London Waterbus Company
London Waterbus Company
4.5
Historical & Heritage ToursBoat ToursSightseeing Tours
10:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Monday
10:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Tuesday
10:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Wednesday
10:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Thursday
10:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Friday
10:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Saturday
10:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Sunday
10:15 AM - 5:45 PM
Full view
About
Canal boat trips on London's Regents canal between Camden Town & Little Venice in either direction. Travel on a traditional narrow boat with English speaking tour guide. Approx. 45 minute one way trip.
London, England
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
London Waterbus Company
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
(152 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,029 reviews
Excellent
1,552
Very good
309
Average
79
Poor
44
Terrible
45
JonB125
Kelvedon, UK78 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
After visiting London Zoo, we decided to walk to Camden Lock and pickup the London Waterbus, back to Little Venice. Normally the waterbus would stop at the Zoo, but due to current Covid-19 restrictions this is not possible.
We booked online an hour before, which was very easy and straightforward. Arriving at Camden Lock, the boat was being sanitised and cleaned, we felt very safe and secure whilst on-board too. There was an excellent commentary provided by Nikki and the journey to Little Venice, took just over 45 minutes.
Well recommended if you are in the area, very relaxing and informative too!
We booked online an hour before, which was very easy and straightforward. Arriving at Camden Lock, the boat was being sanitised and cleaned, we felt very safe and secure whilst on-board too. There was an excellent commentary provided by Nikki and the journey to Little Venice, took just over 45 minutes.
Well recommended if you are in the area, very relaxing and informative too!
Written October 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for joining us.
We're glad you found our Covid-19 special measures reassuring. and enjoyed our guided tour commentary too.
Written October 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mavsters
West Yorkshire, UK941 contributions
Oct 2020 • Solo
Having visited London many times I had never experienced regents canal and I was in for an excellent experience.
I had walked to Little Venice from St John’s ward. I had hoped to get the water bus from Little Venice to Camden.
Due to the virus you must buy tickets online in advance. Unfortunately all the tickets to Camden had sold out so I walked part of the way and then caught the underground. Fortunately there were tickets available for the water bus for my return journey back to Little Venice.
The social distancing was excellent where seats were left empty.
The commentary was very interesting.
The crew were obviously very experienced which was visible in the way they handled the boat during some torrential rain during our trip.
I believe I paid about £11 for the ticket and it was worth every penny.
An extremely tranquil day in the heart of the capital.
I had walked to Little Venice from St John’s ward. I had hoped to get the water bus from Little Venice to Camden.
Due to the virus you must buy tickets online in advance. Unfortunately all the tickets to Camden had sold out so I walked part of the way and then caught the underground. Fortunately there were tickets available for the water bus for my return journey back to Little Venice.
The social distancing was excellent where seats were left empty.
The commentary was very interesting.
The crew were obviously very experienced which was visible in the way they handled the boat during some torrential rain during our trip.
I believe I paid about £11 for the ticket and it was worth every penny.
An extremely tranquil day in the heart of the capital.
Written November 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WaterbusConcierge
We're glad you found our social distancing measures excellent, and our guide commentary interesting. We've achieved the Visit England 'We're good to go' mark for our measures to help protect our guests and our staff.
Thanks for joining us onboard!
Written November 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
B5108ZWandrewm
King's Lynn, UK2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We took the trip to london zoo and then to little venice..I am really happy to say that it is an excellent service with friendly informed crew ..and would willingly recommend this as a way to see London from a different angle and personal thanks to the lady conductor on the Milton.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alymoorf
Nottingham, UK58 contributions
Feb 2020
We booked online which was easy and straightforward. Luckily it was dry whilst we waited to board at Camden Lock - make sure you have a brolley if it's wet and if you're hungry, grab something to eat on board from the numerous food stalls nearby. Thoroughly enjoyed the next 50 minutes slowly and peacefully journeying to Little Venice, enjoying glimpses of wildlife, the zoo and the gardens of the wealthy en route. Interesting and informative commentary gave an insight to the history of the Regents Canal. Oh and there were blankets available if it's chilly. A great way to pass the time.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shirly123
Birmingham, UK22 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I booked the water boat as a way of getting to the zoo. It was straight forward to book and I needed to keep it simple as I was travelling with my 9 year old. Once we got off the tube in Camden we headed to the water bus station this too was easy to find. It was very well organised and we left at our scheduled time. The boat trip was a great way to get to the zoo and part of the way the guide gave us a short talk on the area! Brilliant! After the zoo we caught the water bus back to Camden. Very friendly staff and an all round good service.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr B H S
7 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Initially when we booked this trip we thought we had found a little hidden gem however it was extremely disappointing the boat trip lasts about 45 minutes you’re told it is two people to a seat and the seats are very small making the trip quite uncomfortable generally speaking there really isn’t a lot to get excited about.
