Paddington is known as a railway terminus — the great Brunel station from which trains have departed for the West of England since 1838 — and as a transport hub connecting the Underground, the Elizabeth line, the Heathrow Express and mainline trains. Just west of the station, however, is one of London’s most beautiful and least-visited neighbourhoods.
Little Venice
Little Venice is where the Regent’s Canal meets the Grand Union Canal, forming a wide pool surrounded by cream stucco Victorian villas and weeping willows. Narrowboats are moored along the towpaths, many inhabited year-round. There are floating cafes, puppet theatres on boats, and a waterside pub. It is nothing like Venice and more beautiful for it.
The Canal Walk to Camden
The Regent’s Canal towpath from Little Venice to Camden Lock is one of the finest walks in London — about three miles, entirely flat, away from traffic, past Regent’s Park and London Zoo. Do it on a weekday morning when the towpath is quiet.
Leave a Reply