Little Venice – A Hidden Side Of London

There is the temptation to think of London as big, noisy,giving you the opportunity to see lots of different birds.
dirty and crowded. But not all parts of London are likeIt doesn't really matter which way you decide to walk
this. In fact if you want to see one of the best andfrom Little Venice, whether it is towards Camden or in
most attractive parts of all, you should head for Littlethe other direction towards the west of London and
Venice.beyond. In either direction you will find some lovely
Located to the north west of London just outsideplaces to stop and watch the world go by. There are
Zone 1 of the Underground, Little Venice is a delight.also various cafes and restaurants nearby, some of
Make your way towards the pool of water in whichwhich have outdoor eating areas so you can view the
canal boats are moored to begin your exploration ofcanal as you eat.
the area.Many people have heard of Little Venice but not
The Grand Union Canal ends at this pool, which iseveryone has seen it for themselves. One thing is true
called Browning's Pool after Robert Browning, the poet.for most people though – once they have seen it
The Regent's Canal then begins with a journey throughand realise what an oasis of calm and peacefulness
the Maida Hill Tunnel. You can make this journey bythis is, they often return.
canal boat if you take one of the trips that regularlyIt is also possible to walk the distance between Little
traverse this section of water. Alternatively you canVenice and Camden before exploring the markets and
return to the pavement before picking up the tow pathstopping for a bite to eat. The journey is some two
again on the other side.and a half miles long, and you can always get a canal
The canal – and the boat trips you can board hereboat back if you would rather sit and enjoy the
– goes all the way up to Camden, where you canscenery and give your feet a rest!
enjoy browsing around the market and exploring thisThere are lots of London hotels near to Little Venice
beautiful section of London. On the way you will passyou can stay in. But since it is easily reached via the
through London Zoo, and even if you do not leave theUnderground you can stay anywhere in London and
towpath to enter it, you can see some of the animalsreach the network of canals in no time at all whenever
as you walk past. Lord Snowdon's Aviary is here too,you want to see it.