Swinton Lock Activity Centre is a trusted safe space, committed to delivering emotional, social and wellbeing services, which are community led.
We are based adjacent to the South Yorkshire Navigational Canal and own two narrow boats, one of which is fully accessible. Both boats are used to offer boat-handling courses, volunteering opportunities and pleasure trips to both children and adults.
What we Do
Swinton Lock Activity Centre provides an extensive range of activities and support for both young and old.
Room Hire
Our location, facilities and ample parking also make Swinton Lock an ideal location for meetings, conferences and parties.
Boat Trips & Training
Join our experienced crew for a relaxing cruise along the canal. Learn how to skipper the boat and manage locks.
Open Days
We also hold regular open days where you can come to meet the staff and sample many of the activities we have to offer.
The Locks most asked questions and the answers. “Where are you?” Rotherham- Swinton. Which is in South Yorkshire. “What do you do?” The Activity Centre is a charity, set up to support the local community. We run craft sessions, re-engagement for youth, youth clubs, mental health support groups and we also offer trips on the narrowboat. “Can I join in?” Yes! Most of our groups have spaces. Give us an email at info@swintonlock.org.uk and we will get you sorted. “How do I book a boat trip?” The best way is to book online, our website is www.swintonlock.org click on the menu and select the tab that says ‘what’s on’ this will take you to the community boat trips booking form. If you want to book a private hire, this is also on the website homepage. If you don’t have easy access to the internet or you need support booking a trip, please call us on 01709 578778. “When is the next community boat trip?” Sunday 29th June! Book now to avoid missing out. Any other questions, drop us a comment and we will make sure we answer it for you. #boatlife #familytime #ThingsToDoWithKids #rotherhamiswonderful #yorkshire #swintonlock #daytrips #canalboat @top fans ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
With summer holidays fast approaching, we want to share this list of places that are giving families a helping hand. We know that for some families the summer holidays are daunting and expenses run high, especially with growing kids to keep feeding. Don’t struggle in silence, Swinton Lock is here to support you and your family. #community #CommunitySupport #swintonlock #Swinton #RotherhamIsWonderful #summerholidays2025 #summerholidayhacks #moneysavingtipsPlaces Where Kids Eat Free (or for £1) During The 6 Weeks Summer Holidays! Full List & Updates 👉 moneysavingcentral.co.uk/kids-eat-free ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
POV: you’re a pirate, rating the narrowboat trip. Disclaimer: no real croc, shark or dragon sightings have been confirmed, but this is Rotherham so stranger things have happened! #narrowboat #swintonlock #yorkshire #daytrips #familydayout Jayne Senior @top fans ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Brilliant , 💙💙
Look at these fantastic pottery pieces! A credit to Tracey Mawson Ceramic Artist . We are so proud to see the work of students displayed out in public. How amazing is it that they will be contributing towards charity too? Bravo to everyone involved. 🙌🏻
@top fansIt takes a lot of courage to put your artwork out on display....so I'm super proud of my two pottery students from Swinton Lock Activity Centre who have pieces in Holmfirth Artweek ❤️
Their work looks amazing and will contribute to raising funds for Macmillan cancer care and The Kirkwood.
Open 6-12th July Holmfirth Civic Hall. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Amazing ladies
They're a talented bunch 😊
They’ve gone and made their first mini travel blog. Marge and Clint on tour! #clintandmarge #peakdistrict #swintonlock ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
We have had a lot of new followers lately so here’s a little welcome to new followers and hello to our existing followers. Your support is valued and we appreciate all the likes, shares and follows.
Some of you might already know these characters in the photo, but incase you don’t these are the centres’ mascots, Clint and Marge.
They’ve been on an adventure… comment below if you recognize where they have been!
#RotherhamIsWonderful #yorkshire #swinton #swintonlock #mascots #foryouシ #communitysupport
@top fans ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Mam tor, lady bower & win hill?
Those are a couple of lucky ducks 🤣
Clinton lock and marge on the barge need their Own # 😂😂
Here’s a post to support our volunteers and staff who are also part of Wath-Upon-Dearne Morris Dancers.
Last night they had a fantastic performance at the Alma Inn. Reports from the audience says it was a roaring success and a very enjoyable evening.
Upcoming performances are as follows, for anyone who would like to attended.
Hooten Pagnell fate, Sunday 6th approx 12.30 onwards.
Tuesday 8th Harlington Inn, Harlington 7.45pm
Thursday 17th Thornley Arms, Dodworth.
Well done to all involved. 🙌🏻
⭐️ Fun fact: the earliest recorded mention of ‘Morris dancing’ dates back to 1448! ⭐️
#morrisdancing #RotherhamIsWonderful #yorkshire #stickdance @top fans ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
One in eight men will suffer with mental health issues in their lifetime, recent studies suggest that only half of them will seek help. Have you heard about our group Men in Sheds? It’s a group designed to support men aged over 18 years, and provide them with a safe space to connect with likeminded individuals. There’s also Swinton Sheds, which is a mixed gender group. Under the expert advice of Richard, the group members are welcome to try their hand at woodwork, sit for a chat and have a brew. A burning barrel, an array of carpentry projects and every tool you can think of, are among the most common sights. The groups space is tucked in at the lock, but with the best view; overlooking the canal and gardens. Members have described the group as a lifeline. It’s a space where members can combat loneliness and isolation, make friends and create projects they can be proud of. If you would like to join the group or would like more information please contact Steve at the centre on 01709 587778. Or email, steviecarr@swintonlock.org.uk #mentalhealthmatters #swintonlockactivitycentre #carpentry #woodworking #mentalhealthawareness #MensMentalHealthSupport @top fans Stevie Carr ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Forgot to mention- and it’s worth adding- the doll house and furniture was created by a member using hand tools. The most impressive part is that it is an exact replica of an actual house he found in a book!
Hi is there a support group for everyone to attend struggling to find somewhere that does mental health for women
Pete Dollypeg
Mike Robert
Great group with lots of amazing members! I consider myself lucky to be able to spend time with them ❤️
Ricky Storar
View more comments
Today the ladies in our Tuesday group created these stunning sheep Plaques, with Rotherham Creative . The session was lead by the fabulous Hayley and we all loved it. This session, worked on painting, and needle felting. You’ll be glad to know only a few thumbs fell victim to the needle and our group members all discovered a new found love of the craft. Thank you to Rotherham Creative for such a lovely session, we hope to see you back at the Centre soon! #swintonlockactivitycentre #creativecommunity #RotherhamIsWonderful #Yorkshire #craftersgonnacraft #needlefelting @top fans ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
I loved this, great fun and included lots of different skills 👏....trust me to be the one to draw bood 😀 Great work ladies. X
Love them ❤️
These are fab and Rotherham Creative are amazing 🤩 such an asset to the community x
Look lovely
Stevie Carr guess which one is mine? 😬
View more comments