Little Venice is one of London’s not so secret gems – brimming with colourful houseboats and cute cafes. Time to discover more…
Little Venice is a charming and quirky area located in the popular residential area of Maida Vale in North London.
Tucked away between two canals: the Great Union Canal and Regent’s Canal – if you squint on a sunny day, it’s not hard to see where it gets its name from.
It’s one of our favourite places to explore in the capital… and it’s not hard to see why. Gondola rides, indie cafes and even a Puppet Theatre Barge await.
Wondering what to do in Little Venice? Here’s what you should know before you go.
Things to do in Little Venice
Boat Trips
Taking a boat trip in Little Venice is practically a rite of passage and deserves a spot on your list of top things to do in London. In an area best-known for its beautiful waterways, it’s no surprise that exploring it by boat is an absolute must.
While they might not be the same as Venetian gondolas, London boats still have plenty of character to make your Little Venice London boat trip a memorable one.
You’ll find many that are decked out in a traditional style, with all kinds of quirky colours and decor. There are various types of trips, but most involve floating down the canal on a barge, listening to the history of the area.
We highly recommend GoBoat and adore their Paddington route.
Grab your pals and get ready to board your self-drive boat and make your way along the water towards Little Venice. Here you’ll get to float along the canal and admire the beautiful surroundings until you reach the Maida Hill Tunnel.
The best bit? You’ll then turn around and complete the journey from the opposite side of the water.
Or, if the idea of controlling the boat yourself fills you with dread, opt for a guided boat tour like this one. Climb aboard and you’ll be treated to a chilled-out ride from Little Venice to Camden Market, where you can jump off and shop until you drop (or until your wallet is begging you to quit).
Little Venice boat trips are really the perfect way to get to know the area, and they are just so relaxing.
Read Next: Exploring Camden – Things to do & Places to See
Puppet Theatre Barge
What could be more London than catching a live performance aboard a barge on the city’s canals? And by live performance, we mean a puppet show, to be exact.
The Puppet Theatre Barge is a London institution and totally loveable. For more than 30 years, it’s been delighting the young and the young-at-heart with its puppet shows. It’s not the standard setting for a theatre show – but that only adds to the charm.
Many of the shows on the calendar are classics that have been performed for decades, such as the classic The Town Mouse and the City Mouse!
Fifty people can fit inside the barge, so it’s surprisingly spacious. Once the light dims, it’s easy to forget that you’re on a barge as the show gets underway. Definitely a unique experience.
Canal Cafe Theatre
Another great theatre in Little Venice is the Canal Cafe Theatre, which specialises in comedy performances.
It’s right on the edge of Regent’s Canal, with a pub downstairs. It’s an inviting and friendly space, but the real jewel is the theatre space upstairs.
There, you’ll find (allegedly) the world’s longest-running live comedy show, NewsRevue, along with many other performances.
Although its capacity is modest – just 60 seats – and its setting humble, it packs quite the punch. Big names including The Mighty Boosh have dropped in for a performance or two.
Shows are now bookable online and generally cost between £12 and £20 making it an affordable fun night out with plenty of laughs on hand!
Rembrandt Gardens
Water and gardens go hand-in-hand offering a relaxing spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
That’s why we love the Rembrandt Gardens which run along the Grand Union Canal. Opened in the 1950s, the gardens are well-manicured with a big grassy area that’s perfect for a picnic.
When they first opened, the gardens were known as the Warwick gardens, but the name changed in 1975. This was in response to the city of Amsterdam donating thousands of tulips to celebrate their 700th birthday.
In honour of the beautiful gift from across the seas, the park was renamed in honour of one of the Netherlands’ most famous artists, Rembrandt.
Ride in a Gondola
It wouldn’t be Little Venice without a gondola or two! There’s no need to head to Italy when you can have a romantic boat ride right here in London town.
Now, fair warning – finding information about the gondola tours can be a challenge. In fact, there are a few sites that say they don’t exist at all.
We can assure you, however, they are there. It’s just all very un-techy – you’ll need to find them once you’re at Little Venice, and ask for a ride.
How will you know when you’ve found them? Well, they’re pretty unmissable – just look for the unmistakably Venetian boats moored up along the canal.
