Tapton Lock Visitor Centre
Your friendly gateway to the Chesterfield Canal – perfect for walks, boat trips, and a relaxing coffee by the water.
Nestled beside the Chesterfield Canal in Chesterfield, Tapton Lock Visitor Centre is a welcoming hub for walkers, cyclists, and families exploring the waterway. Inside, you’ll find local maps, canal history, and friendly advice for routes along the towpath. The centre also offers light refreshments and serves as a launch point for seasonal boat trips, making it a perfect stop for a relaxed day out in the countryside.
A brief summary to Tapton Lock
- Lockoford Ln, Chesterfield, S41 7JB, GB
- +441629533020
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-1 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-1 pm
- Friday 10 am-1 pm
- Saturday 10 am-1 pm
- Sunday 10 am-1 pm
Local tips
- Check the local canal trust or visitor centre website for the latest schedule of boat trips and special events before your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket; the towpath can be damp or muddy after rain, even in summer.
- Combine your visit with a longer walk or cycle along the canal – pack a picnic and make a day of it.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By car
From Chesterfield town centre, follow signs for the A61 towards Sheffield. Turn off at the Tesco roundabout onto Lockoford Lane; the visitor centre is clearly signed and has a small car park. Allow 5–10 minutes from the town centre, with parking available on-site.
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By public transport
Chesterfield railway station is about 3 km away. From there, take a local bus towards the A61 or a taxi; the journey takes around 10–15 minutes. The visitor centre is not directly on a frequent bus route, so a short taxi ride or a 30–40 minute walk along the canal towpath is needed.
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By foot or bike
The centre is easily reached on foot or by bike from Chesterfield via the canal towpath or local cycle routes. Allow 30–45 minutes on foot from the town centre, mostly on flat, traffic-free paths.
Tapton Lock location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Tapton Lock
A Riverside Gateway to the Chesterfield Canal
Tapton Lock Visitor Centre sits on the banks of the Chesterfield Canal, a peaceful waterway winding through the Derbyshire countryside just outside Chesterfield town centre. As the only visitor centre on this historic canal, it acts as a natural starting point for exploring the towpath by foot or bike. The setting is green and open, with views of moored boats, the lock itself, and the surrounding fields and trees, offering a quiet escape from the nearby urban area.What to Expect Inside
The centre is run with a local, community feel, providing practical information for visitors of all ages. You can pick up walking and cycling leaflets, learn about the canal’s industrial past, and get advice on the best routes and distances for your group. There’s a small café-style area serving hot drinks and light snacks, making it a pleasant place to pause, warm up, or refuel before heading out. The staff and volunteers are typically helpful and happy to share stories about the canal and local wildlife.Activities and Events
Tapton Lock is more than just an information point; it’s a base for canal-based activities. Seasonal boat trips depart from the nearby moorings, often run by local heritage or community groups, offering a relaxed way to see the waterway from the water. The centre also hosts occasional family-friendly events, craft sessions, and themed activities, especially during school holidays, which can be a great draw for younger visitors and families.Exploring the Surroundings
The towpath from Tapton Lock leads in both directions along the canal, with well-maintained, mostly flat paths suitable for casual strolls, dog walks, and family outings. To the east, the route heads towards Renishaw and beyond into the countryside, while the western stretch connects to Chesterfield and links with other green corridors. The area is popular with walkers, cyclists, and birdwatchers, and it’s common to see ducks, herons, and other waterfowl along the banks.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Baslow Edge
12.8 km
Experience stunning panoramas and serene walks at Baslow Edge in Peak District National Park, the perfect escape for nature lovers and photographers.
Lost & Found Sheffield
14.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Lost & Found Sheffield, a charming bar and pub with creative cocktails, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Friesday Belgian Fries
14.0 km
Savor authentic Belgian fries in a cozy diner atmosphere at Friesday Belgian Fries, the perfect quick bite in Sheffield.
Winter Garden
14.6 km
Explore the lush beauty of the Winter Garden, Sheffield's indoor paradise filled with exotic plants and a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
Peace Gardens
14.6 km
Experience serenity and beauty at the Peace Gardens, a vibrant city park in Sheffield featuring stunning fountains and lush greenery.
The Endcliffe Campus
14.6 km
A vibrant student village blending modern living, social hubs, and green spaces at the University of Sheffield’s Endcliffe Campus.
Changing Places Toilet
14.6 km
Experience the historic Sheffield Town Hall, a landmark of accessibility and inclusivity in the heart of Sheffield City Centre.
