Regent's Canal

Regent's Canal is an 8.6-kilometer waterway that connects the River Thames in Paddington with the River Lea while running through several north London boroughs. The route passes through neighborhoods with different character, beside green spaces, residential areas, and converted industrial structures.

Built between 1812 and 1820 under architect John Nash's direction, the canal transported timber, coal, and food into the city during its working years. This transport route was crucial for London's 19th-century economy and supply networks.

The waterway shapes how residents and visitors move through and gather in these neighborhoods today. Former industrial warehouses line the banks, now converted into homes and cafes, while houseboats and leisure boats show how the canal remains part of daily life.

The towpaths along the canal offer continuous paved routes for walking and cycling that cross London without traffic congestion. Wear sturdy shoes and use caution in wet weather, as the paths can become slippery and muddy in places.

The Islington Tunnel runs 875 meters beneath the city and is the only section without a towpath, forcing boatmen to manually push their vessels through darkness. This underground passage was a notable engineering choice in the original canal design and remains a curious feature for modern visitors.

Location: London Borough of Camden

Location: London Borough of Islington

Location: London Borough of Hackney

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Location: City of Westminster

Official opening: 1816

GPS coordinates: 51.50940,-0.03730

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:35