Greater London Trip Overview
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.
Additional Info
Duration: 3 hours
Starts: Greater London, United Kingdom
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Historical & Heritage Tours
Explore Greater London Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Greater London, England, United Kingdom
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.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Paddington Basin, Paddington 2 Eastbourne Terrace, London W2 6LG England
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Little Venice, Regent’s park, London W2 1TH England
Little Venice is truly serene and beautiful and is where we will leave the Grand Union Canal and head off on Regents Canal.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Regent’s Canal, 42 Blomfield Road, London W9 2PF England
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.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: ZSL London Zoo, Regents Park Outer Circle, London NW1 4RY England
We walk right past the aviary and you never know when you might catch a glimpse of a giraffe or camel!
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Camden Market, 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF, UK
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
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Camden Market The Stables, 842 Chalk Farm Rd, London NW1 8BF, UK
The Stables Market, now a funky shopping destination but originally it housed the horses who worked the canals before the invention of boat engines.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: MTV Studios, Prod Mgt Mtv UK, 17-29 Hawley Cres, London NW1 8TT, UK
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Chester Road Regent’s Park, London NW1 4NR England
The canal passes through leafy Regents Park and some of the finest private homes in this part of London.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Gasholder Park, London N1C 4AB, UK
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Granary Square, 4 Stable Street, London N1C 4AB England
Another old industrial area that had found new life as one Londons newest and largest squares or plazas.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, London N1C 4DQ England
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Word On The Water – The London Bookbarge, Regent’s Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW, UK
My favourite of all the barges on the canal. A boat that is also a really rather good bookshop.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Kings Place 90 York Way, London N1 9AG England
Kings Place is a hub for music, art, dialogue and food in London’s Kings Cross
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: London Canal Museum, 12/13 New Wharf Rd, London N1 9RT, UK
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.
Duration: 45 minutes
