Lady’s Guide to a Beautiful Canal Walk in London

Today I want to share another of my London walks with you. Unlike my walks that focus on a specific area, this self-guided walk will take you through multiple London neighborhoods. That’s because it’s on Regent’s Canal, which cuts across the city. If you’re interested in walking along the water, read on for one of A Lady in London’s best canal walks in London.

Canal Walks in London

A lot of people don’t realize that when it comes to the UK capital, the Thames doesn’t have a monopoly on water.

There’s a system of canals that runs through the city and offers a quieter, more peaceful alternative to the river. It’s great for taking canal walks in London.

The main one I like to walk on is Regent’s Canal. This 8.6-mile waterway is full of colorful canal boats and cuts through a lot of the best areas in the northern part of central London.

Regent’s Canal runs from Little Venice in the west to the Limehouse Basin and the Thames in the east. Along the way, it passes through Maida Vale, Regent’s Park, Camden, King’s Cross, Islington, London Fields, Victoria Park, and other parts of the city.

London Canal Walk

My self-guided canal walk in London will take you from the waterways of Little Venice to the bustling heart of King’s Cross. Along the way you’ll discover everything from elegant houses to zoo animals and markets.

The route of this walk goes by lots of good places to eat and drink, so it’s easy to get a meal, snack, or coffee as you go if you’d like to.

Self-Guided Canal Walk in London

This loveliest of canal walks in London starts in Maida Vale at Warwick Avenue station. The station is on the Bakerloo line of the London Underground, so it’s easy to get to by tube.

When you arrive, exit the station and walk south down Warwick Avenue (you can sing the song as you leave the station).

When you get to Warwick Place, turn right and walk down to the end. You’ll pass by a hidden pub here, so you can start your walk with a drink or meal if you want to.

Little Venice

If not, turn left on Blomfield Road when you get to the end of Warwick Place. You’ll soon find yourself in Little Venice.

This area has lots to see, including canal boats, cafes, gardens, and islands. You can spend some time walking around here before continuing on your way.

When you’re done exploring, hop on the canal path that runs parallel to Blomfield Road and start walking east. You’ll get a feel for the slower pace of life along the canal as you go. You’ll also see some beautiful heritage architecture.

Soon you’ll come to a cafe and bridge over the canal. Head up onto Aberdeen Place and continue walking in the same direction you were going before. You’ll walk along the road for this stretch, as the canal goes underground here.

When you get to the end of Aberdeen Place, walk through the skinny alley and down the stairs to make your way back to the water’s edge.

Once on the path, you’ll start to see greenery again. You’ll pass under a bridge and alongside moored canal boats, getting a taste of the local scene on the water.

Regent’s Park

You’ll go through gates, under trees and bridges, and alongside waterfront properties before fining yourself in the northern part of Regent’s Park. There are beautiful houses to admire here, their gardens spilling down the hills to the canal.

A bit farther down the path, you’ll pass under a series of bridges and find yourself surrounded on both sides by the London Zoo (you won’t technically be in it, so there’s no entry fee).

If you look closely, you’ll be able to see animals around you while you walk. It’s one of the most unique experiences in London.

A little farther along, you’ll find yourself in front of a floating red pagoda restaurant that might make you feel like you’ve walked all the way to China.

Camden

But you’re still in London. Once you pass under the bridge on your left you’ll have left Regent’s Park behind and embarked on a journey to Camden. This stretch will take you past more pretty houses and canal boats.

You’ll know you’ve reached Camden Lock when you pass under a bridge and find yourself face-to-face with a pirate castle. Its crenelated structure will welcome you to the area and start you on your way to the heart of Camden Market.

Camden Market is a great place to stop for food, drinks, or a bit of shopping.

When you’re done at the market, you can hop back on the path and continue this most exciting of canal walks in London as the waterway curves around to take you south to King’s Cross.

King’s Cross

This stretch of Regent’s Canal will take you past restored waterfront buildings, contemporary architecture, and locks as you go.

You’ll pass through more tunnels (watch your head on some of them), and ultimately find yourself at the base of the big steps that lead up to Granary Square in King’s Cross.

You can head up the stairs and explore the square, which has fountains and restaurants all around. Coal Drops Yard is right next to it and has lots of shopping, too.

When you’re done exploring, head back to the towpath and continue this most colorful of canal walks in London by continuing in the same direction you were going before.

If it’s there, you’ll find the quirky Word on the Water canal boat bookshop in King’s Cross. It’s fun to stop and browse the titles along the way.

Once finished, continue along the path, then head up the stairs to get onto York Way. Take a right on York Way to cross over the canal and head south.

Once over the bridge, turn right on Goods Way, then left on King’s Boulevard. This pedestrianized street will take you alongside shops and restaurants and past Pancras Square.

It will eventually lead you to King’s Cross station, where your self-guided London canal walk ends. You can pick up the tube or train here, or spend more time exploring the area.

Details of the Canal Walk in London

More Walks in London

I’ve written a lot more London walks and pulled them together in my London walking tours blog post.

There are other walks to be discovered in London’s Hidden Walks, too. You can get it here. There are more ideas in my London walking books post as well.

I’ve also written my own account of doing some of this prettiest of canal walks in London. You can read it here.

Happy walking!

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