Visit London canals may not be famous, but they are picturesque places.
As you cruise these waters, look around and you'll see elegant Georgian townhouses.
Today, we're off to a less touristy part of London.
London canals: article summary
London's canals: a long history
The capital has relied on its winding network of rivers for trade, sanitation and drinking water since the Romans founded Londinium around 43 AD.
In the Victorian era, the "canal age" began, when rivers were linked by a series of waterways.
These London canals were all intended to enable supplies to be transported quickly and easily to the burgeoning industries of the north:
- Pottery
- Textile companies
- Coal mines
The latter prospered, helping Great Britain to become an industrial superpower.
A step into the modern era
In 1850, there were several thousand kilometers of canals in operation throughout England, but over the decades road and rail transport became more popular and the use of London's canals and their tributaries began to decline.
After the Second World War, the traditional industries that depended on waterways began to close, until only 2,500 kilometers of canals remained.
Discarded, many fell into ruin, and it wasn't until the 1960s that community groups mobilized to save these unique fragments of history, meticulously recovering and restoring them, but this time for leisure and recreation.
London's canals: a public attraction
Today, they are managed by the Canal & River Trust, which encourages communities and volunteers in England and Wales to transform their neglected canals and rivers. into magnificent spaces that promote wildlife and enhance well-being.
This winding network of waterways is open to the public, who can enjoy a wide range of typically British activities, from narrowboating and canoeing to fishing and cycling, or simply strolling along the picturesque towpaths.
The Grand Union Canal links the capital with the heart of Peaky Blinders territory in Birmingham. Starting at Paddington Basin in West London, London's largest canal takes you through villages and industrial towns. to the verdant countryside of Colne Valley Regional Park.
Visit Camden Market from the canals
Stroll through the famous Camden, then leave from Camden Lock and take the London Waterbus down Regent's Canal.
This panoramic cruise crosses London's leafy north and also stops off at London Zoo.
Or hire your own boat and cruise Regent's Canal at your leisure. Pack a picnic lunch, then sit back and enjoy all the wonderful sights along the way.
Canals of London: exploring Little Venice
Where the Grand Union Canal meets the Regents Canal, you'll find the surprisingly charming oasis of Little Venice.
This tranquil stretch of water is punctuated by superb Georgian and Victorian mansions on the banks of the canal.
It's also home to Brownings Island, home to several floating businesses, including an art gallery and hotel, as well as waterfowl and Egyptian geese.
Take a moment to eat
If all that exploring makes you hungry, there are plenty of places to eat on and along London's canals, including the Waterside floating café and the Waterway restaurant, with a large outdoor terrace.
Climb aboard Feng Shang, the Chinese restaurant with a celebrity clientele and charming canal views. Or head to the Narrowboat Pub, overlooking Regent's Canal, in Islington.
A puppet show on water
The capital's waterways are full of surprises, but one of the most charming is the Puppet Barge.
This floating puppet theater was created almost 40 years ago and still captivates children from its flat-bottomed boot. a 21-meter-long boat moored in Little Venice.
Finish your tour of the park
Floating Pocket Park is the perfect example of nature colliding with intelligent engineering.
This 730 m² floating park is located in the Paddington Basin on the Grand Union Canal. offers lush green space above the waterwith its own mooring for river boats.
The park's landscapers have meticulously planned and landscaped the space to create an oasis of nature.
In addition to the striking flora and fauna, there are bird feeders, insect hotels and nesting birds.
London's canals are the perfect place to see the city from another angle. During your vacation, don't hesitate to spend some time in this picturesque and pleasant part of the English capital.
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special London guide!
Leave a Reply