Reminder Thames Lock opening times Oct – Dec

WINTER WORKS PROGRAMME 2026/2027 –

LOCK CLOSURE NOTICE

Papercourt Lock: 08.00hrs Monday 9 November to 08.00hrs Monday 30 November 2026

-New top and bottom gates and cill repair

Millmead Lock: 08.00hrs Monday 18 January to 08.00hrs Monday 1 February 2027.

-Cill repair and balance replacement

Work programme and schedule subject to change due to weather and flood events.

E: riverwey@nationaltrust.org.uk

T: 01483 561389

You can also check the latest river conditions by calling Thames Lock 01932 843106 or the Navigations office 01483 561389 (recorded message not updated at weekends)

10.06.2026 Water level at Millbrook, Guildford -Update

10.30hrs As of last night the coffer dam/stop logs are now in place at Millbrook and as of this morning the team will start bringing the levels back up. 

We would like to thank you all for your cooperation during this period as we are very aware that the low levels caused some of you issues. 

Please do note though that, once up, the levels will remain at approx. 50mm below the normal for the remainder of the project.

We would also like to clarify a couple of points:

  1. The contractors are very consciously working to limit the impact to boaters and are, where possible, allowing craft to pass and then moving materials over the Navigation when it is clear.  If needed they will hold boats back for about 10-15mins but for them, this is a last resort.
  2. Unless you hear it from us, the Navigation is remaining open.  There may be temporary hold ups while materials are moved, but any closures will be planned in advance and communicated ahead of time. 

For further information call Thames Lock 01932 843106 or the Navigation office (office hours only)

New Thames Lock opening hours 2026

26.10.26 – NAVIGATION RESTRICTION – FALLEN TREE – UPDATE

14.15hrs – The fallen tree approximately 200m downstream of Unstead Lock, has now been cleared.

For further information call Thames Lock 01932 843106 or the Navigation office (office hours only).

26.10.26 – NAVIGATION RESTRICTION – FALLEN TREE

11.20hrs – There is a fallen tree across the towpath and Navigation, approximately 200m downstream of Unstead Lock. It is not passable.

For further information call Thames Lock 01932 843106 or the Navigation office (office hours only).

24.10.26 – NAVIGATION RESTRICTION – FALLEN TREE – UPDATE

14:15hrs – The fallen tree at Newark has now been cleared.

For further information call Thames Lock 01932 843106 or the Navigation office (office hours only).

24.10.26 – NAVIGATION RESTRICTION – FALLEN TREE

11:05hrs – There is a fallen tree across the river, just downstream from Newark Lock. It is not passable.

For further information call Thames Lock 01932 843106 or the Navigation office (office hours only).

15.10.2026 CONTRACTORS – STOKE LOCK

Please be aware contractors, River and Canal Services will be on site at Stoke Lock from Monday 19 October 2026, starting on the upper landing stage. The lock will remain operational during this work.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding while this work is completed.

For further information call Thames Lock 01932 843106 or the Navigation office (office hours only)

07.10.2026 NOTIFICATION- PILE EXTRACTION, MILLBROOK.

Please be advised that pile extraction works will commence on Monday 12 October and are scheduled to be completed by close of business on Friday 16 October.

The navigation will remain open throughout the works. However, for safety reasons, traffic will be controlled during each lifting operation. During pile extraction, vessels may be asked to wait while the pile is lifted.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation while these essential works are carried out. Please follow any instructions given by the site team to ensure the safety of all river users.

You can also check the latest river conditions by calling Thames Lock 01932 843106 or the Navigations office 01483 561389 (recorded message not updated at weekends)

02.10.2026. Navigation Restriction. Fallen Tree. -Update

16:12 The fallen tree has now been cleared.

13:00 The navigation is currently blocked by a fallen tree above Bowers Lock.

For further information call Thames Lock 01932 843106 or the Navigation office (office hours only).

30.09.2026 – Water level at Millbrook, Guildford -Update.

Over the next day or two, our team will need to lower the river levels above Millmead Lock by approximately 150mm.  This is so that the contractors can remove the stop logs and make the initial preparations for the removal of the temporary sheet piles at Millbrook Tumbling Bay.  The lowering should only impact the levels for 1-2 days.

Boaters who may choose to moor near Shalford Meadows will need to pay close attention as it may cause grounding if near submerged tree roots etc.

For further information call Thames Lock 01932 843106 or the Navigation office (office hours only)

27.09.2026. Navigation Restriction – Fallen Tree – Stoke Lock.

13:15 Fallen tree partially blocking the navigation, approx 800m downstream of Stoke Lock. Paasable with extreme caution.

For further information call Thames Lock 01932 843106 or the Navigation office (office hours only).