing experience.

Waterside Cafe & Shop
Canal Centre
Grab ice cream, gifts, or enjoy a coffee with a beautiful riverside view.

Aquadrome Lakes Walk
Adjacent to Canal Centre
Explore the nearby lakes, feed the waterfowl, and enjoy a leisurely stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Canal Trip in Advance
Parking and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Boat Trips Ahead
Secure your spot on the popular canal trips by booking in advance, especially on weekends.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The canal path can be uneven; good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
☕ Cafe@81 Views
Enjoy coffee and snacks at Cafe@81 with lovely canal-side seating.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are welcome and seem to enjoy the canal trips too.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Boat Trips Ahead
Secure your spot on the popular canal trips by booking in advance, especially on weekends.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The canal path can be uneven; good walking shoes are a must for exploring.
☕ Cafe@81 Views
Enjoy coffee and snacks at Cafe@81 with lovely canal-side seating.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures
Bring your furry friends! Dogs are welcome and seem to enjoy the canal trips too.
💰 Great Value Trips
Canal trips are reasonably priced, starting from £6 per person.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Batchworth Lock Canal Centre for its relaxing canal boat trips, friendly atmosphere, and beautiful waterside setting. The affordable prices and the opportunity to explore nearby lakes make it a great value day out for families and dog owners alike. Some minor points of improvement could include clearer signage for parking and more varied food options.
"Nice place near pinner and rickmansworth. Boating option available from 6 pound onwards and 15 for family. Since it is july and heatwave is ON, it was noce experience to hop on the boat and traverse in the water canal. There is a nice cafe called cafe@81 which provides food options as well. We also have the boat shop, which has lot of souvenirs, hats, ice creams, etc. Overall very nice place near to rock"
Rohit Ranjan
"We took our Grandchildren here this afternoon and enjoyed a short Canal Trip. The people were lovely and the trip took around 40 minutes. We then went for a walk around the Lakes and fed the various water birds, Swans,Canada Geese, Cootes and Gulls. We all had a lovely time, its well worth a visit and very reasonable prices. See photos. Highly recommended."
Paul Hellyer
"We were travelling home from Milton Keynes to Dover, and wanted to avoid motorways. I noted in advance that this canal centre would be a good stop for coffee. We enjoy canal locations and coffee.
We parked at Tesco car park, 5 mins walk away, and after buying some drink, crisps and sweets to 'legitimise' our parking, we walked the short distance to the canal. Apart from the canal centre shop and museum, there is a small food and drink outlet. Outside seating only by the edge of the canal. Five star food/health rating. We ordered two coffees, sat and watched the canal side activity. Schoolchildren being given a short ride, a poodle, obviously very excited, but under control, cyclist and runners using the canal path, and canal boats.
After coffee we took a 20 minute walk along the uneven path alongside which were mostly unkempt canal barges, which in themselves were interesting to look at. The owners we spoke to were friendly, and living their lives."
Colin Nedneve
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The centre is easily accessible by car. Parking is often available at the nearby Tesco car park, followed by a short walk. Public transport options may involve local bus routes to Rickmansworth.
Yes, visitors often park at the Tesco car park, which is a 5-minute walk away. It's advisable to make a small purchase to 'legitimise' your parking.
The Grand Union Canal towpath is popular with cyclists, offering a scenic route to the canal centre.
Rickmansworth Station is the closest train station, from which you can take a bus or taxi to reach the canal centre.
It's located by the Grand Union Canal, River Colne, and Aquadrome Lakes, making it a picturesque and relatively easy-to-locate spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Boat trips are very reasonably priced, with individual tickets around £6 and family tickets available for around £15.
While not always essential, booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekends or during peak times, to guarantee your spot.
The canal centre, including the shop and cafe, generally operates during daylight hours. Boat trip schedules vary, so it's best to check their specific timings.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Batchworth Lock Canal Centre itself or to walk along the canal path. Fees apply only for the boat trips.
Yes, you can often purchase tickets on the day, but it's wise to call ahead or check their schedule if you have a specific time in mind.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The boat trips typically last around 40-45 minutes, offering a relaxing journey along the canal.
You can enjoy a walk around the adjacent Aquadrome Lakes, feed the waterfowl, visit the small shop for souvenirs and ice cream, and relax at the waterside cafe.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Batchworth Lock and can even join you on the canal boat trips.
Yes, there is outdoor seating available by the canal, perfect for enjoying a drink or snack while watching the boats.
You can spot various water birds like swans, Canada geese, and coots, as well as canal boats and other canal-side activity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small food and drink outlet, and a cafe called Cafe@81 nearby, offering food options, drinks, crisps, and sweets.
Absolutely! The shop at the canal centre sells ice cream, along with other souvenirs and gifts.
The cafe offers standard cafe fare; it's best to inquire directly about specific dietary options.
While there are cafes and shops, visitors can likely bring their own picnics to enjoy by the canal, especially with the available outdoor seating.
The food and health rating for the outlet is generally good, and reviews suggest a pleasant experience for coffee and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture picturesque shots of canal boats, the lock mechanism, the surrounding waterways, and the Aquadrome Lakes. The reflections on the water can be stunning.
Drone usage may be restricted in areas with public access and near waterways. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the tranquil canal atmosphere.
Yes, the Aquadrome Lakes are home to various waterfowl, offering great opportunities for wildlife photography.
The areas around the lock itself, the bridges, and the waterside seating at the cafe offer excellent vantage points for capturing the essence of the canal centre.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the boat rides, the nearby Aquadrome Lakes provide opportunities for kids to explore and feed the ducks and swans, adding another layer of fun. The on-site shop with its ice cream and souvenirs is also a hit with younger visitors. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as the canal path can be a bit uneven for little legs.
🐶 Dog Owners
There's plenty of space to walk your dog along the canal path and around the Aquadrome Lakes. Just ensure your dog is on a lead where necessary and always under control, especially near the water. The relaxed atmosphere means dogs can truly enjoy the outing with their owners.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Enjoy a quiet coffee at Cafe@81 with a view of the canal, or take a peaceful stroll around the Aquadrome Lakes. It’s an ideal destination for a relaxing afternoon, offering beautiful scenery and a chance to decompress. The affordability of the boat trips also makes it an accessible outing for individuals and couples.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Canal Boat Trips
Many reviewers highlight the excellent value for money, with affordable prices for both individuals and families. The experience is often described as a 'secret gem' and a 'fantastic afternoon.' The slow pace allows you to truly soak in the surroundings, making it a memorable part of any visit.
While booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend excursions, the trips are frequent enough that spontaneous visits can also be rewarding. The friendly crew, like Chris mentioned in one review, contribute to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a delightful experience for all passengers.
Exploring the Waterside Amenities
Adjacent to the centre, Cafe@81 provides a lovely setting for refreshments. With outdoor seating right by the canal, you can enjoy coffee, snacks, and light meals while watching the canal boats and the general activity along the waterway. The cafe boasts a good food hygiene rating, adding to the appeal.
For those who enjoy a bit of nature, the Aquadrome Lakes are just a stone's throw away. These lakes offer a pleasant environment for a walk, where you can often feed the various water birds like swans, geese, and coots. It’s a perfect complement to the canal experience, offering a chance to connect with nature.
A Dog-Friendly Destination
One TikTok video even features a dog dressed as a pirate, highlighting the fun and adventurous spirit that can be embraced here. This dog-friendly policy means you don't have to leave your furry friend behind when planning a day out.
Remember to keep your dog under control, especially near the water and other visitors, and be mindful of the canal path's uneven terrain. Overall, it's a place where both humans and their four-legged friends can have a wonderful time.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit