
Consider The Regent’s Canal Walk when looking for free things to do in London or to get away from the tourist crowds.
Not only is this one of the best things to do in London, but you’ll find it is a lot quieter than the very busy tourist area of the Thames Riverwalk.
While both walks are one of the best ways to experience London, the Regent’s Canal Walk has charming places to eat and drink. It also has some iconic areas of London.
Get prepared; purchase a London Walk before you arrive.
Walk The Regent’s Canal Walk

Where does the Regent’s Canal Start and Finish?
The Regent’s Canal starts at Little Venice in Paddington and ends at the Docklands in East London.
The Regent’s Canal was named after the Prince Regent, later crowned King George IV. The Paddington to Camden Canal was opened in 1816. It was built to link the Grand Junction Canal’s Paddington Arm with The Thames.
The waterways were built to carry cargo inland from ships arriving in London. Horses pulled narrow longboats to warehouses for storage and distribution.
How Long is the Regents Canal Walk?
The Regents Canal Walk is 8.6 miles (10.62 km) and crosses north London from Paddington Basin to Limehouse Basin on the River Thames.
We suggest allowing half a day to take in the views and stop for lunch at the Camden Market food stalls.
Where to Start: Our Regent’s Canal Walk
Two of the best places to start your walk are:
- St Pancras International
- Kings Cross St Pancras Underground
If you are arriving on the Eurostar at St Pancras International from Brussels, Paris, or Amsterdam, it’s only a two-minute walk to Kings Cross St Pancras Underground exit.
However, if you arrive at Euston Station from Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, or Liverpool, Kings Cross is only a 500-metre walk away.
In London for a short stay, store your luggage at Euston station.
First Stop at the London Canal Museum
The London Canal Museum, near Kings Cross, is where you can learn more about the history of early trading in London. The museum was previously a warehouse to store ice in the 1800s.
While there, you can view the interior of a narrowboat cabin, the boat that travels the canal.
You can follow the canal’s story of its towpath, its history, and modern-day happenings online at the Canal River Trust—Regent’s Canal.
And when you have enough information, take York Way to Canalside Green Steps and The Granary.
Relax at Canalside Green Steps
Between The Granary and the Regent Canal Towpath is a natural amphitheatre called Canalside Green Steps.
The grassy steps face down towards the canal, making it a lovely place to stop and spend some time. The park often hosts events, including outdoor cinema evenings.
Now, you have a couple of options: continue onto Granary Square or walk the Regent’s Canal Towpath to Camden Market.
What is there to do in Granary Square?
The Granary Square, London, is a fantastic feature of the Regent’s Canal. The longboats would moor and offload the cargo on the corner of the canal towpath.
Granary Square is transformed today using the old warehouses as offices, bars and restaurants. But it also has 1,000 choreographed fountains on show from 8 am-8 pm.
The water jets, recessed in paving stones and individually controlled, create a mesmerising display. They are lit at night, creating a spectacular feature to watch. But during the day, especially in summer, kids will enjoy dodging the jets.
Granary Square is one of the new must-see places in London. Another is Camden Lock Market.
Dine and Explore at Camden Lock Market

Camden Lock Market is a diverse community of creative sellers, street food traders, and independent stores next to the Regents Canal.
It is open daily and has over 1,000 places to shop, eat, and drink in its historic central London location. The market’s food will excite your taste buds.
It’s a great place to stop for lunch, with many foods, a great vibe, and an ideal spot to enjoy people-watching.
For further information on the market, click here➡ Camden Market.

Stroll Regents Canal Towpath to Little Venice

Leaving the market, The Regents Canal towpath takes you further along the canal.
It’s a popular walk about 4 km from Camden Town to Little Venice. Along the way, there are plenty of sights and activities, including restaurants and cafes.
You can even take a peek at the London Zoo.
With plenty of park benches for a break, you may prefer to enjoy a picnic lunch. Or you may just be happy watching the canal boats meandering along.
Scattered across from the towpath are the majestic Regency Houses. Their meandering lawns down to the canal edge are tranquil.
You may want to bring a book and stop to enjoy the views.
Book a London Water Bus cruise

If you don’t have the time to walk The Regent’s Canal, you can always take the London Water Bus.
This water bus runs between Camden and Little Venice and takes 50 mins one way for about £9.50. They provide onboard commentary, stop at London Zoo and offer special pricing for the zoo entry.
You can even grab a coffee at a narrowboat moored at Little Venice.
For further information, click on this link ➡ London Water Bus.
Little Venice to Paddington

After leaving Little Venice, you can wander to Paddington.
Here, you’ll find the Grand Union Canal (Paddington Branch), another famous canal in England.
You might see the most wonderfully decorated barge and its delightful owner. Or you could stop at Sheldon Square in Paddington. It’s an oasis of green among the shiny, bright office buildings.
A lovely green space for workers to enjoy their lunch break.
You have the Paddington Station London Underground or train from here to your next destination.

Take a London City Walk
Walking is one of the best options to explore London’s historic and modern city.
The Regents Canal walk is a pleasant way to spend a few hours between Camden Town and Little Venice. It is also a way to discover new places in London away from the tourist crowds.
If you love the freedom of planning your self-guided London walk, you can enjoy more of London on foot here ➡ Notting Hill & London City Walks.
We have found so many great places to see in London and want to share the best of London with you.
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Oh yes. I lived near there for years and loved walking and cycling along the canal there. Glad you found that lovely place.
That would have been such a nice place to live near. You are obviously attracted to living by canals 🙂