Sheffield Town Hall
14.7 km
Explore Sheffield Town Hall, a stunning Victorian architectural jewel and a vibrant hub of local culture and history in the heart of Sheffield.
Crucible Theatre
14.7 km
Experience the vibrant arts scene at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, home to world-class performances and the iconic World Snooker Championship.
Green Police Box
14.7 km
Sheffield’s unique green and white police box, a charming relic of early 20th-century policing, stands proudly outside the Town Hall as a symbol of local heritage.
Sheffield War Memorial
14.7 km
A solemn and iconic Grade II* listed cenotaph in Sheffield city centre, honoring the city's wartime sacrifices with striking sculptures and historic symbolism.
The Montgomery
14.7 km
Explore The Montgomery, Sheffield's premier performing arts theatre, offering captivating shows and vibrant cultural experiences in a stunning architectural setting.
St Marie's Cathedral, Sheffield
14.7 km
A Gothic Revival masterpiece rising from three centuries of hidden faith, now Sheffield's beacon of Catholic heritage.
Forge Dam Park
14.7 km
Forge Dam Park - A peaceful retreat in Sheffield, offering scenic views, serene walks, and a delightful café amidst nature's beauty.
Victoria Hall
14.8 km
Explore Victoria Hall in Sheffield, a historic events venue with stunning architecture and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for concerts, weddings, and more.
Unmissable attractions to see
Market Pl
1.9 km
A vibrant community shopping center in North Chesterfield offering diverse retail, dining, and entertainment along a bustling corridor.
Revolution House
2.1 km
Step inside the 17th-century cottage where a secret meeting sparked the Glorious Revolution and reshaped British monarchy forever.
Holmebrook Valley Country Park
3.1 km
A vast, regenerated country park blending nature, recreation, and scenic views just west of Chesterfield.
Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway Centre
3.6 km
Explore the UK's last operational railway roundhouse with historic locomotives, live turntable demos, and vibrant heritage events every weekend.
The Devonshire Arms.
5.2 km
A stylish gastropub and boutique hotel in Middle Handley offering comfort, great food, and a tranquil countryside retreat near Sheffield.
Cliffe Park
6.1 km
A vibrant family-friendly park in Dronfield with playgrounds, tennis courts, crazy golf, and scenic green spaces for all ages to enjoy.
Highfield House Farm Shop
8.1 km
Family-run farm shop and tea rooms offering fresh local produce, hearty meals, and a warm atmosphere near the Peak District.
Bolsover Castle
8.6 km
Explore Bolsover Castle’s lavish 17th-century party palace, scenic gardens, and rich history set atop Derbyshire’s rolling hills.
Graves Park
10.0 km
Explore Sheffield’s largest park with woodlands, lakes, an urban farm, and accessible walking trails for all ages and abilities.
Graves Park Animal Farm
10.1 km
Discover rare farm animals and peaceful green spaces in Sheffield’s largest park, with free entry and family-friendly charm.
Beauchief Abbey
10.5 km
Discover Beauchief Abbey, a serene medieval monastic site blending rich history, ancient ruins, and tranquil parkland in Sheffield’s southern suburbs.
The Camel's Hump [Winter & Summer Sledging]
10.6 km
Sheffield’s beloved hill offering thrilling sledging adventures all year round amidst natural surroundings close to the city.
Hob Hurst's House
10.6 km
Explore the rare rectangular Bronze Age barrow atop Beeley Moor, where ancient history meets sweeping Peak District moorland views.
Birchen Edge
10.8 km
Birchen Edge: Premier Peak District climbing and scenic moorland views near Bakewell.
Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet
11.0 km
Explore Sheffield's industrial soul at this complete 18th-century scythe works powered by the River Sheaf.
Essential places to dine
The Peacock At Barlow
4.5 km
Discover The Peacock At Barlow - A scenic pub offering delicious breakfasts and stunning views over Low Peak District.
The Tickled Trout
5.6 km
A charming British gastro pub in Barlow offering exquisite trout dishes, warm hospitality, and a perfect blend of rustic and modern dining.
The Old Vicarage
8.5 km
Elegant fine dining in a historic Victorian vicarage on Sheffield’s peaceful outskirts, offering refined British cuisine with local flair.
The White Horse
11.7 km
A charming country inn and restaurant on the edge of the Peak District, offering modern British cuisine and cozy accommodations in a tranquil setting.
Plesters
12.5 km
A cozy, family-run seafood and steakhouse in Sheffield’s Heeley, blending eclectic flavors with warm hospitality and a boutique vibe.
La Mama Latin Tapas Bar & Restaurant
12.9 km
Experience vibrant Latin American tapas and cocktails in Sheffield’s cozy and lively Nether Edge neighborhood.
