Regent’s Canal was London’s main thoroughfare for heavy freight from the 1820’s – used by horse-drawn barges taking goods from sea-faring vessels on the River Thames into mainland England. The canal stretches 13.5 km from Little Venice in the west of London to Limehouse Basin in the east, today’s Docklands. The canal drops around 30 metres on its course east, through five locks, passing through Regent’s Park, London Zoo, Camden Lock, St. Pancras and King’s Cross, Hoxton and Mile End. On fine days, London’s relaxed outdoor drinking rules make for a cheerful and bohemian atmosphere on its banks! It’s a unique and eye-opening way to see the sights, mix with Londoners and appreciate London’s industrial heritage. Cycling, with pedestrian priority, is permitted along its entire length. Here are some photographs, starting at Little Venice.
Regent’s Canal heads east, from Little Venice, along Maida AvenueLisson Grove MooringHeading north east around Regent’ Park
Veneto VillaCurving north east around Regent’s Park, with Macclesfield BridgeCanoeing on the canal is permitted with a licence from British Canoeing
Victorian wrought iron and brick road bridge
Gloucester AvenueApproaching Camden Lock, The Pirate CastleVictorian industrial heritage at Camden LockCamden Lock
Camden High StreetKentish Town Lock
Gasholder Park, King’s Cross. Residences built within the structure of a gasometerSt Pancras Basin
St Pancras Lock and the lockeeper’s cottage. All the locks are still operational.Residents wine tastingHoxton Docks
Acton’s LockThe Cat & Mutton Bridge, Hackey
Buskers at Victoria ParkBethnal GreenOld Ford Lock, South HackneyMile EndRegent’s Canal emerges into Limehouse Basin in London’s docklands, in the eastLimehouse BasinLimehouse Cut and St Anne’s Church, Limehouse
Regent’s Canal emerges into the River Thames with the financial district, Canary Wharf, to the east