That isn’t very much to see along the journey,I just got told where a couple of famous people lived that’s about it really. Do go on the trip, just have very low expectations. I would instead recommend a river Thames cruise it would be a lot more exciting and fun for the family
That isn’t very much to see along the journey,I just got told where a couple of famous people lived that’s about it really. Do go on the trip, just have very low expectations. I would instead recommend a river Thames cruise it would be a lot more exciting and fun for the family
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WaterbusConcierge
Thanks for your feedback,
You may have joined us at the end of government covid restrictions on capacity that have now been lifted, so guests should be able to have a seat per person (unless you want to share between two).
Our guides aim to give a mixed commentary, and it’s clear this didn’t hear the mark for you on this occasion.
Written July 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bea S
Guildford, UK12 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
For a 21 and a 23 year old looking to spice up the journey to Camden Market, the waterbus was perfect.
A little chilly perhaps but the journey was good, seats not entirely uncomfortable and interesting information from Lee.
There is shelter so you’re not totally exposed to the elements but if you’re doing in the colder months I would definitely recommend you add an extra layer to however many you think you’ll need.
A good way to see London from an alternative point of view, would suggest you buy the tickets before just for convenience and guarantee of booking the space on the boat.
A little chilly perhaps but the journey was good, seats not entirely uncomfortable and interesting information from Lee.
There is shelter so you’re not totally exposed to the elements but if you’re doing in the colder months I would definitely recommend you add an extra layer to however many you think you’ll need.
A good way to see London from an alternative point of view, would suggest you buy the tickets before just for convenience and guarantee of booking the space on the boat.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GWL
Southampton, UK1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
A wonderful trip from the hustle and bustle of Camden to Little Venice. It's a unique way to see the canal and definitely beats the tube!
Brilliant commentary from the tour guide Reuben - very informative but also hilariously funny. I do hope he's performing somewhere on a comedy stage by night!
It was wonderful to see the floating Chinese restaurant, London zoo, famous celebrity houses and much, much more along the way. This isn't something we'd do regularly as it was quite pricey but it was a great treat and we even sang Happy Birthday to passengers through the Maida Vale tunnel - how special.
Location: Turn right out of Camden Town tube station and walk up the main street passing Namaste (the big yellow elephant) and the All You Can Eat Buffet (the Chinese dragon). You'll soon see Camden Lock painted in green and yellow on the side of the railway bridge. Before you reach this, turn left down the small cobbled path next to the black railings and walk along to the food court.
At Little Venice the nearest tube station is Warwick Avenue which is about 5 minutes walk away and much easier to find!
Warning: There are no toilets or refreshments provided and you cannot take alcohol on board. Access onto the boat is via a few steep steps - Going down these backwards helps. Suggest emailing them for questions regarding accessibility/ wheelchair users. Once on board they ask that you remain seated and evenly weighted on each side. The benches are padded but not the most comfortable and couples may struggle to sit together due to the width of the benches. Wrap up warm as there is no heating, but windows can be opened and closed easily. I can imagine this is a real treat in the summer!
Brilliant commentary from the tour guide Reuben - very informative but also hilariously funny. I do hope he's performing somewhere on a comedy stage by night!
It was wonderful to see the floating Chinese restaurant, London zoo, famous celebrity houses and much, much more along the way. This isn't something we'd do regularly as it was quite pricey but it was a great treat and we even sang Happy Birthday to passengers through the Maida Vale tunnel - how special.
