Londoners urged to keep canals clean this bank holiday, leading charity pleads

As we head into spring, there are countless options available to us in terms of how we spend our time in the Capital. With the Cost of Living at the forefront of everyone’s minds, it might be hard to choose activities that not only keep costs down but also help our mental well-being.

Barratt London has sourced some of the most instagrammable canals walks that Londoners can enjoy this spring. Whether it’s a walk for relaxation, meeting with friends, or simply just to get out, these canal walks are budget-friendly, and can also help both mentally and physically.

Ros Daniels, Canal & River Trust director for London & South East said:

“The London canals and rivers we look after form a linear park twice the size of Hyde Park. More than two million Londoners live within a kilometre of one of our waterways, giving all of us somewhere we can live, relax, get active, spend time together and get closer to nature.

“But because we give everyone a back garden to call their own, we all need to share the space considerately. That means looking out for other canal and towpath users, keeping dogs under control, clearing up after them and protecting these fragile wildlife habitats by taking your litter back home.

“As a charity, we need Londoners by our side more than ever. We work with communities across the city to make our urban waterways inviting for wildlife and for all of us to enjoy. Get involved through our events programme, by volunteering with us or by donating. You’ll find all of that information plus maps, days out guides and more on our website. Just search online for ‘local canal’.”

Paddington Basin leads the way with over 12,000 hashtags on Instagram, followed by Limehouse Basin, City Canal, and Hertford Union

Paddington Basin

12,341 Instagram hashtags #paddingtonbasin

Paddington Basin is a short walk from Paddington station, 500m away from Little Venice and Regent’s Canal, both of which you could pick up if you wanted to extend the walk. Great for both workers and tourists, the basin boasts beautiful views and a small selection of bakeries, as well as direct access to shops and tube lines. The old architecture and array of eateries make a great little spot to take some pictures. The closest tube stations are Paddington (Elizabeth, Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith and City, and District lines), and Edgware Road (Circle and District, Hammersmith and City lines).

Limehouse Basin

7,299 hashtags #limehousebasin

Limehouse Basin is located in Tower Hamlets and offers the perfect scenic route for walks and runs with excellent views of the Thames and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf. Regent’s Canal and the Limehouse Cut flow into the basin, so you can opt to extend your walk if desired, or you can choose to stay around the basin and dive into the local architecture, boats, and restaurants. A perfect medium that still has the city vibe, but offers a quieter, more relaxed feel. The closest station to the basin is the Limehouse DLR.

City Canal (South Dock)

3,052 hashtags #citycanal

South Dock (originally known as the short-lived City Canal), is a reconstructed canal that sits between the Isle of Dogs in East London. Surrounded by the tower blocks in Canary Wharf, the South Dock has access to Canary Wharf Station which serves the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, as well as DLR stations towards Lewisham and Stratford via Heron Quays. Whether you’re taking a stroll through Jubilee Park, shopping in One Canada Square, or simply having a coffee, relax and take in the views that East London have to offer.

Hertford Union Canal

2,392 hashtags #hertfordunioncanal

Hertford Union Canal can be found just outside Victoria Park in East London. It’s just over one mile long – perfect for an early morning run. The canal meets Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on the opposite side with direct links to Stratford (which serves the Central, Jubilee, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth, and TfL Rail lines). With connections to Bow, Hackney Wick and Mile End, a walk through this canal offers access to at least four East London neighbourhood walking tours. Walk along the canal and enjoy the colours of the trees, as well as taking regular breaks to explore East London’s eateries, or veering off to walk through the park.

London Canal Museum (Regent’s Canal)

637 hashtags #londoncanalmuseum

The London Canal Museum sits on the Regent’s Canal, and its closest tube stop is Kings Cross St Pancras (which serves the Circle, Hammersmith and City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines). Like other canal walks, this part of Regent’s Canal offers beautiful views and an opportunity to truly appreciate London’s nature. Regent’s Canal Towpath is close to shops, bars, and restaurants if you are in need of a light bite. If you happen to walk through between Friday and Sunday, there is a canopy market offering fresh produce, seasonal food stalls, and drinks.