Psst… We’ve heard that you’ll find a gondola moored up at the main intersection of the Regent and Grand Union canals.
Canalway Cavalcade
The boats along Little Venice are a much-loved part of the fabric that makes up London, and they have their quirks all year round.
It really turns things up a notch, however, during Canalway Cavalcade. The annual celebration sees a great turnout of the many boats along the canal.
It’s all incredibly British, with real ale and Morris Dancing. If you’ve never seen Morris Dancing before, well – you’re in for an experience.
There’s also street food, live music and a generally jovial atmosphere to enjoy. It’s been held every year since 1983, and coincides with the May bank holiday weekend.
Alan Turing Blue Plaque
Alan Turing is one of the most significant figures in British history, having left behind a legacy that affects all of us. You can see a plaque commemorating the place of his birth in Little Venice.
Alan Turing’s profile was raised considerably thanks to the Benedict Cumberbatch film, The Imitation Game. The movie told the story of Alan, and his work in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II.
After the war, he then went on to be a pioneering computer scientist, helping to build the first ever automatic computing machine in the 1950s.
Tragically, Alan was born at a time when homosexuality was illegal. Openly gay, he was prosecuted and even banned from continuing his work. His untimely death at just 41 cut short the life of one of Britain’s greatest minds.
His legacy has also touched Britons in another way – he was posthumously pardoned in 2013 by Queen Elizabeth. Furthermore, a law which is now known as “Alan Turing’s law”, scrubbed all historic convictions for homosexuality.
You can find the blue plaque commemorating his birthplace in Warrington Crescent.
Head Out on This Self-Guided Little Venice London Walk
Hands-down the best way to discover Little Venice is on foot. It’s wonderful just to discover the many secrets down its laneways and canals.
There are a few important stops, though, so why take yourself off on a self-guided Little Venice, London walk? Here’s a fun itinerary that takes in the main Little Venice attractions.
An easy landmark to begin your walk is near the Mary Magdalene Church, at the corner of Rowling Street and Senior Street.
If you follow Senior Street, it becomes Delamere Terrace and will wind you along the side of the canal. Here, you can find plenty of gorgeous quirky boats.
Continue walking along the canalside, taking in the sight of the boats. After about 5 minutes, you’ll come to a bridge over the canal. Here, you’ll also find the famous Canal Cafe Theatre – perfect to pop in and grab a coffee.
After you’ve stopped for your coffee fix, turn left and head over the bridge. On your right, you’ll see Jason’s Trips – one of the boat companies where you can take a ride down the canal.
After the bridge, turn right along Blomfield Road. After about 500 feet, you’ll see the Puppet Theatre Barge. You might want to try to time your stop with a show, or just admire it from the footpath.
Continue in the same direction, and then turn right onto the bridge close by. You’ll know you’re in the right direction as you should see Rembrandt Gardens on your right. If you continue on for another 150 feet or so, you’ll see the entry gate so you can explore the gardens.
Once you’ve seen the gardens, turn back the way you’ve come and retrace your steps over the bridge. We suggest then turning left back onto Blomfield Road, so you can admire all the adorable boats on the other side of the river.
Just in front of Waterway Restaurant (a great lunch stop), the road curves right. Follow it around the bend and continue walking along it, past the roundabout until it ends. Here, turn right onto Warrington Crescent – the home of the famous Alan Turing Plaque and the end of the walking tour. If you continue on just a bit from here, you’ll find yourself at the Warwick Avenue Tube Station.
Read More: Self-Guided London Walks for Exploring the City
Quirky Shops in Little Venice
Although nearby Maida Vale is famed for its elegant mansions, Little Venice has a peaceful, quirky vibe, with lots of quaint and colourful boats.
This quirkiness has definitely filtered through to the shopping in the area. Around Little Venice, you’ll find lots of cute, independent stores like The Winery in an old apothecary.
Plus, the markets of Camden and Portobello are only a short hop by road, rail, or boat.
Whether you’re just doing some window shopping or find yourself some unique souvenirs, it’s well worth checking out Little Venice’s shops.