Rossi's Italian Restaurant
13.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and timeless elegance at Rossi's, a family-run Sheffield gem with over 30 years of culinary tradition.
The Prince of Wales Baslow
13.4 km
A sophisticated country pub in Baslow offering seasonal British cuisine, fine wines, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the Peak District.
La Luna Restaurant
13.5 km
Authentic Italian flavors and a warm BYO atmosphere await you at La Luna on Sheffield’s vibrant Ecclesall Road.
Fischer's Baslow Hall
13.6 km
Elegant Edwardian manor with refined British dining, charming gardens, and luxurious accommodation in the heart of the Peak District.
Urban Choola
13.7 km
Experience authentic Indian flavors with a modern twist at Urban Choola, Sheffield’s vibrant dining destination on Ecclesall Road.
Akentannos
13.8 km
Discover authentic Sardinian cuisine in Sheffield’s Sharrow district, where tradition meets warm hospitality and inclusive dining.
Bella Donna Sicilian Restaurant
13.9 km
Authentic Sicilian flavors and warm hospitality combine in this cozy Sheffield gem, perfect for a genuine Italian dining experience.
Olive
13.9 km
Mediterranean-inspired dining with Italian and Moroccan flair, set in a warm, rustic Sheffield venue with artistic charm and attentive service.
Koko Restaurant
13.9 km
Sophisticated Pan-Asian dining with fresh sushi, vegan options, and warm service in Sheffield’s vibrant Sharrow district.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Eclectic Delights of Serendipity
1.8 km
Discover Chesterfield’s quirky gift shop offering unique homewares, artisan crafts, and friendly service in a vibrant High Street setting.
Shop Indie
1.9 km
Quirky independent gifts from over 250 makers across the UK, curated with care in Chesterfield.
Something Different chesterfield
8.7 km
Explore Chesterfield's creative gem, Something Different, for unique crafts and handmade treasures that reflect local artistry and charm.
Off The Rails Boutique
10.5 km
Affordable, stylish fashion with a personal touch in the heart of Woodseats, Sheffield’s welcoming family-run boutique.
Gifted
13.1 km
Discover Sheffield's premier spot for unique gifts and artisanal treasures on vibrant Ecclesall Road South—perfect for thoughtful finds.
Airy Fairy
13.3 km
Discover unique gifts and spiritual treasures in a cozy bohemian café setting at Sheffield’s Airy Fairy.
Trove
13.8 km
Uncover Sheffield's creative treasures at Trove, where local artistry and quirky gifts await on Sharrow Vale Road's charming stretch.
The Stock Exchange
13.9 km
A compact, curated women's boutique in Hunters Bar offering distinctive clothing and accessories in a friendly neighbourhood setting.
The Famous Sheffield Shop
13.9 km
Discover authentic Sheffield-forged cutlery and gifts at this iconic shop, preserving the city's steelmaking mastery since 1983 amid Ecclesall Road's vibrant charm.
Sister
14.0 km
Discover designer elegance at Sister, Sheffield's chic haven for women's fashion on lively Ecclesall Road.
Cocoa Wonderland
14.0 km
Step into Sheffield's magical chocolate emporium, where handmade treats and cozy hot chocolates await in a wonderland of sweets and whimsy.
SAYPALOMA
14.0 km
Ibiza-inspired ladies' fashion on Sheffield's trendiest stretch—discover boho-chic treasures at Saypaloma amid Ecclesall Road's indie buzz.
Mookau
14.0 km
Discover unique gifts and artisan treasures in the vibrant heart of Sheffield’s Ecclesall Road at Mookau.
Spirals
14.0 km
Discover unique gifts and exquisite greeting cards at Spirals, Sheffield's eclectic haven on bustling Ecclesall Road—perfect for thoughtful, one-of-a-kind treasures.
Oliver Bonas
14.0 km
Quirky British style on Sheffield's Ecclesall Road: gifts, fashion, jewellery, and homewares that spark joy in every discovery.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Picture House Social
12.6 km
A retro-inspired social hub in Sheffield blending great pizza, lively bar games, a mini cinema, and a welcoming atmosphere for all occasions.
The Dark Horse Bar
13.5 km
Sheffield's cozy fusion of pub warmth, cocktail flair, and burger bliss on vibrant Ecclesall Road—perfect for craft drinks and casual nights out.
Wildcard Bar and Grill
13.7 km
Sheffield's ultimate sports bar: 40+ screens, giant Jumbotron, epic American grill, shuffleboard, pool, and cocktails in luxury style.
