London Canal Walk and Exploration Tour

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.

Meeting Point

Edgware Road

Chapel St, London NW1 5DH, UK

The tour starts from just outside Edgware Road Station on the Chapel Street entrance/exit

What's included:

• Private and professional guided tour

Not included:

• Transport ticket to and from your hotel.

What to expect:

Duration: 3 hours

Paddington Basin

Paddington 2 Eastbourne Terrace, London, W2 6LG

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

Little Venice

off Blomfield Road, London, W9 2PF

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

Regent's Canal

42 Blomfield Road, , London, W9 2PF

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

London Zoo

Outer Circle, Regents Park, London, NW1 4RY

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

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

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Camden Market

54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF, 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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Regent's Park

Outer Cir, London, NW1 4NR

The canal passes through leafy Regents Park and some of the finest private homes in this part of London.

15 minutes

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Granary Square

11 Stable Street, London, N1C 4AA

Another old industrial area that had found new life as one Londons newest and largest squares or plazas.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Coal Drops Yard

Stable St, London, N1C 4DQ

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

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.

5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Kings Place

Kings Place 90 York Way, , London, N1 9AG

Kings Place is a hub for music, art, dialogue and food in London's Kings Cross

10 minutes

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.

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included