/ London Guide/ London Attractions
February 10, 2025
Not all tourists know that London has its own Little Venice. While it does not hold a world-famous carnival like its namesake in Italy, it still has charming canals and fun activities to offer. If you're planning a family trip to London and have some extra free time to fill with activities, consider visiting this pleasant area!
Little Venice is an area in West London, in the neighborhood of Maida Vale. Despite being just 10 minutes from the Paddington train station, Little Venice is not as stuffed with tourists as the most popular attractions. Here, the Regent's Canal meets the Grand Union Canal, creating a lovely setting resembling those of Amsterdam and, of course, Venice.
Plenty of colorful houseboats are docked along the canals, and some tour operators offer boat trips along the waterways. While Little Venice is not yet full of tourist attractions and party spots, it is still a great place to spend time, especially with family. If you're staying at a hotel near London attractions, this hidden gem is worth adding to your itinerary.
If you travel with children, you may wonder if the area is safe and suitable for families. We can assure you that Little Venice is a family-friendly place, and there are activities for people of all ages. Want to spend some quality time with your spouse and kids in a peaceful setting, far from the bustling London streets? Take a course for Little Venice.
Many people visit London with their families - people of all ages find the city interesting and want to explore its various neighborhoods. Little Venice opens its arms to everyone looking to have some fun family activities. Here are a few ideas for you and your loved ones on what to do in the area!
As we have mentioned before, there are boats taking passengers for scenic rides along the canals of Little Venice. Why not take your family on one? This way, you can unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing while still seeing previously unexplored parts of the city.
Canal boat trips are available for as low as £10 per person, making it an affordable attraction for families. If you’re staying at a hotel near Earl's Court, this is a convenient and fun way to experience the city from a different perspective.
If you plan to walk a lot during the day, it is good to begin it with a filling, delicious breakfast. Little Venice has a variety of cafes and restaurants along the water where you can enjoy a meal with your family. Different options are available, from traditional English breakfasts to Italian-style pastries and coffee. Most cafes in the area are kid-friendly, so do not worry about bringing your children along.
Did you know that there is a floating puppet theatre in London? The Puppet Theatre Barge is the only entertainment venue of its kind in the whole country, and if you're traveling with children, it is a must-visit attraction. The converted barge offers beautifully crafted puppet shows that are sure to captivate both kids and adults.
Want to do something fun without spending too much money? There is always the classic waterside activity of feeding the birds. Grab some bird seeds at a nearby shop and go feed the ducks and swans that live along the canals of Little Venice. Be careful, though—adult swans can get aggressive if you get too close to their young!
There are dozens of tour operators in London, and some of them offer walking tours in the area. While some of them are long and require a certain level of stamina, there are also shorter, kid-friendly walking tours available. By choosing a family-friendly walking tour you make sure that you can explore Little Venice comfortably, without the need to worry about your kids getting tired and cranky along the way.
Read Also: Celebrating Women: Top International Women’s Day Events in London
Overall, London's Little Venice is a beautiful hidden gem on the map of the bustling city. With lots to offer to families visiting the area, it is a great place to unwind.
