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 operational | Boats enter at | Boats clear by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodham Flight Locks 1 to 6 |
Saturday and Sunday Tuesday and Thursday |
9.30am | 1.30pm |
| St. Johns Flight Locks 7 to 11 |
Saturday and Sunday Tuesday and Thursday |
9am | 3pm |
| Brookwood and Deepcut Flight Locks 12 to 28 |
Monday, Wednesday and Friday | Upstream: 9am Downstream: 9.30am |
3pm |
| Ash Lock 29 | Always open | Any time subject to water levels |
Check for any planned closures and works
How to book
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. Please allow 2 working days notice for the office team to process your application. 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 by 3pm on the working day before you intend to go through the locks.