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Lock 3, Farmers Bridge Locks, Birmingham

Discover the historic Lock 3 within Birmingham’s iconic Farmers Bridge Locks, a captivating canal engineering marvel in the city centre.

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Lock 3 is part of the historic Farmers Bridge Locks, a remarkable flight of 13 canal locks in central Birmingham. This engineering marvel, dating back to the early 19th century, showcases Victorian ingenuity and remains a vital part of the city's canal network. Visitors can explore the industrial heritage, watch narrowboats navigating the locks, and enjoy the unique urban waterside scenery at 67 Parade, Birmingham.

A brief summary to Lock 3, Farmers Bridge Locks

  • 67 Parade, Birmingham, B1 3QQ, GB
  • Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit on weekday mornings for a peaceful atmosphere and better chances to see narrowboats operating the locks.
  • Bring a camera to capture the unique urban canal scenes, especially around the Islington Place Footbridge.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the towpaths, which can be narrow and uneven in places.
  • Supervise children closely near the water, as the locks and canal edges can be hazardous.
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Getting There

  • Train and Walk

    From Birmingham New Street Station, take a 15-20 minute walk via city streets to 67 Parade where Lock 3 is located. The route is mostly flat but urban, suitable for most walkers.

  • Bus

    Several local bus routes serve stops near Broad Street or the National Indoor Arena, about a 5-10 minute walk from Lock 3. Bus journeys from central Birmingham take 10-15 minutes; tickets cost around £2-£3.

  • Car

    Driving is possible but parking is limited in central Birmingham. Nearby public car parks charge approximately £5-£10 for a few hours. Traffic congestion is common during peak times.

Lock 3, Farmers Bridge Locks location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Lock 3, Farmers Bridge Locks

Historic Engineering Marvel of Birmingham's Canals

Lock 3 is one of the integral locks in the Farmers Bridge Locks flight, a sequence of 13 locks that form a dramatic staircase on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal. Constructed in the early 1800s, these locks represent a significant feat of Victorian engineering designed to manage an 81-foot change in water level. The locks were essential in connecting Birmingham’s industrial heart to wider trade routes, facilitating the movement of goods during the city’s industrial boom.

Urban Canal Landscape and Surroundings

Situated at 67 Parade in Birmingham’s city centre, Lock 3 is enveloped by a blend of historic and modern urban architecture. The canal here runs beneath and between buildings, creating a striking juxtaposition of water and cityscape. Nearby, old warehouses and footbridges like the Islington Place Footbridge add character to the scene, while modern developments have enhanced the area’s visual appeal without erasing its industrial past.

Dynamic Lock Operation and Visitor Experience

The lock flight remains active with narrowboats frequently navigating the locks, offering visitors a captivating spectacle of water management and mechanical precision. Watching boats ascend or descend through the locks provides a tangible connection to Birmingham’s canal heritage. The towpaths alongside the canal are ideal for leisurely strolls, offering photogenic views of the lock chambers, historic bridges, and urban graffiti.

Significance in Birmingham’s Canal Network

Farmers Bridge Locks are a key component of the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN), linking various canal branches and supporting both commercial and leisure boating. Historically, the locks helped alleviate congestion in the city’s waterways and remain a vital artery for canal traffic. The nearby Cambrian Wharf is a surviving remnant of the old Newhall Branch canal, now largely built over, highlighting the evolving relationship between the city and its waterways.

Community and Cultural Context

The area around Lock 3 and the Farmers Bridge Locks flight has a layered history, including wartime memorials to boaters and inscriptions on lock stones reflecting peace and conflict. The locks are also a popular spot for locals and visitors to appreciate Birmingham’s industrial roots and urban regeneration. The canal’s presence under bridges and within the city fabric creates a unique, somewhat secluded atmosphere contrasting with the bustling city streets above.

Modern Challenges and Preservation Efforts

Over the decades, the canal and locks have faced challenges such as partial infilling and urban development pressures. Recent repair works have been undertaken to maintain the structural integrity and operational status of the locks, ensuring their preservation as both functional infrastructure and heritage landmarks. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to sustaining Birmingham’s canal network for future generations.

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