London’s Secret Waterways
Three hours along the towpath through corners of London that even most Londoners have never seen
Before cars and even trains, London was a canal city — and it still is, though most visitors never discover it. London has plenty of its own canals, and this private walking tour explores two of the finest. One of the best things about canal towpaths, then as now, is that they take you completely away from the noise and chaos of the busy streets into a world that feels entirely separate from the city around it.
We begin at Paddington on the Grand Union Canal, heading to the beautiful and aptly named Little Venice — one of the most surprisingly tranquil spots in central London. From there we follow the Regent’s Canal through Regent’s Park and trendy Camden with its famous market and lock, before finishing near the Canal Museum at King’s Cross — just minutes from tube connections, shops and restaurants.
Little Venice — one of the most tranquil and surprising spots in central London
The Regent’s Canal at Camden — vibrant, colourful and endlessly photogenic
Word on the Water — London’s beloved floating bookshop on the Regent’s Canal
Life on the Water
Narrowboats as homes, cafés, barbers and bookshops — canal life in the 21st century
Canals are enjoying a wonderful resurgence, and one of the joys of this tour is seeing canal life in all its variety. We’ll pass boats converted into book shops, cafés and even a barbers. Others are lived in full time, moored on the towpath with window boxes and bicycles on the roof. And of course others chug merrily along going about their slow and entirely peaceful business.
The tour finishes outside the London Canal Museum — where you can learn even more about life on the canals if the tour has inspired you — and you’re just a few minutes’ walk from King’s Cross Station with all its connections, shops and restaurants.
🧙 King’s Cross is also the home of Platform 9¾ — why not combine with our Harry Potter Walking Tour for the ultimate King’s Cross experience?
Pricing — 3 Hour Tour
Per Person — Guide Included
Entry fees not included. Child prices on request. Starts Paddington, finishes near King’s Cross.
Book via the calendar below, by email, or through Viator.
Frequently Asked Questions for the London Canals Walking Tour
Departure Time:10 am
City Location: London
Duration of Tour: 3 hours
(Approximate times as all tours are bespoke)
How to book the London Canals Walking Tour
To make a booking please use our automated calendar booking system below or contact us above.
Alternatively you can book by using the automated booking process with Viator.
“From Paddington to King’s Cross along the towpath — past Little Venice, Camden Lock and a floating bookshop. Three hours of peaceful canal walking through corners of London you’d never find any other way.”
