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Offered languages
- English
Before cars and even trains, London was a canal city like many in Britain were.
Then as now, one of the best things about canals is that it takes you away from the noise and chaos of the busy streets and opens up areas that you couldn’t reach otherwise. In fact you’d never even know you were in the middle of London.
Canals are enjoying a huge resurgence for social and leisure activities and we will see plenty of boats, some even converted into book shops, cafes or even a barbers. Some are used as homes, moored up on the towpath whilst others chug merrily along going about their slow and peaceful business.
This private 3 hour walking tour will reveal a side to London that most never get to see. Away from the hustle and bustle of the busy street, this walk combines area of almost rural beauty and tranquility, modern cafe culture and incredible areas of urban renewal in a way only London can do.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We can pick you up from any Central London hotel and not just those listed here.
The tour starts from just outside Edgware Road Station on the Chapel Street entrance/exit
The tour ends just outside the Canal Museum or alternatively you can return with your guide to the nearest Tube station a few minutes away at Kings Cross.
Itinerary
-
1Paddington Basin
These were but to almost be like the western docks of London. Now redeveloped for business and leisure with possibly the only folding bridge in the world. We start along the famous Grand Union Canal.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Little Venice
Little Venice is truly serene and beautiful and is where we will leave the Grand Union Canal and head off on Regents Canal.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Regent's Canal
Regents Canal, built to connect the River Thames and the docks tot he canal network that linked London to the great cities of the north.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
4London Zoo
We walk right past the aviary and you never know when you might catch a glimpse of a giraffe or camel!
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
5Camden Market
Camden Lock is one of few parts of the walk where it is remotely busy. Once an industrial area, now it is buzzing with cafes and restaurants
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
6Camden Market
The Stables Market, now a funky shopping destination but originally it housed the horses who worked the canals before the invention of boat engines.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included -
7MTV Studios
From the canal side we will see MTV Studios and those relating to Viacom and others. Everyone loves the views and life around the canal.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
8Regent's Park
The canal passes through leafy Regents Park and some of the finest private homes in this part of London.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9Gasholder Park
This 'little' park is built into an old giant gas holder. It is a good mix of the old and new that typifies this part of the canal.
5 minutes • Admission ticket included -
10Granary Square
Another old industrial area that had found new life as one Londons newest and largest squares or plazas.
5 minutes • Admission ticket included -
11Coal Drops Yard
Right next to the canal, this district used to be where the coal was stored for the nearby train stations. In the last year or so it has had millions spent on it to re-open as a hidden but high-end shopping destination.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12Word On The Water - The London Bookbarge
My favourite of all the barges on the canal. A boat that is also a really rather good bookshop.
5 minutes • Admission ticket included -
13Kings Place
Kings Place is a hub for music, art, dialogue and food in London's Kings Cross
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
14London Canal Museum
A museum dedicated to London and British canals and all housed in a Victorian Ice storage facility that was used to bring in ice from Norway.
45 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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