A Guide to London’s Canal Walks – From Camden to Little Venice
London’s streets might be buzzing, but just a few steps away lies a whole different world — one that glides quietly along the water.
Welcome to London’s canal walks, where cobbled towpaths, colourful boats, and peaceful waters offer a scenic escape from the city’s chaos.
One of the most beautiful (and walkable) stretches? From Camden to Little Venice.
Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy this lesser-known side of the city.
What Are London’s Canals, Anyway?
London’s canal system was built in the 18th and 19th centuries to transport goods long before trains and lorries took over.
Today, they’re a quiet haven for walkers, cyclists, joggers, paddle boarders — and yes, people who live on the canal in narrowboats.
The key stretch we’re focusing on here is the Regent’s Canal, which runs 8.6 miles from Limehouse Basin in East London to Paddington in the west.
The most popular walk? Camden Market to Little Venice — just over 2.5 miles of leafy, waterside bliss.
The Route: Camden → Regent’s Park → Maida Vale → Little Venice
📍 Start: Camden Lock
Begin at Camden Market — busy, quirky, and buzzing with street food and music. You’ll find the canal behind the lock.
Look out for:
Colourful narrowboats
Street food stalls that sometimes float
Live musicians perched along the bridges
Walk West Toward Regent’s Park
Once you’ve passed the bustle, the path becomes noticeably quieter. You’ll walk under tree-lined bridges, past canal-side homes and boat cafés.
Soon, you’ll hit the edge of Regent’s Park. You can detour into the park here (totally worth it) or keep hugging the canal.
Look out for:
London Zoo — you’ll walk right behind the animal enclosures! If you’re lucky, you might spot an exotic creature from the towpath.
Through the Leafy Backstreets of Maida Vale
The canal curves gently through Maida Vale, an affluent area known for white stucco townhouses and weeping willows over the water.
Boats line the path, many covered in flowers, bicycles, and the odd gnome.
It feels more like Amsterdam than London at times.
Finish: Little Venice
You’ll end at Little Venice, one of London’s prettiest hidden spots.
Here, the Grand Union Canal meets the Regent’s Canal in a peaceful basin surrounded by cafés, pubs, and floating restaurants.
Look out for:
The famous Waterside Café on a boat
Puppet Theatre Barge (yes, an actual floating puppet theatre)
Canal cruises to Paddington or the London Zoo
Places to Stop for Coffee or Food
The Lock Tavern (Camden) – Trendy, great rooftop
Waterside Café (Little Venice) – Charming, boat-based, seasonal
Café Laville – A hidden Italian gem right over the canal near Maida Vale
Darcie & May Green – Aussie-style brunch on a colourful barge at Paddington Basin
Can You Cycle This Route?
Yes — and no. You can cycle most of it, but:
Parts of the towpath are narrow
Pedestrians have right of way
Some parts have steps or barriers (especially near Camden)
Cycling is better suited from Regent’s Park onward.
Why This Walk Is So Special
It’s calm, but still central
It’s full of hidden gems — from zoo glimpses to boat homes
It changes personality along the way — buzzy Camden, wild Regent’s Park, peaceful Maida Vale, and elegant Little Venice
It’s one of the few places in London where you don’t hear traffic
When to Go?
Morning: Peaceful, fewer crowds
Golden hour (late afternoon): The canal lights up beautifully
Avoid rainy days: The path can get muddy and slippery
How Long Does It Take?
About 1 hour at a leisurely pace
Add extra time if you’re stopping for food or photos
Or detour into Regent’s Park if the weather’s lovely
Bonus Tips
Wear comfy shoes — it’s a cobbled path in places
Bring water and snacks (especially if walking with kids)
Respect the boat residents — it’s their home, not just a photo op
You can continue your walk towards Paddington Basin if you’ve got energy left!
Map Tip
Use Google Maps and look up "Regent’s Canal Walk" or follow signs along Regent’s Canal Towpath. It’s well-marked, but a quick map glance helps at turn-offs.
Ready to Walk London’s Best Hidden Route?
The Camden to Little Venice canal walk is one of those rare experiences that’s peaceful, scenic, and entirely free — and yet still feels like the real heart of London.
You won’t regret swapping the Tube for towpaths.
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