London Tourist Attractions: London Canal Museum – Learn about the History and Stories of the City's Canals
Among the rivers in London, the most prominent is the Thames, with many landmark attractions standing along its banks, giving it a pivotal historical status. But in fact, canals also played a very important role in London's urban development, carrying heavy freight transportation tasks. Today, Go City's London Pass takes everyone into the London Canal Museum, where through various exhibitions you can learn about the history of London's canals and the people who lived and worked on them.
Source: London Canal Museum
Located behind King's Cross station, as the only museum dedicated to London's inland waterways, the London Canal Museum is housed in a Victorian building that was once the ice house built in 1862 by the famous ice cream maker Carlo Gatti. Through replica boats, various educational exhibitions, and downloadable audio guides, the museum's exhibits cover the history and heritage of London's canal system, giving visitors a new understanding of these historically significant waterways.
Opened to the public in 1992, the museum is right next to a dock where many pleasure boats and narrowboats are moored. Moreover, due to its unique location as an ice house, the museum also tells the story of the ice trade and ice cream. Now, the two ice wells that were once used to store ice have become an interesting part of the museum.
Source: London Canal Museum
During your visit, you can learn about the history of London's canals through a series of carefully designed exhibits, such as boat models, artifacts, and souvenirs;
Source: London Canal Museum
You can listen to stories of people's lives on London's waterways in a carefully restored cabin, and learn about the traditions behind narrowboat painting and colorful designs;
You can step into a reconstructed stable (located on the ground floor of the museum) to see the horses that once worked along the canals, pulling narrowboats along the towpath;
Source: London Canal Museum
Or before stepping into the canal system, you can experience London's canals today by finding interesting walking and cycling routes along the waterways.
Museum address: 12/13 New Wharf Road, King's Cross, London
Visiting hours: Thursday to Sunday, 10:00 – 16:30
Admission: £5, free with The London Pass
If you want to experience the long history and traditions of London's canals firsthand, Jason's Original Canal Boat Trip on the Regent's Canal is an excellent choice. The canal boat Jason has been operating round trips between Little Venice and Camden Lock since 1951. The lush trees along the canal, clean riverbanks, charming little bridges, various boats, and even the lovely animals at London Zoo are unique sights that are hard to see on the Thames. This boat trip is also free with the London Pass.
