Boats, buses and bowls – they’re all in bustling Bingley!

The bustling town of Bingley is situated in the Aire Valley, between Saltaire and Keighley, and is well served by our Aireline route from Leeds and Keighley. 

Bingley’s best known feature is the impressive Grade 1 Listed Five Rise Locks on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. Opened in 1774 and maintained today by the Canal and River Trust, this impressive feat of engineering is a short stroll along the scenic towpath from the town centre. 

The Five Rise Locks are the steepest staircase locks on the longest canal in the country – they’re the larger of two sets of locks on this section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and boats need to navigate six gates and five chambers to climb or descend 60 feet (18 metres). 

The lock gates at Five Rise are some of the tallest in the country – every gate is unique, with each one made to measure using traditional methods unchanged in 250 years.  

It can take boats 45 minutes to go up the locks and 30 minutes to go down – and there’s a dedicated viewing area as a great vantage point to watch the boats while also taking in the stunning views along the Aire Valley. Find out more at: canalrivertrust.org.uk. 

Away from the canal, Bingley also has a host of welcoming outdoor spaces including Myrtle Park, a traditional park with plenty of space to relax, café, bowling greens and children’s play area – there’s Prince of Wales Park, between Bingley and Eldwick with lots to explore, and don’t miss St Ives Estate, an extensive Country Park with walks for all the family and panoramic views of the Aire Valley.