Tewitfield Locks
The 18th century saw the beginnings of industrialisation in Britain when machines were invented that performed the labour of umpteen people.
Nowhere was the transformation more striking than in the textile industries, where large water-powered mills replaced the age-old tradition of home-based work.
Mechanisation affected other areas as well, but the limiting factor for expansion was transportation.
Factories located beside navigable water could then trade by boat.
A second revolution came with the development of canals, which effectively took the seaboard to the heart of the countryside.
Kendal had long been a successful town, flourishing from the woollen and other industries, but remoteness from the main industrial centres became an increasing threat to prosperity.
So, in 1792, a waterway linking the industrial heartland of Lancashire via Lancaster and Preston was agreed.
By 1797, barges were passing between Tewitfield and Preston.
The most northerly point on the English Canal System is on the Lancaster Canal at Tewitfield near Carnforth.
The canal’s principal purpose was to transport coal north from the Lancashire Coalfields and limestone south from Cumbria.
The nature of these cargoes gave the waterway its local nickname – the Black and White Canal.
The Glasson branch (1820) allowed cargo transfer from seagoing vessels that could not navigate the increasingly shallow Lune Estuary into Lancaster.
At one time, Glasson Dock was the largest port in the northwest.
Lancaster Canal provides spectacular views of the Silverdale Coast, Forest of Bowland, and Wyre countryside.
Furthermore, the canal features some of the most impressive canal architecture in the country.
The Lune Aqueduct near Lancaster is the largest all-masonry aqueduct in Britain.
It has recently benefited from a £2.4 million transformation and is one of John Rennie’s finest works.
Construction of the canal started in 1797 and was opened fully in 1819, giving a passage from Preston through to Kendal.
However, with the coming of the railways in 1840, it began its sad decline.
In 1948, the canal was nationalised.
By 1955, the canal was classified as ‘ having insufficient commercial prospects to justify its retention’.
The section from Stainton to Kendal was closed down and the top two miles were filled in.
In the 1960s, the M6 motorway was built, cutting off the northern reaches of the canal at Tewitfield, leaving the canal to deteriorate until the Lancaster Canal Trust was formed in 1963.
The Trust’s plan is to raise awareness of its restoration programme with the intention of opening the northern reaches of the canal sometime in the future.
Tewitfield Locks are a popular destination for boaters and walkers.
The series of eight locks, now overgrown in places, provides an intriguing glimpse into historic engineering as well as offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The area is a haven for wildlife, with ducks, herons, and other birds frequently spotted along the towpath.
For those keen to explore the locks, a scenic circular walk starts at Tewitfield Marina.
There is a pub and a restaurant next to the locks, making it a great place to stop for a bite to eat or a drink.
Where to Stay near Tewitfield
If you are looking for a Morecambe Bay holiday cottage based in Grange-over-Sands, ring 07785944194 or enquire here.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1) What is Tewitfield Lock and Marina?
Tewitfield Lock and Marina is a purpose-built marina situated at the northern tip of the navigable Lancaster Canal, near Carnforth on the Lancashire and Cumbria border. It offers moorings, self-catering holiday apartments, and easy access to famous countryside destinations like the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.
2) Can I stay overnight at Tewitfield Marina?
Yes, Tewitfield Marina offers a range of self-catering apartments, including one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom options. Many accommodation units are dog-friendly and feature canal views, private patios or balconies, full kitchens, and on-site parking.
3) What activities are available at or near Tewitfield Marina?
Visitors can enjoy walking or cycling along the historic Lancaster Canal, boating, fishing, or relaxing in the countryside. The marina is close to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales for outdoor adventures, and there are local pubs, farm shops, and historic attractions nearby.
4) Are there good facilities for boaters at Tewitfield Lock and Marina?
Yes, the marina and lock offer moorings for boats, with access to toilets, showers, water points, waste disposal, and car parking. While it’s ideal for leisure use and weekends, the site isn’t intended for long-term residential stays.
5) Is Tewitfield Marina suitable for families and pets?
Tewitfield Marina is family and dog-friendly, with many apartments welcoming pets. There are amenities for children, country pubs with play areas nearby, and walking routes ideal for families and dog owners.
If you are looking for a Morecambe Bay Holiday Cottage based in Grange-over-Sands, ring 07785944194 or enquire here.
How to Book Kents Bank Holiday Cottage
Booking Kents Bank Holiday Cottage is quick and simple. Just visit our website at kentsbankholiday.co.uk or give us a call on 07785944194. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect dates for your stay.
Our friendly team makes the whole process easy, so you can focus on looking forward to your relaxing holiday in the Lake District.