One of the best things about visiting London is finding something you’ve never seen before. Even better is finding something that feels like it has no place in the capital and seems more suited to a bucolic countryside setting. This is exactly what you get when exploring Paddington’s waterways.
Only a stone’s throw from your room at The Chilworth London Paddington hotel, the waterways of Paddington are the perfect place to escape the bustle of the city and simply relax.
The Paddington Arm
This long section of water connects Paddington to the Grand Union Canal, which was once the artery through which London’s goods and trade passed. Today, the Grand Union Canal is a wonderful stretch of water full of barges, canoers, and wildlife, and the Paddington Arm is one of it’s best stretches. Staying in one of our Montcalm hotels near Paddington, you’re within walking distance of this beautiful, hidden gem.
There’s a great deal of history along the Paddington Arm, taking in the warehouses that were once the beating heart of London’s economy. There’s also Kensal Rise Cemetery, where boats used to bring the recently departed and drop them off at the landing platforms.
Aside from the history, the Paddington Arm is also littered with bars, cafes and restaurants, so there’s plenty of places to take a breather and it’s so close to The Chilworth London Paddington, that you can always retire to your room for a couple of hours after a good explore.
Little Venice
The confluence point of the Paddington Arm and Regent’s Canal, Little Venice is a slice of the country right in the heart of London. Choosing one of Montcalm’s Paddington hotel special offers, you’ll be well placed to enjoy everything Little Venice has to offer – which is a great deal.
Lined with weeping willows and grand houses, Little Venice feels a world away from the intensity of the city. It’s very popular with European visitors to London, who often find themselves amazed that such a place exists, with the popular image of London being one of heaving street, traffic jams and masses of people.
Alan Turing – whose name graces an English Heritage plaque there – was a famous resident, as was English poet Robert Browning. In fact, keep an eye out for Browning’s Pool, named in his honour.
Little Venice is also lined with great pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants, all providing something different. Whether it’s continental cuisine or a traditional pub you’re after, Little Venice has it. It’s barely a 10-minute walk from The Chilworth London Paddington, so there’s no reason not to explore this amazing area of London.
Paddington Basin
As if all that wasn’t enough, the ongoing regeneration of the Paddington Basin has also added a raft of activities of which you can partake.
Merchant Square, for example, offers the opportunity to indulge in water sports, or the option to rent your own small boar and explore the waterways. There are beautiful gardens on-site, and it’s the perfect place to catch your breath away from the crowds.
Whatever your choice, Paddington has glorious waterways that are just waiting to be explored.
55 Westbourne Terrace, Paddington, London W2 3UY
