Things to do in Little Venice, London

Experience a passage through the famous Hampstead Road Lock unique to this cruise, on your canal cruise through London. See some of London's famous attractions like the London Zoo, Camden Market, and more while listening to a guide's commentary. Travel from Camden Town, through the world-famous Hampstead Road Lock at Camden, and enjoy a live demonstration of a working lock as you take in the lush surroundings of one of London's oldest canal routes. Listen to interesting commentary from the knowledgeable crew, whilst enjoying the comfort of the classic Jenny Wren canal boat. Relax in the boat, equipped with a full-length canopy as you sail calmly through the waters and enjoy the ride Cruise up through the famous Camden lock, before sailing through London Zoo & Regent’s Park, and a short canal tunnel to Robert Browning’s Island at Little Venice, returning to Camden where you can depart and continue your day.

You can explore the sights of London independently starting from Canalside in Ladbroke Grove on the Grand Union Canal hiring a Canadian Canoe and creating your own mini adventure! Set off from our launch point in Canalside Basin before getting acquainted with your boat and then head off through Westboune Park/Ladbroke Grove towards Little Venice. No experience necessary and you can spend as long as you want practicing locally or in the Basin before you head out on a journey! Enjoy the peace and scenery while still being in the heart of the city.

Experience the best of London with Thematic Travels self guided itinerary. This itinerary is customised around free activities to do in London. You’ll start in Paddington and end in Camden Town. Walk alongside the kanal and enjoy a side of London you’ll normally not see. This itinerary is great for outdoors lover, food lovers and people that love’s to explore hidden gems in the vibrant city of London! We’ve also included free art galleries, great locations to take pictures and a free comedy shows in this itinerary! We’ve done all the planning all you have to do is experience.

If you’re looking for an independent mini adventure you can explore the routes we love starting on the Grand Union Canal – in Ladbroke Grove, paddle through Westbourne Park and Maida Vale. It's also around a 40 minute paddle from Little Venice (recommended 2 hour rental to comfortably paddle around Little Venice). SUP hires are only suitable for people with previous SUP experience who are confident in their ability to stand, safely manoeuvre the board and when necessary self rescue independently.

We will meet at the famous Paddington station where this peculiar bear is found by the Brown family, with the following inscription: "Please look after this bear. Thank you." We will see the locations of the films, as well as the Paddington sculpture and the official shop. Next, we will head to Little Venice, along the canal that opened on July 10, 1801. What scene was filmed in this beautiful place? Your imagination will transport you to the Amazon itself. Next, we will arrive at Westbourne Park underground station, where our bear and his adoptive family have to go to find Mr. Gruber. Did you know that two different underground stations were used for this scene? Once in Notting Hill, we will see the famous Portobello Road market, the colorful houses where Paddington is welcomed, and finally Mr. Gruber's famous shop, which appears in both the first and second films. After an hour and a half, we will end the tour near Notting Hill tube station. Minimum 2 participants and maximum 8. Small groups for a better immersion. This tour has been created for families and those who want to discover the ins and outs of London's most endearing character.