London Canals Private Walking Tour
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
Little Venice is truly serene and beautiful and is where we will leave the Grand Union Canal and head off on Regents 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.
We walk right past the aviary and you never know when you might catch a glimpse of a giraffe or camel!
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
The Stables Market, now a funky shopping destination but originally it housed the horses who worked the canals before the invention of boat engines.
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.
The canal passes through leafy Regents Park and some of the finest private homes in this part of London.
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.
Another old industrial area that had found new life as one Londons newest and largest squares or plazas.
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.
My favourite of all the barges on the canal. A boat that is also a really rather good bookshop.
Kings Place is a hub for music, art, dialogue and food in London's Kings Cross
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.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We can pick you up from any Central London hotel and not just those listed here.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(4)
My 16 year old daughter and I had a great time on this tour, which was a neat experience off-the-beaten path in London. The walk along the canals was picturesque and tranquil with a variety of interesting views as Stephen explained the various neighborhoods along the way. We got to see Camden Market and Regent's Park as well as the different neighborhoods along the canals. Stephen is a terrific guide. He asked about our interests and tailored the tour to us. He is very knowledgeable about London history and culture, and he is funny. You will find that he knows everyone and is a local celebrity. We loved his stories, and we very much enjoyed the nice walk that showed us a bit of the local life. I highly recommend this tour and Stephen! Be prepared to walk.
Hello! Thankyou for your wonderful review. I hope that you are both keeping well, say hi to your daughter from me. It was lovely to meet you both and show you a very different side of London especially as things were just beginning to open up again after the previous 2 horrible years. It was absolutely my pleasure, thankyou again!
Walking by the canals from Paddington - Camden is a really nice, beautiful walk. You can walk the whole way, or just parts. We enjoyed it a lot
We’re really glad you enjoyed the canals. The stretch between Little Venice and Camden is particularly beautiful in the summer.
We had a fantastic morning tour with our guide Stephen. He took us on an extensive walk along several canals in a quiet and crowd-free area. We couldn't believe we were in Central London. Stephen told us about the history of canals in England and other interesting stories of the history of the area. This is a fabulous way to experience a side of London that most do not see.
We're so glad that you enjoyed our Canal tour. It was really nice to welcome you back again and show you a totally different side to London which is a world away from Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Thanks so much for spending another holiday / vacation with us. It is always a pleasure to show you around. Thanks for the great review too!
Our guide, Stephen got in touch with us to make sure we knew when and where to meet. He was very helpful and gave us useful information about the history of the canal and neighborhoods in our walk. There are a number of photo opportunities where you can capture the many barges that cruise and dock on the canal. This is a long walk and so we recommend good walking shoes. The tour ends in the Camden area where there are a number of shops and restaurants. If you have already done walking tours of the city center and its pubs, I would recommend this tour for the different perspective that it presents.
