
London’s Little Venice is the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon by the canal.
Little Venice is a beautiful spot, located in London’s Maida Vale. It’s the place where canals converge, so it’s lined with boats, all painted in vivid colours. With lush greenery everywhere, you could easily forget that you’re in the city. (Featured image: @berserk.boy)
Things to do
1. Explore Rembrandt Gardens
You can’t go wrong with a nice walk around the beautiful Rembrandt Park. In the spring, when the flowers are blooming, it’s a kaleidoscope of colours. Rembrandt Gardens were originally named Warwick Gardens. They were renamed on the 700th anniversary of the founding of Amsterdam, when thousands of tulips were donated to the gardens.
2. Watch a puppet show on a barge
View this post on Instagram
Why watch theatre anywhere else when you can do it on a barge? Puppet Theatre Barge is the perfect (and perhaps the only) place in London to catch a floating performance. Watch talented puppeteers control long-stringed marionettes as you float on London’s waterways. Tickets are usually around £5 and you can check what’s on over on the website.
3. Take a ride in a boat
View this post on Instagram
Whilst in Little Venice, why not take a boat ride? Although it’s unlikely to be as warm as actual Venice, a trip along the canal is still a brilliant experience. You can buy tickets for tours on the day or check out one of the tour websites.
4. Catch the Canalway Cavalcade
View this post on Instagram
On May bank holiday weekend the canalside comes alive, packed with colourful barges, morris dancing, food and drink. It’s a brilliant day to come and explore Little Venice but beware — it’s likely to get busy!
5. Have a laugh at Canal Cafe Theatre
View this post on Instagram
If you want to giggle then Canal Cafe Theatre is a great place to go. From around £5 you can catch some comedy here — and four times a week ‘the world’s longest-running live comedy show’ offers a hilarious low-down on the news. You can buy tickets on the website.
Where to eat
6. The Waterside Cafe
View this post on Instagram
If you’re looking for something to eat then this floating cafe is a great place to try. The actual kitchen area is aboard a barge but don’t worry, the tables are on firm ground so you won’t get seasick while you’re tucking into your food.
See also: 30 Beautiful Canalside Cafés, Restaurants And Pubs In London
7. Baker & Spice
View this post on Instagram
It’s not located on a barge but the baked goods here are excellent. It’s a lovely place for some coffee and a cake, but you can also order some lovely meals.
See also: 44 Sensational Riverside Pubs For A Sunny Day In London
8. The Warwick Castle
View this post on Instagram
This lovely Victorian pub does a delicious-looking Sunday roast and in the winter you can settle down in front of a roaring log fire.
See also: 12 Cosy London Pubs With Open Fires To Keep You Toasty This Winter
9. Cafe Laville
View this post on Instagram
Perched precariously over Regent’s Canal, Cafe Laville comes alive on sunny days when they throw the panoramic windows wide open. Snack on cake and watch the boats go by – it’s bliss! Find out more here.