Bingley Five Rise Locks: Britain's Steepest Staircase Canal Locks
Explore the steepest staircase canal locks in Britain, a stunning 18th-century engineering marvel set in the scenic Aire Valley.
The Bingley Five Rise Locks, opened in 1774, are a remarkable feat of Georgian engineering on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, England. This Grade I listed site features the steepest flight of staircase locks in the UK, raising or lowering boats by nearly 18 meters (60 feet) across five interconnected chambers. Visitors can admire the impressive stonework, watch narrowboats navigate the locks, enjoy scenic canal walks, and relax at the nearby cafe overlooking the Aire Valley.
A brief summary to Bingley Five Rise Locks
- 1 Five Rise, Bingley, BD16 4DT, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the onsite cafe at the top of the locks for refreshments and panoramic views of the Aire Valley.
- Plan to spend up to 90 minutes if you want to watch a narrowboat navigate all five locks.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the towpath and exploring nearby Three Rise Locks.
- Photography enthusiasts should consider drone shots for unique aerial views, respecting local regulations.
- Check the Canal & River Trust website for any special events or guided tours during your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train
Take a train to Bingley Railway Station, approximately 17 miles northwest of Leeds. From the station, it is a 10-15 minute walk along well-signposted paths to the Five Rise Locks. Trains run regularly from Leeds and Bradford, with ticket prices typically between £5-£15 depending on the starting point.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Bingley Bus Station with nearby towns including Bradford and Keighley. From the bus station, the locks are a 15-20 minute walk. Bus fares vary but generally range from £3-£7. Check local timetables for service frequency, which may be reduced on weekends.
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Car
Driving to the locks is convenient via Beck Lane, Bingley. Free street parking is available near the site but can fill up during weekends and holidays. The area is accessible year-round, though narrow roads and limited parking require careful planning during peak times.
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Walking
For those staying nearby, walking to the locks is a pleasant option. The towpath and surrounding footpaths offer scenic routes, including circular walks of 3.5 to 7 miles linking to nearby villages. Terrain is mostly flat with some steep sections near the locks, suitable for most fitness levels.
Bingley Five Rise Locks location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Bingley Five Rise Locks
A Masterpiece of 18th Century Engineering
The Bingley Five Rise Locks, completed in 1774, represent one of the most significant engineering achievements of the Industrial Revolution era. Designed by John Longbotham and constructed by skilled local stonemasons, this flight of five interconnected locks functions as a staircase, where the lower gate of one lock doubles as the upper gate of the next. This ingenious design allows boats to be raised or lowered a total of 18.03 meters (60 feet) over a distance of 98 meters. The locks are the steepest staircase locks in Britain and remain a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Georgian canal engineers.Historical and Cultural Significance
The locks form part of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, the longest canal in Britain, which was a vital transport route linking industrial towns across the Pennines. The canal’s construction took 46 years and was instrumental in the transport of goods such as limestone and coal, fueling regional economic growth. Bingley Five Rise Locks are Grade I listed and have been recognized with a Red Wheel plaque by the Transport Trust, marking them as a site of national heritage importance. The locks symbolize the dominance of human engineering over challenging landscapes during the industrial age.Visitor Experience and Surroundings
Today, the locks are a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, and history enthusiasts. Visitors can watch narrowboats painstakingly navigate the locks—a process that can take up to 90 minutes due to the careful manual operation required. The site offers picturesque views of the Aire Valley and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. A family-friendly cafe at the top of the locks provides refreshments and indoor/outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere. Nearby, the Three Rise Locks offer additional walking routes and exploration opportunities.Ongoing Conservation and Craftsmanship
The locks have undergone extensive restoration to preserve their structural integrity and operational function. Recent efforts involved crafting new lock gates by hand, using traditional methods to ensure authenticity and durability. These gates, some of the tallest in the country, are bespoke to each lock chamber, designed to withstand the immense water pressure. The Canal & River Trust continues to maintain the locks, ensuring they remain operational and accessible for future generations to appreciate this historic engineering marvel.Natural Beauty and Recreational Activities
The Bingley Five Rise Locks sit within a tranquil outdoor environment, offering scenic walks along the canal towpath with opportunities for birdwatching and photography. The surrounding area is suitable for family outings and gentle hikes, with accessible paths and picnic spots. The locks also provide a unique setting for cultural heritage exploration, connecting visitors to the story of Britain’s waterways and industrial past.Community and Events
The locks are a focal point for local community events and celebrations, including anniversaries marking their historical milestones. Educational programs and guided tours occasionally take place, offering deeper insights into canal history and engineering. The site’s welcoming atmosphere and accessibility make it a cherished landmark for both locals and visitors.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bradford City Hall
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King Alfred's Castle
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Chapel Allerton Arts Festival
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Leeds War Memorial
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Leeds Cathedral
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Chapel Allerton Park
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Temple Works
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Statue of John Harrison
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City Square
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The Black Prince
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Dortmund Square
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Ivanhoe Clock Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds.
