Vagabond is an elegant vintage motor launch, believed to be over 100 years old (although all the timbers have been replaced!)
It has a fixed roof and open sides, with wooden benches for seating (you might like to bring a cushion).
Trips start from the bottom of the famous Foxton flight of 10 locks, where there is plenty to see, and travel through the beautiful Leicestershire countryside, with fields full of livestock, abundant wildlife, flora & fauna.
Public trips run from Foxton Bottom Lock on Sundays, Bank Holidays, some Saturdays and school-holiday weekday afternoons (weather permitting). 20-25 minute trip, no booking necessary, pay on the boat. Adults £3.00, children £2.00, dogs go free!
Booked parties: Parties of up to 48 can book private boat trips of various lengths, from 20 minutes to over 2 hours. Daytime and evening trips are available. Cold food and drink can be provided on board if required, or you are welcome to bring your own.
Going towards market Harborough, you will pass through Foxton village, with its swingbridge, and turn near the site of a wartime airfield. North, towards Leicester, the shortest trip turns at Gumley fields or you can go on the Debdale Wharf, which is where the Leics. & Northans Union Canal terminated in 1797, before being continued twelve years later. For a longer trip (bearing in mind there is no toilet on the boat) Smeeton Aqueduct is where the canal crosses a footpath and a brook on an embankment and small brick aqueduct.
Private Trips & Fares
A. Foxton Locks to Debdale Wharf & return.
Time: approx. 40-45 minutes
Weekday before 6pm: £90
Weekend or after 6pm: £110
B. Foxton Locks to Airport Turn & return
Time: approx. 1–1.25 hours
Weekday before 6pm: £130
Weekend or after 6pm: £150
C. Foxton Locks to Smeeton Westerby Aqueduct & return
Time: approx. 2–2.5 hours
Weekday before 6pm: £150
Weekend or after 6pm: £190
D. Foxton Locks to Airport Turn, Debdale Wharf & return
Time: approx. 2-2.25 hours
Weekday before 6pm: £150
Weekend or after 6pm: £190
E. Foxton Locks to Gumley Fields & return
Time: approx. 20-25 minutes
Weekday before 6pm: £80
Weekend or after 6pm £90
A £20 deposit is required all private hire bookings and a booking form must be completed. All trips must be paid for in full on embarkation.The deposit is non-returnable in the event of cancellation.
Full details from
Foxton Boat Services, Passenger Trips
Bottom Lock, Foxton, Market Harborough, Leics. LE16 7RA
Tel: 0116 2792285.
E Mail: foxtonboats@btinternet.com
