Turning tips into memories

Best places to visit on Regent’s Canal

By CW Contributor on 3/5/2019

The River Thames has enjoyed a long and illustrious history as the fluvial centre of our great capital. But it's also worth exploring London’s other bustling waterways which are teeming with culture and life.

The 200-year-old Regent’s Canal stretches from Paddington Basin in the west across to Limehouse Basin in the east for 8.6 miles. Lined with a colourful pageantry of boats, picturesque eateries and quirky, undiscovered delights, a day spent on the canal is the perfect way to soak up the best of the warmer months. From barge-side brunch haunts to canoe clubs, here are our top canal picks giving Amsterdam and Venice a run for their money.

Cafe Laville, Little Venice

This is one of the few dining spots that actually stretch over the canal, offering dramatic views of the water. Munch on hearty pasta dishes while boats float by underneath you. It's perhaps the closest you'll get to the real Venice. Prego!

WHERE

453 Edgware Road, Little Venice, London W2 1TH

The Puppet Theatre Barge, Little Venice

Bring the little ones to the Puppet Theatre Barge for some waterside whimsy. The theatre has been entertaining wide-eyed children and adults alike since 1978 with a masterful mix marionette and shadow puppetry. Check their website for the latest shows.

WHERE

Blomfield Road (opposite 35), London W9 2PF

The Summerhouse, Little Venice

For excellent seafood dishes in an aquatic setting, head to the Summerhouse. The usual mouth-watering selection of shellfish graces the menu and dessert-wise, the restaurant stays true to its name by delivering summer on the plate with seasonal classics like vanilla cheesecake with poached rhubarb and knickerbocker glory.

WHERE

60 Blomfield Road, Little Venice, London W9 2PA

Feng Shang Princess, Camden

You might of heard of Pergola on the Roof, but what about the pagoda on the water? This floating restaurant sits in all its splendour just off Regent’s Park’s Cumberland Basin and serves award-winning Chinese food. In the evening, its red structure is lit up by traditional lanterns which cast a hypnotic glow on the water.

WHERE

Southern Star Cumberland Basin, Prince Albert Road, London NW1 7SS

Word on the Water Bookshop, King's Cross

London's only floating bookshop demands a visit from curious bookworms looking for an apt setting to read swashbuckling tales or sea-faring romances. Slouch into worn armchairs inside the cosy 1920s Dutch barge and let your imagination set sail. If you're looking for eccentric entertainment, the barge also hosts live music, engaging talks and poetry readings on its roof.

WHERE

Regent's Canal Towpath, Kings Cross, London N1C 4BZ

The Islington Boat Club, Islington

If you're the adventurous type, then don a wetsuit and arm yourself with a paddle in order to enjoy the best views of the canal. The Islington Boat Club runs youth and adult watersports classes covering paddle-boarding, kayaking, canoeing as well as powerboat courses. It may not offer the thrilling rush of white-water rafting, but you might be able to snap a selfie with some local fowl.

WHERE

16-34, Graham St, Islington, London N1 8JX

The Barge House, Hackney

We’re now treading into the trendiest part of the canal bordering the elegant De Beauvoir Town. The Barge House is a favourite amongst stylish canal cruisers. Take in views of the water through ceiling to floor windows or dine alfresco. Carve out some time on the weekend to try the restaurant's famous ‘Breakfast in Bread’ dish, a sourdough loaf loaded with breakfast goodness.

WHERE

46a De Beauvoir Cres, De Beauvoir Town, London N1 5RY

Towpath Cafe, Hackney

Just next door to the Barge House is one of the best kept secrets of London's cafe scene. The Towpath teeters on the edge of the canal with rustic outdoor seating and food served out of storage units. Munch on simple but eclectic plates like buttery polenta and parmesan, roasted mackerel and homemade taramasalata whilst bird or people watching.

WHERE

42 De Beauvoir Cres, De Beauvoir Town, London N1 5SB

Victoria Miro, Hackney

Regent's canal is also home to one of London's best small galleries. Victoria Miro's Wharf Road gallery is located on Wenlock Basin and has housed exhibitions by some of the world's biggest contemporary artists. Past exhibitions by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and British artist Alex Hartley have spilled out into the gallery's stunning waterside garden creating otherworldly landscapes and allowing viewers to contemplate both art and nature.

WHERE

16 Wharf Rd, Hoxton, London N1 7RW

Crate Brewery, Hackney Wick

A converted warehouse, craft beer on tap, thin-crust pizzas and sun-soaked DJ sets - it doesn't get more hipster than Hackney Wick's Crate Brewery. Join the crowd of creatives on the banks of the Lea Navigation and sip cider, Prosecco or cold IPAs in a cool, industrial setting.

WHERE

Unit 7 Queen's Yard, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN