Around Batchworth

Batchworth Lock is the centre of our work - our "home".

Our Vision is that everyone in our area knows what’s to be found at Batchworth, and knows that it’s for them to enjoy. So on these pages, you'll see what we do here, in addition to our education work.

Here, the main line of the canal goes up towards Birmingham and the Midlands: and the side lock, Chess Lock, goes towards Rickmansworth Wharf: it doesn't go that far nowadays, it stops at the residential moorings in Chess Basin, but the lock is still in working order and in use.

The Canal Centre and the offices in the same buiding were originally stables and a pub. On the other side, the lock cottage was replaced in the early 1970s, but the other buildings date from 1838, when they were built by Pickfords, then a major canal carrier - from the 1880s they were used by Fellows Morton & Clayton. The road bridge dates from 1973, and incorporates the old turnpike road to London: building it required the old canal shop, which was at the top of the ramp, to be removed.

You can walk up the towpath, or round to Ebury Way, the old LNWR branch line from Watford.

Use the drop-down menu to see what else you'll find at Batchworth.

Welcome to our home!