As we continue to plunge deeper into the season for summer holidaying, I’m beginning to regret almost entirely depleting my annual leave allowance within the first few months of the year. But it’s fine (she says with the half-hearted conviction of a girl whose happiness levels heavily depend on the amount of holidays she has booked). I truly believe that there are very few better places to spend the summer than in our big, bright, brilliant capital city. So you can bet your bottom dollar that I’ll be making the most of it. And one of the dreamiest destinations to spend a day in London? Little Venice, of course.
Little Venice
Now, if you’ve somehow never heard of London’s Little Venice, please allow me to introduce you. Serenely situated between Paddington and Maida Vale; the exact boundaries of what constitutes Little Venice are a tad blurry. But it’s basically the scenic streets that surround the spot in which the Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal meet.
The neighbourhood is unsurprisingly reminiscent of its Italian namesake; lined with lush-and-leafy trees, Regency-style architecture, and a whole host of cute, colourful canal boats. Its name is often credited to the local poet, Robert Browning. But others believe that the area’s title came courtesy of Lord Byron who was supposedly the first to compare the lovely locale to Venice. Either way, it’s peaceful, picturesque, and packed full of things to see and do. What more could you want from a day out in London, hey?
Things to do in Little Venice
Little Venice is the perfect place for a summertime stroll. Whether you opt for a walk along the waterways or a meander around Rembrandt Gardens, there’s no shortage of gorgeous things to gawp at in the area. If you’d rather sit back and relax rather than racking up your step count, you can of course, opt for a ride on one of the many canal-boats. Or you can work your way through the plethora of pubs, cafes, and restaurants in the vicinity.
Something that makes the area particularly unique is its impressive theatrical offering. Little Venice is home to two of the quirkiest independent theatre venues in the city. There’s the Canal Cafe Theatre that specialises in comedy, and then there’s the Puppet Theatre Barge which does what it says on the tin, really. You can hop aboard this floating theatre and watch traditional tales brought to life with string marionettes.
