Lock opening times

The canal does not have a major water source so there is a need to conserve water which means that we have to manage lock usage.

This includes setting opening and closing times so that gates can be sealed after the last boat has gone through each day.

You must book in advance to pass through the locks.

Locks	Days of operation	Boats enter at	Boats clear by
1 to 6 Woodham Flight	Tuesday, Thursday and 3 Saturdays per month	9:30am	13:30 if Woodham only or 15:00 If travelling downstream from St Johns on the same day
7 to 11 St. Johns Flight	Tuesday, Thursday and 3 Saturdays per month	9am	13:30 if St Johns only or 15:00 If travelling upstream from Woodham on the same day
12 to 28 Brookwood and Deepcut Flight	Monday, Wednesday and Friday	Upstream: 09:00 Downstream: 09:30	15:00
29 Ash Lock	Always open (subject to water levels) no booking required

Check for any planned closures and works

How to book

If you would like to book passage through our lock flights, your boat passage must be booked at least one week in advance. 

Bookings close at 12:00 midday on the Friday of the week before travel.

The Canal Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm throughout the year. The Canal Office is not open weekends or Bank Holidays, so applications will not be processed on those days.

Arrive at the entry to the lock flight promptly at the opening time. Boats arriving late without sufficient time to clear the flight by the closing time may be refused entry and have to wait until the next day the locks are open.

Visting Boats

Please refer to the Visiting narrow boats and cruisers page on how to book passage.

Moored Boats on the Canal

If you are a Pay As You Go lock user, please purchase your permit. This form will ask for the dates you wish to travel. The office team will confirm your booking once your application has been checked and payment has been received.

If you are an Annual Lock User please book your journey by phoning the Canal Centre on 01252 370073.