Take in a Screening at Sheldon Square Amphitheatre
Although lacking in Romanesque features, the outdoor Ampitheatre at Sheldon Square is a great spot to enjoy a picnic on a warm spring or summer’s day, or to take in screenings on its big screen.
A popular spot to catch up on Wimbledon, the Olympics, or other big sporting events, the Amphitheatre is situated less than a five-minute walk along the canal towards Paddington Station from Little Venice.
Built with peace, tranquillity, and sustainability in mind, this multi-purpose oasis of calm is often home to events, and performances, and the perfect place just to sit and chill.
Explore London’s Oldest Garden Centre
Clifton Nursery is a two minute walk from the London Waterbus terminus at Little Venice and lays claim to being London’s Oldest garden centre.
Since opening in 1851, this stunning nursery has been inspiring London’s horticulturalists for generations with its stunning, elegant gardening treasure trove.
Its picturesque greenhouses are stacked with plants, flora, fauna, and trees of all persuasions, in what is a genuine emporium of gardening gifts.
With a house cat overseeing operations, and the obligatory cafe, Clifton Nursery is a feast of outdoor wonders largely housed indoors.
Must-Try Cafes and Restaurants
Cafe La Ville
Delicious Mediterranean meals with an amazing view of the canal? Yes, please.
Our pick of the Little Venice restaurants, Cafe La Ville features a fabulous menu with tempting Italian favourites such as Linguine Amore and Carbonara. Yum.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and with an outdoor terrace spanning the entrance to one of the Regents’ Canal tunnels, this is a unique al fresco London dining experience.
Waterside Cafe
Waterside Cafe is a much-loved icon – we mean, who doesn’t love the idea of enjoying a tasty lunch served from a boat?
There’s space to dine indoors, but if you haven’t got your sea legs yet then there are also seats on dry land. The menu is simple but tasty, with options like sandwiches and paninis.
The coffee is great, making it an ideal spot to do an hour or two work while gently swaying with the wash of the canal.
Gogi
Korean BBQ is so delicious… and Gogi – which is Korean for ‘meat’ – is one of the best spots in the capital.
Whether you’re in the mood for a bowl of bibimbap or are ready to scoff your body weight in pork belly, this is one of our favourite Korean restaurants in London. Grab a table outside and order yourself a bottle of soju. Pure bliss.
London Shell Co
The only thing better than having dinner aboard a canal boat is to have dinner aboard a canal boat while cruising for two and a half hours.
The London Shell Co offers a beautiful scenic cruise along the Regent’s Canal from Little Venice taking you through the Maida Vale tunnel, past multi-million pound villas, through the centre of London Zoo, before turning around at Camden Lock to slowly cruise back.
While aboard, enjoy a set menu that contains some of the freshest seafood anywhere in London. This is eating in London at its absolute best!
Bars and Pubs
Bridge House
This lovely Little Venice pub fits in just perfectly with the area – offering just the right amount of character and quirkiness.
The Bridge House serves up tasty British pub classics, as well as a few modern options (such as Calabrian antipasti platters). Plus, there’s a generous selection of drinks on tap as well.
The Waterway
For foodies looking for a gastropub in Little Venice, the Waterway is a great choice. Their confit duck is particularly delicious.
Another highlight is the outdoor dining area, perfect for soaking in the ambience of Little Venice. You can even enjoy a delicious cocktail while you appreciate the good vibes.
The Warwick Castle
If you want the quintessential London pub experience in Little Venice, head for the Warwick Castle.
This cosy pub has been welcoming visitors since 1897, and never disappoints with its generous selection of beer and hearty menu. Just look for the gorgeous, flower-laden exterior.
The Union Tavern
The Union Tavern is a stunning canalside pub that has one of the best water-side terraces in London.
A must-visit for ale drinkers, the Union Tavern boasts a stunning array of ales and beers to sample, alongside champagnes, prosecco and a huge range of wines and spirits for those that prefer something a little less hoppy.
The menu caters for everything from small platters and sharers, to mains and beautiful puddings including delicious Belgian Waffles soaked in caramel sauce and with buffalo milk vanilla ice cream.
This is the perfect spot for a lazy afternoon watching the canal flow by, or an evening out after dark.
Little Venice Map
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