How To Find Us
How to Find Us (Debdale Marina) – Directions
Debdale Marina is situated on the Grand Union Leicester line and is not far from the villages of Gumley, Foxton and Smeeton Westerby.
When trying to find us, please make use of the following these directions or What3Words ///EMERGE.SHORTER.ACROBATS as we are not particularly easy to find.
Avoid using our postcode with your Sat-Nav. We’re in a rural location and it will invariably result in you being incorrectly routed. Trust us on this!
As you can see from the map above, there is a direct road from the A6, but this is a fully gated and narrow road. It’s fine to use (if you don’t mind getting in and out of your car!), but the easier routes are from the Gumley or Smeeton Westerby villages, as detailed below.
Directions from the M1 – (from the South or North) Total 15 miles
Exit the M1 at Junction 20 (don’t let Sat-Nav fool you into taking junction 21 if arriving from the north) Take the A4304 signposted to Market Harborough. Continue on this road for 11 miles to Lubenham. In Lubenham take the left turn signposted to Foxton and Foxton Locks. Continue on this road to the T junction and turn left towards Foxton. Take the next road on the left signposted to Gumley and Foxton Locks. Pass the Foxton Locks car park and follow the road to Gumley. Continue on this road through and out of the village of Gumley. Shortly after the village the road descends a steep hill and makes a sharp turn to the left – but carry on straight ahead (technically a right turn off the road you’re on) down the small road which is signposted to Debdale Wharf. The marina is approx. one mile down the road on your left.
Directions from Market Harborough – Total 7 miles
If approaching or in the south of the town (and to save driving through the town centre): Leave the town on the A4304 signposted Lubenham and M1. Continue on this road to Lubenham and take the right turn signposted to Foxton and Foxton Locks. Continue on this road to the T junction and turn left towards Foxton. Take the next road on the left signposted to Gumley and Foxton Locks. Pass the Foxton Locks car park and follow the road to Gumley. Continue on this road through and out of the village of Gumley. Shortly after the village the road descends a steep hill and makes a sharp turn to the left – but carry on straight ahead (technically a right turn off the road you’re on) down the small road which is signposted to Debdale Wharf. The marina is approx. one mile down the road on your left.
If in the town centre or north of the town: Head north from the town centre high street in the direction of Leicester towards the A6. Once out of the town you will go over a roundabout with a new industrial estate and Innovation Centre on your left. Take the next left turn signposted to Foxton and Foxton Locks. Continue on this road (past Gartree prison) and take the left turn signposted to Gumley and Foxton Locks. Pass the Foxton Locks car park and follow the road to Gumley. Continue on this road through and out of the village of Gumley. Shortly after the village the road descends a steep hill and makes a sharp turn to the left – but carry on straight ahead (technically a right turn off the road you’re on) down the small road which is signposted to Debdale Wharf. The marina is approx. one mile down the road on your left.
Directions if arriving from the north via the A6
If you are travelling south from Leicester on the A6, take a right turn into Kibworth and head for the village centre. After the pelican crossing on the small high street, make a left turn to Smeeton Westerby. As you drive out of Smeeton Westerby, take the left fork signposted to Gumley. You will go down a large hill and then back up. At the top of the hill make a left turn at the junction, which is signposted to Debdale Wharf. The marina is approx. one mile down the road on your left.
Directions if arriving from the south east via the A14
Stay on the A6 in the direction of Leicester. This by-passes Market Harborough and takes you to the north of the town. At the roundabout that has a large BP petrol station, McDonald’s and Premier Inn, take the first exit towards Market Harborough. In about a mile, take the right turn signposted to Foxton and Foxton Locks. Continue on this road (past Gartree prison) and take the left turn signposted to Gumley and Foxton Locks. Pass the Foxton Locks car park and follow the road to Gumley. Continue on this road through and out of the village of Gumley. Shortly after the village the road descends a steep hill and makes a sharp turn to the left – but carry on straight ahead (technically a right turn off the road you’re on) down the small road which is signposted to Debdale Wharf. The marina is approx. one mile down the road on your left.
Parking at Debdale Marina:
Please ensure you park in the allocated parking area as described.
As you enter the marina, turn left and drive all the way up the car park to the yard area where boats are ashore. As you go through the gap (you’ll see our NBSC classroom on the left), turn right. The parking area is then on your left between the boats.
To find the training boat
As you entered the marina gates, there was a ramp directly in front of you. When you have parked, walk back and down the ramp to the marina basin. At the bottom of the ramp turn right and then turn right again. It’s about 25 metres in total. Gwendoline May is the blue boat flying an RYA pennant on the tiller. There is a map at the bottom of this page.
To find the classroom
You will have seen the classroom when following the parking instructions. It is located just beyond the moorers’ parking area, where you’ll see boats stored ashore.
Public Transport
The nearest railway station is Market Harborough and there is a taxi rank at the station, as well as a bike hire depot should you fancy cycling the towpath (many do!). Unfortunately, there is no bus service that stops anywhere near the marina.