The Lescar
13.8 km
Vintage Sheffield pub pouring local ales, serving roasts and comedy in cozy wood-paneled rooms with a sunny beer garden—your Hunters Bar local gem.
The Local
13.9 km
A cosy Ecclesall Road microbar serving local ales, craft beers and neat cocktails in a friendly, unpretentious setting.
Monk Bar
13.9 km
Cool cocktail haven on Sheffield's trendy Ecclesall Road, serving inventive drinks, 2-for-1 happy hours, and industrial-chic vibes for intimate nights out.
Porter Brook
14.0 km
Traditional Sheffield pub with hearty grub, buzzing events, sunny beer garden, and dog-friendly vibes on lively Ecclesall Road.
The Harritt wine bar
14.0 km
Cozy Sheffield wine bar with exceptional selections, cheeseboards, and personal service on vibrant Ecclesall Road – ideal for intimate evenings.
Kettle Black
14.0 km
Sheffield's premier cocktail haven with expert mixology, exclusive late license, and chic private spaces on vibrant Ecclesall Road.
Bar Lujo - Sheffield
14.0 km
Vibrant Sheffield cocktail bar with live DJs, terraces, and eclectic drinks on lively Ecclesall Road.
The Portland House Bar
14.0 km
Sheffield's cozy micro pub gem: craft beers, live tunes, and quiz nights in a vibrant Ecclesall Road hideaway.
The Nursery Tavern
14.1 km
A friendly Ecclesall Road pub mixing classic tavern vibes with modern touches, a big beer garden and regular events for a casual Sheffield night out.
Rutland Arms
14.2 km
Sheffield’s beloved city centre pub offering world-class craft beers, inventive pub grub, and a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere.
The Champagne Bar
14.6 km
A stylish city centre champagne bar offering classic cocktails and fine wines in Sheffield’s vibrant heart.
The Edge Bar
14.6 km
Vibrant University of Sheffield bar buzzing with pub grub, craft drinks, pool, darts, quizzes, and live sports in the heart of student residences.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Waikiki Beach Bar
1.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Waikiki Beach Bar, Derbyshire's go-to destination for dancing, drinks, and unforgettable memories.
Temple Sheffield
13.7 km
Dive into Sheffield's underground heartbeat at Temple Nightclub, where beats thump till 6am, drinks flow affordably, and nights ignite with raw energy.
Dempseys Bar and Club
14.1 km
Sheffield's enduring gay bar and club: two floors of drinks, dances, karaoke, and late-night energy from noon till dawn in the city centre.
The Leadmill
14.1 km
Sheffield's 40-year heartbeat of live music, club nights, and comedy in a gritty, immersive venue near the station—where crowds roar and nights ignite.
Code Sheffield
14.3 km
Sheffield's ultimate nightclub: massive dance floor, six bars, LED lights, and epic nights till 6am—student favorites and global DJs collide in city-centre chaos.
Corporation
14.4 km
Sheffield’s iconic nightclub with non-stop dance beats and an electric atmosphere in the heart of the city centre.
Tank
14.6 km
A gritty, late‑night underground club on Arundel Gate — loud sound, house and techno nights, and a compact, rave‑style dancefloor.
The Viper Rooms
14.7 km
Sheffield's stylish split-level nightclub: upscale cocktails on the terrace lounge, eclectic beats on the dancefloor—dress sharp for urban nights that pulse till dawn.
Popworld - Sheffield
14.7 km
A vibrant nightclub in Sheffield city centre, Popworld offers lively pop beats, affordable drinks, and a welcoming party atmosphere every weekend.
Fez Sheffield
14.9 km
Dive into Sheffield’s vibrant electronic dance scene at Fez, the city centre’s intimate nightclub with pulsating beats and dazzling laser shows.
ONYX Nightclub Sheffield
14.9 km
Dive into Sheffield's raucous nightlife at ONYX, where neon quirks, bass-heavy beats, and cheap thrills fuel epic nights till dawn in the city centre.
Plot 22
15.0 km
Immerse in Sheffield's underground beats at Plot 22: no phones, pure rave energy, techno to jungle in an intimate 120-cap haven.
Al Ahsa Night Club
15.2 km
Dance the night away at Al Ahsa Night Club, Sheffield's premier disco destination for unforgettable nightlife experiences.
The Night Kitchen
15.4 km
Dive into Sheffield's industrial heartbeat at The Night Kitchen, where former cutlery factory walls pulse with electronic beats until dawn in a raw, inclusive nightlife haven.
The Loft
15.5 km
A vibrant, intimate nightclub in Matlock offering lively music, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere in the town center.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly