Lock-keepers Cottage Photo - Aylesbury Arm, Grand Union Canal

This photograph captures an old lock-keeper’s cottage beside the Aylesbury Arm of the Grand Union Canal in Buckinghamshire. Once home to the canal’s lock-keeper, the cottage is now a private residence, still full of charm and history. In the foreground, the traditional lock gates and calm water reflect the quiet character of the English countryside.

I’ve always been drawn to the canals of Buckinghamshire — peaceful places where time seems to slow down. The Aylesbury Arm, in particular, offers a mix of rural scenery and industrial heritage, with cottages, bridges, and locks that tell the story of a different era. The balance of natural beauty and human craftsmanship makes it a rewarding subject for photography.

The summer light on the day of this shot brought out the colours and textures, and surrounding greenery — a gentle reminder of life along the Grand Union Canal.