When you hear “London” you probably think of Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Big Ben. While those attractions are certainly worth a visit, there are plenty of other parts of the city to explore.
One of these areas is the network of London canals, which offer an insight into the city and its history, as well as some beautiful scenery and sights. Whether you want to explore on foot, try your hand at kayaking or rent a canal boat, London has it all. Here are some different options for exploring London’s canals, both on land and on water.
Go kayaking along London’s canals
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If you fancy doing something a bit different, consider hiring a kayak or canoe to explore the canal up close and personal. Moo Canoes offer canoe and kayak hire on the network of London canals, as well as kayak tours along the River Thames, which are led by an experienced coach. Moo Canoes’ tours are suitable for all skill levels, sot hey are accessible to beginner's and experts alike.
Take a narrowboat cruise along Regent’s Canal
Want to take in the sights along Regent’s Canal but don’t fancy the walk? Canal and River Cruises Ltd have got you covered, with their traditional canal boat trips around London. Hop aboard and enjoy the views, as your expert crew take you across the water. The two-hour route will follow the canal through Maida Vale, Regent’s Park and London Zoo, before heading back after reaching Camden Market Lock.
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London Canal Museum
The London Canal Museum offers a fascinating look at the city’s industrial past through the story of its waterways. Set inside a former Victorian ice warehouse, the museum explores how canals once powered London’s growth, with exhibits on everything from narrowboats and cargo transport to the people who lived and worked along the water.
You can expect hands-on displays, historic artefacts, and even the chance to descend into the old ice wells beneath the building, which is a highlight for many visitors. It’s compact enough to explore in under an hour, but there’s plenty of detail to keep you engaged throughout.
London Canal Museum Events
Alongside the permanent collection, the London Canal Museum also hosts a range of seasonal activities and London Canal Museum events, including guided walks, family workshops, and occasional boat trips along the Regent’s Canal. For anyone interested in London’s hidden history or looking for something a little different from the usual museums, this is an easy, affordable stop that adds a fresh perspective to the city.
London Canal Museum opening hours
The London Canal Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 4:30pm, with last entry at 4pm. The museum is closed on Mondays, except that it is open on Bank Holiday Mondays.
Best London canal walks
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Canal walk from Little Venice to Camden
If you fancy a canal-side stroll next time you’re in London, the two-mile route from Little Venice to Camden offers plenty of gorgeous sights, including Regent’s Canal. Starting in picturesque Little Venice, you’ll see boats moored on the water, along with the charming white stucco houses the area is known for. Follow the route past the famous Regent’s Park, before catching sight of the historic “Blow Up Bridge” and even a quick glimpse of London Zoo. The canal-side walk ends in Camden, a trendy London market town filled with colour, music and art.
Canal walk from King’s Cross to Hackney
If you’re keen to try one of the canal walks starting in central London, the route from King’s Cross to Hackney is a great choice. Walking along Regent’s Canal, you’ll pass the famous River Thames, as well as Paddington and Camden. With moored boats, nature reserves and historical buildings, there are plenty of sights and scenes to see along the way. The walk is approximately 3.5 miles, so consider grabbing a bite to eat in town, or enjoying a picnic in Regent’s Park before setting off for your canal-side walk through London.
If you’re looking into canal boat hire in London to check out some of the city’s most renowned features, why not book yourself a train ticket to get there with Southern today?
