London Canals Private Walking Tour

4.8 (5 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

5 reviews

4.8

Little Venice — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

A barbers shop on a canal boat — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Ye Olde England Tours

Ages: Children (5–14 years) · Adults (15–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private and professional guided tour

Not included

Not included: Transport ticket to and from your hotel.

Itinerary

Paddington Basin

10 min

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

10 min

Little Venice is truly serene and beautiful and is where we will leave the Grand Union Canal and head off on Regents Canal.
Regent's Canal

2 hours

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.
London Zoo

5 min Admission not included

We walk right past the aviary and you never know when you might catch a glimpse of a giraffe or camel!
Stop 5

10 min Admission included

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
Stop 6

15 min Admission included

The Stables Market, now a funky shopping destination but originally it housed the horses who worked the canals before the invention of boat engines.
Stop 7

5 min Admission not included

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.
Regent's Park

15 min

The canal passes through leafy Regents Park and some of the finest private homes in this part of London.
Stop 9

5 min Admission included

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.
Granary Square

5 min Admission included

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

10 min

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.
Stop 12

5 min Admission included

My favourite of all the barges on the canal. A boat that is also a really rather good bookshop.
Kings Place

10 min

Kings Place is a hub for music, art, dialogue and food in London's Kings Cross
Stop 14

45 min Admission not included

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.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

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

End point

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.