Lady’s Guide to Little Venice, London

Just when I thought that winter was coming to London, another bout of warm weather graced the city on Sunday. As such, I decided to continue last weekend’s exploration of the Thames Path with another day by the city’s waterways. This time my walk took me to Little Venice, London.

Little Venice, London

Located in Maida Vale, Little Venice marks the spot where the Grand Union Canal meets Regent’s Canal.

Little Venice is a hidden gem in London. Despite being a beautiful area with colorful canal boats drifting up and down the water and historic buildings lining the way, not many people visit.

Even on a sunny day like Sunday, the area was uncrowded.

Little Venice Walk

My walk started at the northern part of Little Venice next to a pub called The Waterway. I had been there with friends when I first moved to London, but this was my first time back.

The pub sat right along the canal, and in front of it was a pretty bridge leading to the other side.

I crossed said bridge and started walking southeast towards the basin where the canals meet. All along the banks were boats.

Each one was painted in bright colors and topped with everything from tomato plants to herb gardens and bicycles. Some of the owners were at home on their patios enjoying the sunshine, while others were out and about in London.

When I reached the main area of Little Venice, I noticed that one of the canal boats had been turned into a cafe. Inside and outside there were tables full of people enjoying the warm weather.

In the center of the triangular basin was an island full of geese, and on the opposite side was a green garden.

I continued my Little Venice walk in the direction of Paddington Basin. There the scene changed from a pretty residential area to a contemporary office park.

Large buildings blocked the sun, but there were lots of restaurants and cafes and a smattering of modern sculptures to give the place a sense of fun.

When I reached the end of the canal walk by Paddington Station, I turned around and returned to Little Venice. From there I walked along Regent’s Canal for a bit.

It was the same stretch of the canal that I had walked along with friends a while back, and it was full of tour boats plying the route from Maida Vale to the London Zoo and Camden Lock.

When I reached Edgware Road I turned back and headed towards the tube at Warwick Avenue.

Little Venice

My afternoon of exploring Little Venice in London had been a successful one. I was glad to have discovered another of the city’s waterside highlights. And with winter on its way, I felt grateful to have had one last sunny day in the UK capital.

Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!

New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email.

Pin it!