London has many waterways and while I couldn’t picture anything except the river Thames, there are way more canals than I imagined. One afternoon after touring Leighton House I found myself near Paddington and the Grand Union Canal. When Little Venice was also indicated, I took it as a sign that it was time to explore the waterways and follow the ducks.
following the ducks @London
The canal here was lined with many boats. Some looked like floating bars, others more like houseboats, while a few were definitely meant for shipping tourists around.
Darcie & May Green @London
cruise boat @London
Arriving in Little Venice, it came complete with a bridge and looked as far away from a city as one can imagine.
there is even a bridge in Litte Venice @London
Little Venice with café boat on the right @London
The ducks were here as well, so there was no need to keep looking for them anymore.
ducks in Little Venice @London
A little further along, the houseboat section started, which made sense as it also looked a lot quieter here.
houseboat section Little Venice @London
My walk eventually took me back full circle to Paddington Basin, which looked like a newly developed area. Despite the lack of green at first sight, it still had a pleasant vibe. And of course there was water, as London is definitely not stingy with its waterside areas.
Paddington Basin @London
One morning I decided that I was in the mood for Broadway Market in Hackney. Getting there from Islington meant walking along the Regent’s Canal for about 45 minutes. Since it was a Sunday, joggers were out in droves as well as others just going for a stroll. Along the canal there were also a couple of coffee places and if I hadn’t been headed for the market, I would have stopped at one of them.
Regent’s Canal @London
Sunday morning on the Regent’s Canal @London
the laundry is out @London
Towpath for coffee @London
always something to see @London
shark attack on Regent’s Canal @London
Walking along the canals, especially the stretch of Regent’s Canal toward Hackney, made me feel like a local. I don’t think many tourists were heading this way, which is what made exploring these areas feel so unique. Yours, Pollybert
