Summer is here, and with the current hot spell set to last for the next few weeks many of us will be wanting to get out and about in London and make the most of the weather.
Of course there’s no shortage of places in the capital to enjoy the sunshine, from parks and beer gardens through to outdoor theatre and theme parks.
But one place you might not have considered is Little Venice in West London.
Situated near Paddington, where the Grand Union and the Regent’s canals meet, the district is a hidden gem full of picturesque scenery, quirky cafes, boats, greenery – and even the odd puppet show.
If you’re planning a trip to Little Venice and want to make the most of your day, check out our recommendations for things to do…
Canal Cafe Theatre
This 60-seater theatre on the edge of the Regent’s Canal specialises in comedy, and has played host to some big names over the years including The League Of Gentleman, The Mighty Boosh, Catherine Tate and Miranda Hart.
It’s also known as the home to the long-running show NewsRevue – which runs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, taking a satirical pop at the week’s biggest events.
Location: Delamere Terrace, Little Venice, London W2 6ND
Nearest tube stops: Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo Line), Royal Oak (Hammersmith and City Line)
Bridge House
If you’re planning to visit the Canal Cafe Theatre be sure to pop into the Bridge House below for a drink first.
As well as its waterside terrace on the banks of the Regent’s Canal, the interior offers a brace of red fixtures and fittings, from the beaded lampshades through to the thick curtains housing the entrance to the toilets.
Location: 13 Westbourne Terrace Road, London, Greater London W2 6NG
Nearest tube stops: Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo Line), Royal Oak (Hammersmith and City Line)
Rembrandt Gardens
It might not be as well-known as some of London’s larger parks, but Rembrandt Gardens, which overlooks the Regent’s Canal, is a haven of ornamental beds, shrubs and places to chill out and enjoy the sunshine.
Originally known as Warwick Avenue Gardens, the name was changed in 1975 when the City Of Westminster was linked with the City of Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Location: 6 Warwick Ave, London W2 1XB
Nearest tube stop: Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo Line)
Canal boat cruise
If you want to take to the canals you can do so courtesy of the London Waterbus Company, who’ll take you on a cruise across either the Regents or Grand Union canals.
You can choose from a family-friendly 45-minute jaunt from Little Venice to Camden Market, complete with commentary, or go for the more grown-up version to and from Little Venice complete with music, bar and a cream tea thrown in.
Camden Town location: West Yard wharf, Camden Market (Lock) London NW1 8AF
Nearest tube stop: Camden Town (Northern Line)
Little Venice location: Waterbus Wharf, Browning’s Pool, Blomfield Road, London W9 2PF
Nearest tube stop: Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo Line)
Regent’s canal walk
If being on the water isn’t your thing, try a walk up the length of the Regent’s Canal from the pool of Little Venice past Warwick Avenue Bridge and through the Maida Hill tunnel, across Edgware Road and round the perimeter of Regent’s Park.
After a brief diversion past London Zoo (where you might even spot the giraffe house!) the walk eventually ends at Camden Lock, two miles from where you first started.
Location: Blomfield Road, London, W9 2PF
Nearest tube stop: Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo Line), Paddington (Bakerloo, Hammersmith and City, Circle, District and Elizabeth Lines
Little Venice puppet theatre barge
Located on a converted barge, the UK’s only floating puppet theatre seats 50 people and puts on a wide range of puppet shows (and the odd non-puppet event) aimed at all ages.
The barge spends most of the year in Little Venice, although it moves to Richmond from July until October. If you want to catch it in its regular home you’ve got until June 25th to do so.
Location: Blomfield Road (opposite 35), London W9 2PF
Nearest tube stop: Warwick Avenue (Bakerloo Line)
Paddington public art trail
If you take a walk from Little Venice to Paddington Basin, a distance of around a mile, you can take in the area’s Public Art Trail en route.
The trail features 22 installations, starting from the Unknown Soldier at Paddington Station and taking in the art collection at nearby St Mary’s Hospital, the Paddington Basin bridges, and the installation Message From An Unseen World, which pays tribute to Alan Turing.
Nearest tube stop: Paddington (Bakerloo, Hammersmith and City, Circle, District and Elizabeth Lines)
Sheldon Square Amphitheatre
One of the best places to sit outside and take in some rays is this community space in the heart of Paddington Basin – whether you’re looking for a spot to spend your lunchbreak on a sunny day, or just somewhere to sit and relax.
As well as the steps and seating areas, the space features food stalls, retailers and occasional live music and other events.
Nearest tube stop: Paddington (Bakerloo, Hammersmith and City, Circle, District and Elizabeth Lines)
Pergola
One way to make the most of the summer sunshine is with rooftop dining and drinking, and you can have both at Pergola, where you can chill with a cocktail while making the most of street food vendors serving up fried chicken, burgers and Japanese dishes.
You can book in advance if visiting in a group but there’s space for walk-ins too.
Location: 5 Kingdom St, London W2 6PY
Nearest tube station: Paddington (Bakerloo, Hammersmith and City, Circle, District and Elizabeth Lines)
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