Little Venice London was the destination for this gentle canal walk from Paddington, ending with a drink at the Warwick Castle pub. The film follows the water past moored boats, stops beside the Waterside Café and looks across the basin from a bridge before heading into the surrounding streets.
This is a visit from the Roberts London archive. I describe it in the film as the last week of September, when autumn was beginning to arrive. The video was subsequently published on 7 November 2017, the archive date used for this article.
From Paddington to the canal
The walk begins at Paddington station. I talk about the shorter days and the feeling that summer has become a memory, even though the weather still offers a good opportunity to get outside. From the station, I head towards the water and begin following the canal.
What struck me was the change of pace. I often walk along the Thames or through London’s parks, but on this visit the canal felt quieter. There were people out walking and boats along the edge, with enough space to enjoy the water as I went. The station was close by, yet the walk soon had a different atmosphere.
Arriving at Little Venice London
At Little Venice, I stop beside the moored boats and look around the wider stretch of water. In the film I call it the lagoon. The trees, boats and waterside paths make this the natural place to slow down and take in the scene.
I mention walkers, cyclists and people taking their dogs along the towpaths. There is also the prospect of continuing towards Camden or taking a boat trip. Those are possibilities discussed during the visit; my own route stays on foot and finishes nearby. The footage captures the boats and the setting without becoming a record of a passenger journey.
Waterside Café and the view from the bridge
The Waterside Café provides another reason to pause. I turn the camera towards its entrance and the tables beside the water before making my way up to the bridge. It is one of the small details that gives this stretch of canal its character.
From above, the view opens out across the water. The camera lingers on the boats, the towpath and the trees rather than rushing towards the next stop. A boat moves through the scene, while others remain moored along the sides. This is the broad canal view that I wanted to share when I set off from Paddington.
A drink at the Warwick Castle pub
After the bridge, I leave the waterside and head into the residential streets. The Warwick Castle is tucked among the surrounding houses, with hanging baskets and people sitting outside. It makes a fitting final stop after the walk.
Inside, the footage shows wood panelling, decorative glass and a cosy room with a fire. I finish with a drink, then let the camera take another look at the pub. The closing moments are a chance to sit down and enjoy the setting.
Watch the original Little Venice walk
Watch the original film below for the walk from Paddington, the canal views and the Warwick Castle stop. It preserves the area as I encountered it in 2017. Boat services and venue details mentioned belong to that visit.
For another waterside walk from the same year, explore November in London 2017, with the Thames at night and the start of the Christmas season.
