Not many are familiar with the charm and tranquillity of Little Venice, one of London's hidden gems. Nestled within the city's bustling streets, this picturesque canal stretch was once a vital transportation route for industrial goods during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it is a recreational passage for pleasure boats and live-aboard houseboats, making it a perfect place for exploration and relaxation. The Regency-era white-painted stucco buildings lining the streets add to the area's distinctive charm, drawing both Londoners and tourists alike. Stroll along the canal, watch narrowboats sway gently on the water, take a trip on a boat, hang out at a pub, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of this off-the-beaten-path location. If you're looking for a picturesque, off-the-beaten-path location in London, Little Venice is the perfect place to find peace amidst the capital's hustle and bustle.
London's canals were constructed during the Industrial Revolution and played a crucial role in the flourishing economy of Britain. Little Venice is a charming stretch of the canal network, where the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal meets the Regent's Canal. The Regent's Canal opened in 1820 and connected the Grand Union Canal to the River Thames at Limehouse, providing a vital transportation route for industrial goods.
Little Venice, located in North London, is a quaint and distinctive neighborhood that has attracted writers, artists, and celebrities since the 19th century. The exact origin of its name remains unclear, with several theories proposed over the years. Some believe it was named so by Robert Browning, who lived there for many years, while others suggest the name came about when Lord Byron compared the canals to those in Venice. Another theory credits Margery Allingham's 1930 novel Death of a Ghost for the name.
Float Your Boat
Explore Regent's Canal with a relaxing boat trip on the London Waterbus Company's historic narrowboats. The classic one-way trips take around 45 minutes and run in either direction, providing a leisurely journey to Camden Market.
Attend A Canal Festival
The annual Canalway Cavalcade festival, which celebrates the best of life on the waterways in London and its community, happens every year during the May bank holiday weekend.
Hosted by the Inland Waterways Association, it sees hundreds of boats dressed up with colourful buntings, along with Morris dancers, live music, children's activities, street food, and ale tents. The festival has taken place every year since 1983 and celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023.
Take A Walk
Discover the waterways of Regent's Canal Towpath on a self-guided walk. Take your time to enjoy the scenery and stop by any of the cafes or pubs for a refreshing cup of tea or a pint of beer. It should take you around one to two hours to explore the area.
Take In Theatre On The Water
If you're looking for an entertaining evening in Little Venice, consider visiting the iconic Canal Café Theatre, which is located above the famous Bridge House tavern. Since it first opened in the 1970s, this fringe theatre venue, which seats 60, has hosted an impressive schedule of world-class theatre and comedy, including NewsRevue, the world's longest-running live comedy series. Some of the notable performers who have graced its stage include Miranda Hart, John Oliver, and Eddie Izzard. Check their website for more details here.
Address: 13 Westbourne Terrace Rd, London, W2 6NG
The Puppet Theatre Barge is a marionette theatre located on a converted barge in Little Venice for most of the year. For almost three decades, the Puppet Theatre Barge has been bringing joy to both children and adults alike on a restored Thames barge which hosts puppet show performances in its 55-seat space. Check their website here.
Address: Opposite, 35 Blomfield Rd, London W9 2PF, United Kingdom
Tranquility In A British Garden
Discover the hidden gem of Little Venice, the Rembrandt Gardens. This idyllic space provides a serene oasis in the heart of the bustling city. With lush greenery and stunning waterside views of the Regents Canal, it's the perfect spot for sun-soaked picnics or leisurely brunches. Established in the 1950s, the park was renamed after the Netherlands' most famous artist in 1975 when Amsterdam presented thousands of tulips to the park. The well-kept gardens offer plenty of green space to relax, read a book, and unwind in a peaceful setting.
Take a break and have a pint or coffee at one of the pubs and canal-side cafes. Here are a few you should visit.
Kateh
The Persian restaurant has been awarded a Bib Gourmand rating in the prestigious Michelin Guide. The menu features a variety of authentic Persian stews, salads, chargrilled meats, and classic desserts. They have a 75-seater dining room, and a beautiful garden terrace seating. Check their website here.
Address: 5 Warwick Place, Warwick Avenue, W9 2PX
The Prince Alfred
Established in 1856, this Victorian pub retains its unique charm and atmosphere, with 'snob screens' that separate the different parts of the bar. The secret cellar was once used to store coal, and has been converted into an intimate space. Check out their website here.
Address: 5A Formosa Street, London, W9 1EE |
Café Laville
Situated above the Maida Hill Tunnel, this is the perfect spot to enjoy the delights of Little Venice while watching the vibrant canal boats passing underneath. You will love the balcony seats for their view, but the interior too is bright and airy with floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights. Check out their website here.
Address: 453 Edgware Road, London, W2 1TH
Little Venice is located on the border of Paddington and Maida Vale, and less than 10 minutes from Paddington Station. You can also get here by tube, with Warwick Avenue (on the Bakerloo line) and Edgware Road being the closest tube stations.
