Visiting Regents Canal in Camden

 

Regents Canal - Marc Barrot - Flickr

History of Regents Canal

There was no connection between the River Thames and the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal at the start of the 1800s. Thomas Homer first suggested a canal in 1802, connecting the Paddingtion Arm to Limehouse on the River Thames. In 1812, a Parliamentary Act was issued approving the canal's construction.

The canal company's director and renowned architect John Nash created plans in 1811 for the Prince Regent to reconstruct a sizable portion of central North London. The Regent's Canal got its name because the plans for the canal were later incorporated into the concept.

The first stretch connecting Camden Town and Paddington opened on 14 October 1816 and the remaining section opened on 1 August 1820.

Section of the Regents Canal between Union Canal and St Pancras

Things to do on Regents Canal near Camden.

1) Kayak Tours which take in the attractions of Camden Town, London Zoo, Little Vencie and Regents Park. 
Tours can be booked via Airbnb starting from £40 per person. 

You will meet your teacher guide at The Pirate Castle and receive a buoyancy aid to wear. After that, we'll give you a brief safety briefing and go over the fundamentals of paddling and kayak control.

You'll climb onto your boat (if you're unsteady, we'll assist you!) After everyone is in the water, we'll rehearse some fundamental paddling techniques before setting out on a leisurely trip that winds through the most picturesque section of the Regent's Canal, passing London Zoo and returning to Camden's well-known lock and The Pirate Castle.

The entire experience, including outfitting and briefings, lasts for 1.5 hours. Every tour starts and ends at The Pirate Castle. Every tour will have a different pace and distance covered because your instructor guide must ensure everyone stays together for safety. Welcome to both novice and expert paddlers!

Weights up to 110 kg are suitable for our kayaks. For paddlers weighing up to 300 kg or for two people who want to paddle together, canoes are provided.

Please wear clothing that is appropriate for getting splashed when kayaking. Additionally, you must wear appropriate footwear (vintage trainers or sandals that fit snugly). NOT CROCS, FLIP-FLOPS, OR SWIMWEAR!

Alan Stanton - Flickr  The pirate castle kayaking camden

2) Narrowboat Cruises.  The london waterbus runs a regular service. A 50 minute journey 

Running one way trips from Little Venice to Camden Lock, and Camden Lock to Little Venice from £11 per person.  The trip takes approximately 45 minutes and takes in some of londons sites, including the london zoo, regents park, etc.

Map of narrow boat trip between little venice and camden market

 Each trip is accompanied by a guide, who will explain the history of the canal and the local history.  There is a chance of seeing Columbus Monkeys and African Wild dogs as you pass by London Zoo, as well as the birds of Prey. 

Boarding the London Waterbus company boat at Little Venice  - Persus - Flickr

More details on times and booking the boats can be seen at https://www.londonwaterbus.com/

Taxis from all the nearby train stations, including Camden, Euston, St Pancras, can be booked using Camden Taxis

3) Dine at the Feng Shang Princess floating Chinese Restaurant.

Philip Talmage - Flickr  Feng Shang Princess  floating restaurant on regents Canal

The restaurant offers a fantastic setting, and a not to be missed dining experince.   The menu offers an experience in British Chinese Cusine.  From Crispy Chilly Beef, to Malaysian Beef Curry.

A full list of the menu can be found here

Opening Hours are Mon - Thu  6pm to 11pm,   Fri 6pm to midnight, Sat 12pm to midnight, sun 12pm to 11pm and bank holidays 12pm to 11pm 

Cumberland Basin
Prince Albert Road
Regents Park
London
NW1 7SS

Tel: +44 (0)20 7485 8137
Email: info@fengshang.co.uk

Feng Shang Princess - Floating Chinese Restaurant on Regents Canal  (Captain Smurf -flickr)