London’s Little Venice: A Walking Tour Along Regent’s Canal

Little Venice is one of London’s most desirable areas today, but in the 1800s it was at the heart of the city’s canal system which centered on Regent’s Canal. This took barges filled with industrial cargoes and coal from the Midlands to Paddington, or on to Limehouse on the Thames. On this walking tour, I’ll share some of the secrets behind this charming corner of the city.

Starting outside Warwick Avenue Station, you’ll crisscross from one side of the river to the other via Warwick Bridge and Westbourne Terrace Road Bridge. Along the way, I’ll explain how the barges used to be towed by horses along the towpath, and what would happen when there were no towpaths.

You’ll also see how this area developed into a place for people to live in converted barges on the sides of the canal, and also in Regency stuccoed houses with waterside views. Not surprisingly, Little Venice has long been favoured by writers, performers and artists. You’ll hear about several famous cultural figures as you make your way towards St Mary Magdalene Paddington where our tour ends.

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

• See Maida Hill Tunnel, where two men had to spend about an hour ‘walking’ the barge through to the other end
• Look at the wide variety of barges moored here that serve as homes and cultural venues, from an art gallery to Little Venice’s Puppet Theatre Barge
• Hear about some of the area’s famous residents, including poets Robert Browning and John Masefield, actors Arthur Lowe and Micheal Flately, and businessman Sir Richard Branson
• Admire Browning’s Pool and learn how Rembrandt Gardens is connected to it
• Pop into Waterside Café for a quick refreshment or a break after the tour

By the end of this 45-minute tour, you’ll have seen where the Regency elegance of today’s Little Venice meets the city's more modern developments. You’ll also understand why so many famous writers, actors and artists were – and still are – attracted to Little Venice.