Paddington to Little Venice walk

Balades à Londres

There couldn’t be more of a contrast between Paddington Basin’s high rise buildings and the understated elegance of Little Venice. Throw in the buzz of Camden Market and experience three very different areas of London on one waterside walk.

Start your day at either Paddington or Edgware Road station. If you start at Paddington, step straight out on to the Grand Union Canal.

Brunch in the Paddington Basin

Brunch at Daisy Green, Paddington Basin

Sprawling in the shade of the Westway, Paddington Basin has undergone a massive transformation in the past decade. Gleaming office blocks and apartments have replaced derelict warehouses and wharves, and bars, cafes and restaurants line the waterside. Fuel up on an Aussie-style brunch at Darcie Green or grab a coffee at May Green.

Take a walk round the contemporary office blocks, apartments, shops and restaurants around the Floating Pocket Park. This part of the Basin also features two very striking bridges. Pause to admire the 3m wide cantilevered Fan Bridge and Heatherwick Studio’s Rolling Bridge, which curls up to form an octagon several times a week.

Rolling bridge, Paddington Basin

From here, you can hire an electric boat by the hour and explore the canal from the water.

Alternatively, head in the opposite direction, passing under Bishop’s Bridge Road past one of several Paddington Bear statues.

Paddington Bear statue, Paddington Basin

Where Paddington meets Little Venice

Little Venice is just beyond here, right where the Paddington branch of the Grand Union meets the Regent’s Canal. Step into a world of leafy avenues and white stuccoed Regency villas that start at a cool £6million. If you have the time, stroll along elegant streets away from the canal. Clifton Nurseries, a charming garden centre with a greenhouse café, is just one of the secret hideaways here.

Little Venice, London

Puppet theatre and Regents Park Zoo

Return to Blomfield Road, heading in the direction of the Puppet Theatre Barge. You’ll soon reach Café Laville which has some of the best canal views around.

Canal at Little Venice, London

From here, follow the Canal, past magnificent waterfront mansions, London Zoo’s giraffe house and aviary, and the floating Feng Shang Princess Chinese restaurant. Relish the calm of the Canal which skirts Regent’s Park until it reaches the hustle and bustle of Camden Lock.

Waterfront mansion on the Regent's Canal, London
Camden Lock, London