Bingley Visitor Guide
Bingley Five Rise Locks, situated on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in West Yorkshire, England, is a breathtaking feat of Georgian engineering. Built in 1774, this staircase lock is one of the most impressive in the UK, lifting boats 18.29 meters (60 feet) over five interconnected locks. Whether you’re a boating enthusiast, history lover, or just looking for a picturesque day out, Bingley Five Rise Locks offers something for everyone.
Bingley Five Rise Locks Visitor Guide
-
Getting There
Location: Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 4DS
By Car: Located off the A650, with parking available near the canal.
By Train: Bingley railway station is a 10-minute walk. Regular trains connect to Leeds, Bradford, and Skipton.
By Bus: Local bus services stop nearby, including routes from Bradford and Keighley.
-
Seasonal Highlights
Spring/Summer: Perfect for sunny walks, picnics, and outdoor activities.
Autumn: Stunning foliage creates a picturesque setting for photography.
Winter: Crisp mornings and fewer crowds make it a serene spot for a quiet visit.
-
Visitor Tips
Accessibility: The towpath is mostly flat and accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, though some areas can be uneven.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.
Safety: Watch your step near the locks and supervise children closely.
Bingley Five Rise Locks
West Yorkshire
Things to See and Do at Bingley Five Rise Locks
-
Watch the mesmerizing operation of the locks as boats are raised or lowered through the five chambers.
Learn about the history and engineering of the locks from informational plaques and nearby guides.
-
Enjoy scenic views along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath.
Extend your journey to the nearby Bingley Three Rise Locks or Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
The canal and surrounding area are home to a variety of birds, ducks, and aquatic life. Bring binoculars for a closer look!
-
Five Rise Locks Café: Perfect for a mid-walk break, offering homemade cakes, coffee, and light lunches with a view of the locks.
-
Hire a canal boat for a day trip or a longer journey on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
-
Bingley Three Rise Locks: Another impressive lock system just a short walk away.
Saltaire Village: A historic mill town with galleries, shops, and the beautiful Roberts Park.
St. Ives Estate: A scenic country park offering woodland walks and a children’s adventure playground.
-
General Information
Visit Bradford – Bingley Five Rise Locks: https://www.visitbradford.com
An overview of the Bingley Five Rise Locks, local attractions, and nearby points of interest in Bradford and Bingley.Leeds & Liverpool Canal: https://www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
Information about the canal, including the history and maintenance of the Bingley Five Rise Locks.
Attractions and Things to Do
Bingley Five Rise Locks (Canal & River Trust): https://canalrivertrust.org.uk
Official site with historical information, visiting details, and live updates for the Bingley Five Rise Locks.Bingley St. Ives Estate: https://www.bradford.gov.uk
A beautiful park and nature reserve near the Five Rise Locks, perfect for walking, picnicking, and exploring.Bingley Walks and Trails (Visit Bradford): https://www.visitbradford.com
Explore local walking routes that take you around Bingley, including scenic paths by the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Events and Activities
Bingley Canal Festival: https://www.bingleycanalfestival.co.uk
A popular annual event celebrating the history and heritage of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, with activities, boat tours, and live entertainment.Bingley Arts Festival: https://www.bingleyartsfestival.org.uk
A yearly celebration of arts, including music, theater, and visual arts, held in and around Bingley.
Accommodation
The Bingley Arms: https://www.thebingleyarms.co.uk
A traditional inn offering comfortable rooms and excellent food, located near the Five Rise Locks.Bingley Hotel: https://www.bingleyhotel.co.uk
A local hotel offering convenient accommodation for visitors to Bingley and the surrounding area.Canal-side Self-Catering Cottages: https://www.stays.co.uk
A variety of self-catering options located near the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, perfect for canal enthusiasts.
Outdoor Activities
Leeds & Liverpool Canal (Canal & River Trust): https://canalrivertrust.org.uk
Find walking, cycling, and boating activities along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, including routes passing the Bingley Five Rise Locks.Bingley and the Aire Valley: https://www.exploreyorkshire.com
Information on walking, cycling, and nature trails in the Aire Valley region, including those around Bingley.
Local Food and Drink
The Five Rise Locks Café: https://www.fiverisecafe.co.uk
A popular café near the locks offering refreshments and views of the canal and the Five Rise Locks.The Woolpack Inn: https://www.thewoolpackbingley.co.uk
A traditional pub offering a hearty menu with locally sourced ingredients, located close to Bingley.
Transportation
Bingley Train Station (Northern Rail): https://www.northernrailway.co.uk
Information about train services from Bingley to Leeds, Bradford, and other local destinations.First Bus – Bingley and Bradford: https://www.firstbus.co.uk
Local bus timetables and routes serving Bingley and the surrounding areas, including services to the Five Rise Locks.Canal Boat Hire – Leeds & Liverpool Canal: https://www.narrowboat-hire.co.uk
Information on renting canal boats for exploring the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, including the Bingley Five Rise Locks.
Local Resources
Bradford District Council – Bingley: https://www.bradford.gov.uk
Local government services and information for Bingley residents and visitors.Bingley Town Council: https://www.bingleytowncouncil.gov.uk
Resources and news for those living in and around Bingley.
Overview
Bingley Five Rise Locks is an amazing place for scenery, history and tranquility. We hope you enjoy your visit!
Explore the Great Yorkshire Day Out
-
Our Visits
We visit some of the popular locations and report back to you what we find with photos and video.
-
Visitor Locations
To help you plan your Yorkshire break away we have researched the most popular locations.
-
Printable Guides
We have produced some guides that are easy to copy/print for top attractions in Yorkshire.