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Unmissable attractions to see
Milner Field Manor Ruins
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East Riddlesden Hall
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Explore a charming 17th-century manor, historic barn, and family-friendly gardens nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire’s countryside.
Salts Mill
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Historic textile mill turned vibrant cultural hub with world-class art, independent shops, and dining in Saltaire's UNESCO village.
Haworth
7.8 km
Explore Haworth, the enchanting Yorkshire village where the Brontë sisters wrote timeless classics amid stunning moorland scenery and heritage steam trains.
St Michael & All Angels Church, Haworth
8.2 km
Historic spiritual home of the Brontë family, blending rich literary heritage with stunning Victorian architecture in the heart of Haworth.
Brontë Parsonage Museum
8.3 km
Step into the world of the Brontë sisters at their historic Haworth home, where literary masterpieces were born amidst the Yorkshire moors.
Bradford Cathedral
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Discover Bradford Cathedral, a historic sanctuary blending 1,400 years of faith, art, and community spirit in the heart of Bradford city centre.
Calverley Old Hall
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Medieval grandeur meets modern sustainability in a restored 700-year-old manor house near Leeds.
Horsforth Hall Park
12.6 km
Historic community park in Leeds featuring open green spaces, a Japanese garden, sports facilities, and year-round family events.
Horsforth Village Museum
13.0 km
Discover Horsforth’s rich heritage through personal stories and local artifacts at this charming volunteer-run village museum.
Rodley Nature Reserve
13.1 km
A tranquil urban wetland near Leeds, Rodley Nature Reserve offers vibrant birdlife, dragonflies, and peaceful nature walks in a volunteer-run sanctuary.
Top Withens
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West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and Lancashire Tri Point
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Bramley Park
14.1 km
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Bramley Fall Park
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Essential places to dine
The Box Tree Restaurant
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Grand Cru Restaurant
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Gimbals Restaurant
16.8 km
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Casa Alba
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Authentic Italian flavors and cosy ambiance await you at Casa Alba, Headingley’s beloved dining destination.
Salvo's
17.2 km
Authentic family-run Italian dining in the heart of Headingley, Leeds, serving classic pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and warm hospitality since 1976.
Heaney & Mill
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Cozy modern British dining in Headingley with standout Sunday roasts and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The Cat's Pyjamas
17.5 km
Experience vibrant pan-Indian street food in a cosy, lively setting at The Cat's Pyjamas in Headingley, Leeds.
Santorini Bar & Grill
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TADA
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Poco Sicilian Street Food Headingley
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Kuala Lumpur Café Headingley
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De Baga Restaurant
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Signature Bar and Restaurant
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Zucco
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FINT
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Scandinavian-inspired dining with vegan-friendly options and a cozy, stylish atmosphere in central Leeds.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Grove Bookshop
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Our Handmade Collective
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Legs&Limpy
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Style LTT
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Chic womenswear finds in Headingley's lively heart: soft, stylish pieces for every day, blending comfort and contemporary flair amid buzzing cafes and parks.
Uniquely Yours / Yorkshire Melts
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Discover handcrafted wax melts and unique Yorkshire gifts in the heart of Armley, Leeds, blending artisan charm with local warmth.
Flavour Like Fancy
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LW Home & Decor
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Pablos Friends Shop
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Holton Apparel
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Melts
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North South Vintage
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The Old Rock Home & Gifts Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Headingley Taps
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New Headingley Club
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The Head of Steam Headingley
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The Gin Room
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The Golden Beam - JD Wetherspoon
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Brudenell Social Club
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Hyde Park Book Club
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Old Mill
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Beck and Call
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Bricklebank's Cafe & Bar
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
