I always think of Little Venice as the Montmartre of London: picturesque, bohemian, eclectic and soulful. It’s wedged between Paddington’s high rises and grungy Camden, and it neighbours majestic Regent’s Park and London Zoo. This GoBoat London review covers the best way I know to see all those London gems at once: by canal, in your very own self-drive boat.
My trip was from Paddington to Camden Lock and back again, and it took about two hours. My daughters Eloise and Anais joined me, together with my friend Lucy and her children Tijan, Lily and Cosmo. And what fun we had on our mini cruise!
GoBoat London review: how it works
It’s easy-peasy. GoBoats are pre-booked for up to eight people on any one boat, and they “sail” away from Merchant Square in Paddington. You don’t need any sailing experience whatsoever, which is a relief, as I can barely drive a car, let alone a boat. To be safe, I asked my eldest daughter Eloise to drive, as anyone who knows me is aware of my appalling sense of direction. No one wanted to end up in Birmingham on our cruise! You can book at the GoBoat website, where you’ll also find the current rules on age, alcohol, dogs and prices.
Arrive about 15 minutes before casting off. A member of the GoBoat staff will talk you through the journey and the operating and safety measures. It’s very straightforward, even for someone with zero sense of direction.
The route map you’re given: Paddington to Camden Lock, with the landmarks marked along the way.
Before you cast off
- Spend a penny in the café next to GoBoat, as there are no toilets on board and nowhere to stop on the journey.
- Dress sensibly (I wouldn’t wear heels) and take a jumper in case it gets cold.
- Food and drink are easy to find in Merchant Square, but we made homemade cakes for the journey. You can take a picnic on board, and alcohol is allowed within the limits on the GoBoat website.
- Children wear lifejackets, and you can take babies and well-behaved pooches on board too.
- Sailing is continental style, on the right-hand side of the canal, but you’re encouraged to stay in the centre when no other boats are around.
You give way to any boat already inside the Maida Hill tunnel, about midway through the journey, and the GoBoat team will brief you before you go. So now, let’s cast off and begin our journey. Bon voyage!
Little Venice from the water
As you leave Paddington Basin behind, you enter London’s canal gem: Little Venice. It’s part Maida Vale and part Paddington, a combined area referred to as “Venice” before the “Little” was added in the second half of the 20th century. Legend has it that the poet Robert Browning coined the name, but some argue it was Lord Byron.
Little Venice is one of London’s prime residential areas. Notable residents have included Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear, Richard Branson and Alan Turing, and of course Robert Browning, who lived at No 19 Warwick Crescent. The first major landmark on the water is Browning’s Pool and its island, inhabited by local swans. It was originally the area where boats would wait before entering busy Paddington Basin.
A little pied-à-terre in Maida Vale!
London’s canal boats
As a young student, I always dreamed of living the life of a struggling writer in a Parisian garret. Then I came across the colourful boats of Little Venice and decided perhaps the life of an artist might be more romantic. I’m not sure which one takes the prize, but the canal boats of Little Venice really are the stuff of dreams.
I rather fancy this one!
The Regent’s Canal
The Regent’s Canal is 8.6 miles long and links the Paddington end of the Grand Union Canal to the Limehouse Basin in east London. It was promoted by the architect John Nash, and there are some eye-popping villas along the way, but first you’ll cross the Maida Hill tunnel.
Lucy wants this house. What do you think? Too small?
Regent’s Park and London Zoo
Also known as the “Jewel in the Crown”, Regent’s Park was once Henry VIII’s hunting ground. John Nash transformed it into the royal park we see today, with its canal, rose gardens and lakes. It is also home to London Zoo, so watch out for the exotic birds as you sail past.
A floating princess
Yes, she’s kitsch, but I don’t care. The Feng Shang Princess floating restaurant is a vision of red and gold. I used to eat here in the 90s, as it was one of the few Chinese restaurants that served vegetarian chicken. I haven’t been since then, but as I marvel at her seductive silhouette on the water, I’m reminded that I really should pay her a visit again.
GoBoat London review: unlocking Camden
We arrive at Camden Lock, which signals the end of the outward journey. We could technically carry on to Birmingham, but it’s time to head back to Paddington. Camden Lock was once a wharf housing the stables for the Regent’s Canal. It’s now part of a world-famous arts and crafts market.
Hello Amy! Canal-side Camden is full of art. Any ideas who her companion might be?
GoBoat London review: the practical details
GoBoats are electrically powered and cruise at a gentle walking pace, about 4 miles per hour, and each boat takes up to eight people. They are available for hire from the Merchant Square base in Paddington, W2, and the nearest Tube stations are Edgware Road and Paddington. I recommend a minimum of two hours, which is plenty of time to cruise from Paddington Basin to Camden Lock and back, and weekends can be busier on the canal, so allow a little longer. Seasons, opening hours and prices change, so check the GoBoat website before you plan your day.
My GoBoat London review verdict: a gentle, funny and beautiful way to see London from a new angle, and ideal for families and friends.
If you enjoyed this GoBoat London review and love a day out in the capital, there’s more to explore in my Arts & Culture section.