Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
15
Grand Union Canal: Paddington Arm and
Regent's Canal
Distance
22km from Bull's Bridge to Paddington Basin 14km from the Paddington Arm to the River
Thames
Highlights
Little Venice
Paddington Basin
Regent's Park and London Zoo
Camden Lock Centre
London Canal Museum
Limehouse Basin
Navigation Authority
Canal & River Trust
OS 1:50,000 Sheet
176 West London
177 East London
The Grand Union Canal links Birmingham with London. At the Birmingham end it is well
connected but in London the through route leads to the River Thames, convenient for the docks
but too low for the industries on the higher river terraces. The Paddington Arm was built as a
lock-free pound to link the Grand Union Canal with the north-west of London, terminating at
Paddington but subsequently being extended via the Regent's Canal to the docks.
In the days before railways, canals were an efficient form of transport and there is a record
of troops taking seven days to travel from Paddington to Liverpool by boat in 1806, much
quicker than marching and arrived the troops much fresher.
Bull's Bridge Junction is on the main line of the Grand Union Canal, crossed by a Grade II
arched brick bridge dating from 1801, with stop gates underneath. On the left is a 19th century
toll house, the offices of the Colne Valley Passenger Boat Service.
