Canal history

With over 200 years of history, London's canals were originally built to connect the great docks on the River Thames to Birmingham and the industrial Midlands.

Limehouse Basin (formerly the Regent's Canal Dock), was the hub of the canal system nationwide. During the early 19th Century these docks were places of intense activity as exotic foreign cargoes were unloaded onto narrow boats to pass through London's waterways before continuing their journey onwards.

Why not visit the Museum in Docklands at West India Quay to discover more.

Nowadays the canal banks are worlds apart from their hectic past, instead providing a peaceful haven for all.

Colourful narrow boats linger as a fascinating reminder of our industrial and maritime heritage and our waterways today provide a beautiful environment in which to enjoy wildlife, watersports, angling, boat trips, historic buildings and many waterside bars and restaurants.

Download a canal map (PDF 625kb)

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