Here's how you can get down into the depths of Foxton Locks this weekend

You can explore a drained lock at the world-famous network on the Grand Union Canal near Market Harborough.

The Canal & River Trust, the national waterways and wellbeing charity, is launching a month of free public open weekends on Saturday February 15, giving people the opportunity to step down into a drained lock to learn about crucial maintenance work.

They are staging activities for the whole family, including photography, fishing, traditional canal painting and Lego big builds – with different events each weekend.

The Canal & River Trust is urging people from all over Harborough to go along and see what it takes to keep the 200-year-old iconic flight of locks working smoothly.

Over the next two months the Trust is completing vital works at Foxton, the longest and steepest ‘staircase’ of locks in the UK, including replacing a number of giant oak lock gates.

The scheme will see new lock gates lifted into seven of the site’s 10 locks as well as repairs to historic brickwork and other parts of the lock structures.

With support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery the charity is opening up the works to the public with free open days taking place over the next four weekends.

You’ll get the rare chance to walk on the bottom of a drained lock and get a close-up look at the giant lock gates and historic stonework.

The weekends will give people a whole new perspective on their local canal heritage.

You will also be able to take part in photography workshops, guided walks, fishing taster sessions, traditional canal painting and a Lego big build.

Visitors are advised to check the Trust’s website for details of the activities taking place each weekend.

Phil Mulligan, director for the Canal & River Trust in the East Midlands, said: “People may have visited Foxton Locks many times before.

“But they’ve probably never seen it quite like this, there’s nothing quite like descending down into one of the famous locks.

“It’s fascinating looking up at the giant oak lock gates.

“And in some places you can even see the mason’s marks in the stonework from when the locks were built over 200 years ago.”

He added: “By opening up our work to the public we want to celebrate the hugely impressive feats of engineering created by previous generations, as well as showcase the care and craftsmanship that goes into maintaining them today.

“The events promise to be a real experience.

“But they will also give visitors the chance to have a go at a variety of fun and creative activities, whether that’s traditional canal painting or getting involved in our Lego big build.

“Come along and enjoy some fresh air and quality family time at this amazing engineering marvel.”

The works are part of a six-month-long national blueprint of repairs to England and Wales’ waterways.

The charity is ploughing £43.6 million into repairing and restoring waterways across England & Wales this winter.

Before the locks were drained to allow the work to take place, a specialist ‘fish rescue’ took place to temporarily rehome thousands of fish in the sections of canal either side of Foxton.

Activities are taking place each Saturday and Sunday from February 15 through to March 8.

All activities are free but some have limited spaces so booking is advised.

Visitors are advised to wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear.

Parking is limited so please car share where possible.

To find out more, and to book on to specific activities, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/events/2020-02-15-open-day-at-foxton-locks