The national waterways charity’s free ‘Places to Visit in London’ guide includes maps, visitor facilities, free activities, and tips for making the most of a visit to the capital’s canals and rivers.
Last year, more than ten million people visited the charity’s 2,000-mile network of canals and rivers.
They enjoyed walking, cycling, running, boat trips, fishing, wildlife spotting, feeding ducks, watching boats go through locks, paddleboarding, visiting a museum, and enjoying food and drink at a canalside café or pub.
Ros Daniels, the Canal & River Trust’s director for London & South East, said: “The Canal & River Trust charity cares for over 100 miles of canals and rivers in London, providing free to visit outdoor open spaces, and the chance to connect with nature and our city’s rich canal history.
“Every year, millions of people visit our waterways to be active, relax and to enjoy the scenic landscapes our canals offer.”
The guide provides information on several locations.
Brentford is a pocket open space in West London with beautiful locks and paths, making it a great place to escape the city and spend time in nature.
Visitors can see a small display about the canal’s working heritage in the canal toll house beside the Gauging Lock, watch boats going through the lock, and take a stroll along the towpath to Thames Lock where the canal meets the River Thames.
Camden, once a heavily industrialised area with warehouses, stables, and gin distilleries, is now a popular tourist destination.
Visitors can try canoeing or paddleboarding at the Pirates Castle or hop on a water taxi to Little Venice.
Hanwell’s flight of six locks in Ealing is a world away from the City’s busy streets.
Visitors can take a walk or bike ride along the towpath to watch boats pass through the locks, spot the old canal features such as the lock keeper cottages and look out for wildlife, including herons.
Just a few minutes walk from Angel tube station, City Road Basin on the Regent’s Canal in Islington is an oasis in the heart of the city.
Visitors can enjoy a waterside stroll, take a break in a canalside café, watch boats go through the lock, and have a go at kayaking or paddleboarding with the Islington Boat Club.
West India Docks, most commonly known as Canary Wharf, were the first purpose-built docks in London and in the early 1800s the busiest port in the world.
Visitors can explore the London Museum Docklands and discover the history of the area from Roman times to the present day.
The Museum is free to enter.
The Regent’s Canal is sandwiched between King’s Cross and St Pancras railway stations.
Visitors can wander along the towpath to Islington Tunnel and watch the boats emerge or visit the London Canal Museum, packed with artefacts and a massive ice well where ice brought into London from Norway was once stored.
Ros Daniels added: “Our canals provide free and low-cost family-friendly days out by the water, and the chance to have some fabulous waterside experiences this Easter.
“Even in central London, people can spot a variety of birds, animals, insects and plants along our canals and rivers.
“And from locks and bridges, to tunnels and aqueducts, there are hundreds of historic structures to marvel at.”
The Canal & River Trust’s new regional Places to Visit in London Guide is available to download on their website.
