Little Venice and the Grand Union Canal

Little Venice is the name given (by Browning or Byron, no one knows) to the intersection of two canals in west London.  These are the Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal.  The former was completed in 1814 and the later 1820 – both key to London’s industrial infrastructure, before (and after) railways arrived in London (between 1836-76).

The Grand Union Canal connected London with Birmingham (and points between), whilst Regent’s Canal connected with ports in the east of London.

It’s possible to walk the entire length of the Grand Union Canal from Paddington Basin to Uxbridge, a distance of around 12 miles.  The wide tow path (originally for the horse-drawn barges) enables cycling in most places.

 

IMG_8800
Little Venice, with its hanging willows, is an unexpected beauty spot
IMG_8808
Paddington Basin
IMG_8806
Paddington Basin
IMG_8801
From Paddington Basin into Little Venice

IMG_8796

IMG_8795
Exiting Little Venice, Regent’s Canal heads east towards Regent’s Park
IMG_8793
Regent’s Canal heading east

IMG_8791

IMG_8783
Exiting Little Venice, the Grand Union Canal heads west

IMG_8780

IMG_8779

IMG_8777

IMG_8774

IMG_8773

IMG_8772

 

2 thoughts on “Little Venice and the Grand Union Canal

Leave a Reply