Is the Regent's Canal walk free?

Yes, walking along the canal towpath is completely free. You can enjoy the views of the London Zoo, the grand villas of Regent's Park, and the gardens without any admission fees.

Is the walk from Camden to Little Venice accessible for strollers?

Yes, the route is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible for strollers. However, be aware that the towpath can be narrow in places and may become crowded on weekends.

What is the best time of day to do this self-guided walk?

Mid-morning on a weekday is the best time to avoid the crowds. If you go on a weekend, try to start before 11:00 AM to enjoy the tranquility before the market and towpath get busy.

Can I see animals from the London Zoo for free on this walk?

Yes, as you pass the zoo section, you can see into the Snowdon Aviary and often spot African hunting dogs or warthogs in their enclosures right next to the canal.

Where can I find food and drinks along the route?

There are hundreds of food stalls at Camden Market at the start. Along the way, you can find cafes in Regent's Park, and there are several charming waterside pubs and cafes in Little Venice at the finish.

Are there toilets along the Regent's Canal walk?

Public toilets are located in Camden Market and inside Regent's Park. Once you reach Little Venice, there are many cafes and pubs where you can stop for a break.

Is it safe to walk the canal at night?

It is generally recommended to stick to daylight hours. Many sections of the canal towpath are not lit, and the path can be uneven or slippery near the water's edge.

How do I get back to central London from Little Venice?

The end of the walk is just a two-minute stroll from Warwick Avenue Underground station, which is on the Bakerloo Line. This line takes you directly to Paddington, Oxford Circus, and Waterloo.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Escape the urban rush and discover a hidden side of the capital on this scenic self-guided walk along the Regent’s Canal. Linking the vibrant energy of Camden Town with the serene elegance of Little Venice, this route offers a unique perspective on London’s history and natural beauty. As you follow the gentle curve of the water, you will leave the neon lights of the market behind and enter a world of weeping willows, colorful narrowboats, and grand Regency architecture. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who want to see a quieter, greener side of the city while still passing some of its most iconic landmarks. The journey begins at the historic Camden Lock, the heart of London’s alternative scene. From here, the towpath leads you past the edge of the world-famous London Zoo, where you can often spot exotic birds in the Snowdon Aviary without ever buying a ticket. As the canal winds through the northern fringe of The Regent’s Park, you will see some of the most expensive real estate in the world, with palatial villas overlooking the water. This walking tour London offers a peaceful retreat into nature, showcasing how the city’s industrial past has been reclaimed as a lush public space. Continuing toward Maida Vale, the atmosphere shifts from industrial heritage to residential charm. You will pass through the quiet enclave of Maida Avenue, a favorite for film-locations and literary history, before reaching the picturesque junction of canals known as Little Venice. This self-guided adventure allows you to explore independently, pausing whenever you like to watch a boat pass through a lock or to grab a coffee at a waterside cafe. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-term resident, the Regent’s Canal walk provides a refreshing nature-filled escape through the heart of North London.

Highlights

The historic Camden Lock and its bustling market atmosphere

Views of the London Zoo's Snowdon Aviary from the towpath

The grand Regency-era villas of The Regent’s Park

Picturesque narrowboats moored along the canal

The tranquil Rembrandt Gardens in the heart of Little Venice

Historic canal infrastructure including the Warwick Bridge

Tour Stops (6)

Camden Lock Market

Welcome to the starting point of your walk. Camden Lock was the first part of the Regent's Canal to be developed for commerce in the early 1800s. Originally, this area was a hub for transporting goods like coal and timber. By the 1970s, the industrial buildings were repurposed into a small arts and crafts market, which has since grown into the global destination you see today. Look at the lock itself; it is a twin lock, allowing two boats to pass through simultaneously. The heavy timber gates and the sound of rushing water serve as a reminder of the engineering required to move cargo across London's varying elevations.

London Zoo

As you continue along the towpath, the canal cuts right through the grounds of the ZSL London Zoo, the world's oldest scientific zoo. Look up to your right to see the striking mesh structure of the Snowdon Aviary. Designed by Lord Snowdon and completed in 1964, it was the first walk-through aviary of its kind. You might hear the calls of exotic birds or catch a glimpse of monkeys in the nearby enclosures. This section of the canal offers a unique 'free' view into the zoo's history and its ongoing conservation efforts, blending wildlife with the waterway's peaceful environment.

The Regent's Park

You are now passing the northern edge of one of London's most beautiful Royal Parks. To your left, the canal is lined with magnificent white stucco villas. These grand houses were part of architect John Nash's original vision for the park in the early 19th century, intended to house the social elite of the era. The contrast between the narrow, humble towpath and these massive estates is striking. This area is a prime example of the 'Picturesque' style of landscape gardening, where the water, trees, and architecture are carefully composed to look like a painting.

Maida Avenue

As the canal leaves the park, it enters the quiet, residential neighborhood of Maida Vale. Maida Avenue is famous for its beautiful Victorian and Edwardian houses that back directly onto the water. This stretch is often used as a filming location for its timeless, romantic atmosphere. It was once home to famous figures like the poet Robert Browning, who is said to have given the area the name 'Little Venice.' The pace here slows down significantly, away from the tourist crowds of Camden, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated, leafy side of London life.

Warwick Bridge

This elegant blue-painted bridge is a landmark of the Maida Vale section of the canal. From here, you can see the junction where the Regent's Canal meets the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal. This was a vital intersection for the 19th-century transport network, connecting London to the industrial heartlands of the Midlands. The bridge offers one of the best vantage points for photographs, looking down toward the pool of Little Venice where the canal widens and the colorful narrowboats are moored in neat rows.

Rembrandt Gardens

You have reached the end of the route at Rembrandt Gardens. Originally known as Warwick Avenue Gardens, they were renamed in 1975 to honor the 700th anniversary of the city of Amsterdam, London's 'sister city' of canals. This sunken garden is a peaceful sanctuary and the perfect place to rest after your walk. From here, you can see 'Browning's Pool,' named after the poet Robert Browning. The area is now famous for its floating cafes and puppet theaters on barges, representing the modern, creative life of London's historic waterways.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk is approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) long. It typically takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop to take photos or watch the boats.