Regent's Canal: From Camden Lock to Little Venice

One of my favorite walks in London is along Regent's Canal, especially from Camden Lock to Little Venice. The canal connects the much longer Grand Union Canal at Little Venice in the west of London to Limehouse Basin and the Thames in the east. The canal is 8.6 miles long (13.8 km) and was completed in 1820. It derives its name from the Prince Regent, who later became King George IV. 

Like all the canals of the time, Regent's Canal was built to carry freight on barges, which was cheaper than hauling it on wagons by road. Railways eventually took most of the canal's original purpose away. They remain busy places, however, frequented by boaters, bikers, walkers, and gawkers. 

Camden Lock can be reached by several buses and the underground (Northern Line, Camden Town Station). From the station a short walk north along colorful Camden High Street takes you to the lock, which is surrounded by restaurants and bars. Take some time to enjoy this bustling, exotic scene before heading west along the canal.  

Soon after you leave Camden Lock, near Primrose Hill, the canal bends and you will see this colorful floating Chinese Restaurant.  The canal borders Regent's Park and the London Zoo along here, both worth a visit.     
                  

You will then pass by some very large mansions in the Lisson Grove area.

A little way past here you have to exit the canal path for a few blocks due to a tunnel. You can follow the canal again from Edgeware Rd. in Maida Vale down to Little Venice. This section contains a large community of canal boats, many used as residences. The canal then broadens out into the basin at Little Venice, which connects to the Grand Union Canal on the west side and Paddington Basin on the south.

Number One Bridge, where Grand Union canal begins.