Looking for top things to do in Little Venice in London? Hop over on a boat, dine near the canal, or watch a puppet show! Little Venice is a piece of paradise near Paddington. With plenty of things to do in Little Venice, it is sure to take you by surprise!
London is too crowded with tourists! Is there a place I can escape to, that’s less crowded, serene and close to nature – all at once? If this is you, then I want to share some outright truth to you.
London is for everyone. And there’s always something exciting happening here. So the crowd is inevitable – whatever may the season be. Having said that, I also want to reassure you that there are places that match your expectations. One such charming corner is Little Venice.
Little Venice is one of London’s picturesque and serene places located near the popular Paddington. But what it offers is a quiet walk closer to nature far far away from the touristy and crowded attractions.
One look at the place and you will forget that you are in an international city. It comes as no surprise that the area is becoming increasingly popular among travellers who are seeking an alternate experience in London.
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How to reach Little Venice
Located only a stone’s throw away from Paddington Central, you walk towards the tranquil Maida Vale to reach Little Venice. Little Venice is in the junction where Regent’s canal and Grand Union Canal meets.
And it is easily accessible from the tube stations – Warwick Avenue (walking distance wise – this is the closest tube station), Paddington or Edgeware Road.
What to expect from Little Venice?
Looking for a place to escape the crowded streets of London, and spend some time all by yourself, at the lap of nature within London?
Do you enjoy canal walks, admiring the colourful boats and plenty of greenery around you?
Want to take a boat tour in the serene canals, or perhaps looking for a photo opportunity to click something nice and colourful? Little Venice is the answer!
The canals of Little Venice are filled with brightly coloured boats, lined with green trees in the backdrop. Pubs and restaurants light up the remaining parts of the corners.
As you walk along the canal on the walking path, you cannot miss the Georgian buildings and the charm they have retained all these years.
The bright colours against the lush green does provide an excellent photo opportunity. Walk the long stretch along the canal, or sip in the beer and enjoyy the vibe around you.
Things to do in Little Venice
1. Enjoy the walk along the canal
This is the ultimate thing you want to experience here – walk the long stretch along the canal. It is very satisfying and refreshing to walk here any time of the year (except in the rain!). People who walk or jog here are mostly locals and very few tourists actually have this in their itinerary list.
2. Go on a boat ride
It is only the right thing to do in Little Venice. There are few operators like London Waterbus Company and Jason’s Trip Little Venice and enjoy the 45 minutes boat ride in the Regent Canal between Little Venice and Camden Market.
It passes through Regent’s Park, London Zoo, Browning Pool, Maida Vale Tunnel and Camden Market. Please note that if you have London Pass, this boat trip is free with Jason’s Trip Little Venice. Check their respective websites for any questions and booking information.
3. Watch a show
Little Venice is also home to many independent theatres that it’s hard to miss out the great shows while you are touring here. How about watching a Puppet Theatre Barge on the boat? Or catch a comedy at Canal Cafe Theatre. Check their sites for ticket price and show timings.
4. Lunch along the canal
There are many bars, restaurants and pubs around the canal and in the neighbourhood. Whether you are in for a posh waterside restaurant or a cafe, you are spoilt with choices.
However, my idea of lunch along the canal is packed sandwiches, fresh fruits and a pack of crisps. We also found a few good vegan/vegetarian restaurants not too far away from Little Venice (check the details below).
5. Walk to Lord’s Cricket Stadium or Visit Rembrant Gardens
Are you are sports buff? More specifically, a cricket buff? Lord’s Cricket Stadium is only 15 minutes walk from Little Venice. Alternatively, you can visit the peaceful Rembrant Gardens located at the junction of Warwick Avenue and Harrow Road.
Vegan restaurants in and around Little Venice
ZIZZI, 17 Sheldon Square, W2 6EP: Located near Paddington Central, Zizzi is a perfect restaurant to indulge in yummy Italian food.
BANANA TREE, 166 Randolph Ave, Maida Vale, W9 1PG: A pan asian restaurant with a separate vegan and vegetarian menu, you can find a whole lot of tantalising food. Singapore Laksa soup, or sweetcorn fritters with sriracha mayo, Pad Thai and a lot more.
BONDI GREEN, 2 Canal Side Walk, W2 1DG: A flagship for Daisy Green restaurant, Bondi is located conveniently at Paddington Central, near to Little Venice. With a decent vegan menu and a delectable in-house bakery, you are in for a treat.
Where to stay near Little Venice
Little Venice being close to Paddington Central, has many hotels and accommodations that fit all kinds of budgets. Novotel London Paddington is only 200 metres away from Paddington Station, and offers all comfort you needed, plus swimming pool and sauna. The Chilworth London Paddington and Hilton London Paddington are located close to station and are perfect stays to choose from.
Here’s a short video from our walk. Hope you enjoy it! Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel
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This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.
Cristina Petrini
In London you always know the usual places and instead this corner of paradise is truly incredible. Wow to live it!
Yogita
I want to go Venice some day and this blog made me even more to visit there soon. Nice blog
Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad
I finally made it to Little Venice last year and it’s such a lovely walk from there to Camden! I missed the puppet theatre show though – that looks amazing!
Coralie
Love Little Venice with all its bright colours and the canal boats. You’ve brought back happy memories of my time in London!
Coralie recently posted…A Magical RIB Trip to Les Ecrehous: Seals, Dolphins & Smugglers
Josy A
Awww I love this part of London! We used to often walk from Camden to little Venice along the canal. It is such a pretty route, and you are right, it is never crazily busy. Plus there is so much good food near here. 🙂
Jamie Sharpe
How have I never visited this part of London? I must be so caught up with the other neighborhoods that I didn’t realize this. Must plan a return trip!
Sarah
Wow, this is so cool! Such a hidden gem in London, I never thought something like Little Venice would exist! I’ll have to put it on my list next time I visit London!
Linda (LD Holland)
One year when we visited London we actually stayed out by Little Venice. It was great to discover this gem. And quite relevant as we stayed her before we went to Venice, Italy! There were so many great spots to eat with a view. We will definitely go back on one return visit to London.
Renata - byemyself
I’ve been to this area because there are some cool galleries. However, I didn’t know it was called Little Venice. To me, the canals rather look like Amsterdam. Nevertheless, an idyllic spot in a busy city.
AW
As a Londoner I have to tell you that you’ve spelt Edgware road wrong 😛
I’ve never planned my London outings much since I live there, so when I went to Little Venice it was underwhelming since I took a random route with not very interesting views. I really need to give it another chance…
nicole
I love little Venice. I am not a fan of London, I have family that live in and around the city and spent a lot of time visiting them and doing work in London. I definitely agree with you about this charming area, you do get to forget the craziness that comes hand in hand with a capital city and everyone is always a lot more relaxed walking round here n seem much happier.
Agnes
The canals of Little Venice are for sure worth visiting. It’s a fabulous, quiet place. I love the colored boats and Georgian buildings in the area. It’s a perfect place for a walk. Next time I will take a bot trip!
Mark and Chuck's Adventures
How cute, if you had not told us where we would have sworn it was Amsterdam!
Jacqueline
This one surprises me, did not expect to see a place like that especially in London! I thought I knew that city, having visiting almost 10 times, but it goes to show there are still so many hidden gems to discover. I’d like to be here in the spring on day for sure.
Doreen
What gorgeous pictures. I’ve never made it to Europe yet, but if I ever do, I want to visit London, Venice, Rome and Paris. It’s been my dream.
Julie Huston
If I ever make it back to London, I would visit this place.