This walk follows the canals from Paddington and Little Venice towards Camden Lock, with narrowboats, Regent’s Park and the edge of London Zoo along the way. There is a short street-level diversion at Maida Hill Tunnel because there is no towpath through it. The map below shows the whole route; give yourself extra time for a café stop or Camden Market.
Check out our article with information regarding what you will see along this walking route here: Guide to Little Venice.
Walking Route from Little Venice to Camden Lock
Estimated time and Distance
Allow roughly 1–2 hours for the approximately three-mile walk, more if you stop in Little Venice or browse Camden Market at the end. The towpath can be narrow and the Maida Hill Tunnel diversion includes steps; check accessibility if anyone in your group needs a step-free route.
Distance: Approximately 3 miles.
From Little Venice to Camden Lock route in detail
- This walking route starts at Paddington underground station (London Travel Zone 1). When you get to Paddington Station you will see that there are several exits. We’d recommend that you follow the exit signs to “Grand Union Canal”, as this will take you directly to where we want to go. Alternatively, you could also consider starting this route at Warwick Avenue underground station (London Travel Zone 2) if this station is more convenient for you.
- Once we exit Paddington Station through the Grand Union Canal exit, you will find yourself already admiring the Grand Union Canal and some beautifully decorated canal boats. Turn left as you exit the station, walking past several boats that have been converted into cafes / restaurants on the canal.
- You will also come across the Paddington Bear Statue.
- You can continue walking alongside the canal and see the Waterside Cafe before you cross the blue bridge.
- From here we would recommend that you visit a hidden gem in Little Venice: Clifton Nurseries. Just follow the road called Clifton Villas and maybe consider the cafe that’s available in this fantastic historic garden centre if you’re feeling a bit peckish.
- From Clifton Nurseries, just walk back towards the canal, and start walking alongside Regent’s Canal in the direction of Camden Lock.
- This walk is wonderful, you will walk through an area where typical narrow canal boats are moored.
- At Maida Hill Tunnel the towpath stops. Follow the road alongside the canal, cross Edgware Road to Aberdeen Place, then follow the Regent’s Canal signs to rejoin the towpath down steps. The Canal & River Trust walk has current directions for this section.
- As you walk along Regent’s Canal you will go past London Zoo and Regent’s Park. There is also a floating Chinese restaurant which will definitely catch your eye!
- You will eventually reach Camden Lock. Here you will have the opportunity to explore Camden Market.
Other Options
Hire a bike
For a cycle ride, plan a suitable route using TfL’s cycling map and check where you can hire and return a Santander Cycle. Share narrow towpath sections carefully with people walking.
Take a boat tour
The London Waterbus Company and Jason’s Trip run canal boats between Little Venice and Camden when operating. Check each provider’s current season, departure direction and availability. Jason’s trip is currently listed by London Pass; check the pass rules and any reservation requirement before relying on it.
However, these boat trips are very popular and can become very busy, especially during weekends and high season. It’s worth checking their websites and even booking beforehand if you want to get tickets.
Choosing the walk or the canal boat
We like to explore Little Venice in the morning before reaching Camden in time for a late lunch. Walking gives you the freedom to stop at the canal-side cafés, look at the moored narrowboats and make the short detour to Clifton Nurseries. We first found this stretch by wandering along the canal after moving to London, and it remains one of our favourite ways to link two very different neighbourhoods.
If you have already walked a lot, taking the canal boat is a good way to save your energy for Camden Market. It runs along Regent’s Canal rather than the Thames, and seats can be in demand on busy weekends. Check the direction of travel, the latest timetable and whether the pass or ticket you hold is valid for the service you intend to use. You can also take the boat one way and walk back if you have the time.
From Little Venice to Camden Lock Map
Photos
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.