Location: Turn right out of Camden Town tube station and walk up the main street passing Namaste (the big yellow elephant) and the All You Can Eat Buffet (the Chinese dragon). You'll soon see Camden Lock painted in green and yellow on the side of the railway bridge. Before you reach this, turn left down the small cobbled path next to the black railings and walk along to the food court.
At Little Venice the nearest tube station is Warwick Avenue which is about 5 minutes walk away and much easier to find!
Warning: There are no toilets or refreshments provided and you cannot take alcohol on board. Access onto the boat is via a few steep steps - Going down these backwards helps. Suggest emailing them for questions regarding accessibility/ wheelchair users. Once on board they ask that you remain seated and evenly weighted on each side. The benches are padded but not the most comfortable and couples may struggle to sit together due to the width of the benches. Wrap up warm as there is no heating, but windows can be opened and closed easily. I can imagine this is a real treat in the summer!
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter88888888
Brisbane, Australia73 contributions
Jul 2020
We took the return trip on a beautiful sunny July day just after the end of lockdown. Main aim was to entertain our 3 year old grandson and it was a big success. Polite, considerate and efficient staff, good information from the commentary, safety a priority throughout. Expensive but a good London experience.
Written July 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WaterbusConcierge
Thanks for your review Peter, we’re glad your grandson enjoyed the trip too!
Written July 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan Gleave
Huddersfield, UK13 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Last minute we decided to book on this and found the website really easy to book on.
There was plenty of space on board and we were made to feel welcome. The journey was great, many fab places to see from an angle you wouldn’t normally get. It was a great insight into “hidden London” and we enjoyed the bit through London zoo even though it was a bit like Jurassic Park in that we didn’t see anything!
Just found the commentary a bit distorted and difficult to hear sometimes so that’s why it’s 4* and not 5* - but that in itself is a compliment because it means the commentary was worth listening to!
When the journey ended we walked on into Paddington Basin and enjoyed drinks on the bar barge there - lovely experience for 2 mums and their teenage sons and highly recommended for a really relaxing end to a trip to Camden xxx
There was plenty of space on board and we were made to feel welcome. The journey was great, many fab places to see from an angle you wouldn’t normally get. It was a great insight into “hidden London” and we enjoyed the bit through London zoo even though it was a bit like Jurassic Park in that we didn’t see anything!
Just found the commentary a bit distorted and difficult to hear sometimes so that’s why it’s 4* and not 5* - but that in itself is a compliment because it means the commentary was worth listening to!
When the journey ended we walked on into Paddington Basin and enjoyed drinks on the bar barge there - lovely experience for 2 mums and their teenage sons and highly recommended for a really relaxing end to a trip to Camden xxx
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WaterbusConcierge
Thanks for your review.
We're upgrading the sound systems on each of the boats, so apologies that it wasn't the clearest. Thank you for your recommendation
Written August 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Joanne G
7 contributions
traveling from Little Venice, are we able to get off at the London Zoo stop without having to actually go into the zoo?
WaterbusConcierge
London, UK
We have now suspended our Zoo Express services to support ZSL London Zoo with their Covid-19 measures, soo our services do not currently stop at London Zoo
OBH22
London, UK49 contributions
Would love to take a trip on Valentine's day - how busy is it likely to be? And how early should we arrive?
Waterbus London
London, UK
We now offer online booking for all of our trips. Check live availability and avoid disappointment!
Roslyn R
Tea Gardens, Australia2 contributions
We would be coming via underground to Paddington station. How hard is it to find where to board the boat?
Thanks
Huskorset
31 contributions
I would imagine not that difficult at all: Find the canal and stroll along it, to the northwest, from Paddington station up to the triangular pond-like part of the canal in Little Venice. It is a 5-10 min walk and quite a nice area.
Keep an eye out for the old-fashioned, standing signs, (I think they were) handwritten, with a small Waterbuss-logo at the top. In Camden we had a bit of a hard time finding where to embark, because we didn't know exactly what to look for. We rode the other way: debarked in Little V and caught the tube from Paddington. Good luck!
London Waterbus Company - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
London Waterbus Company Information
Excellent Reviews | 656 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 227 |
London Waterbus Company Photos | 720 |