London is well known for being one of the best places to visit over the christmas break. With it’s incredible christmas lighting displays scattered through the city, one of a kind shopping opportunities, traditional christmas events and a millennium’s worth of historic sites, there’s plenty of reasons to visit the city during the holidays. Little Venice is one of the historic areas of the city which is often overlooked. With a great range of affordable yet luxury hotels scattered across the shared Paddington area, such as the Park Grand Court Hotel, Little Venice offers more than just canals, although they are beautiful!
History of Little Venice
Little Venice is based in West London and is known for its proximity to Paddington Station and for its wide range of historic and famous residence. Little Venice is known for its canal system, one of the most historic and useful for trade in the city. Little Venice canal system leads to the Paddington Basin and links up to the Grand Union Canal, waterway network which leads all the way up to Birmingham.
Canal Cafe Theatre
The Canal Cafe Theatre is a fringe venue on Westbourne Terrace. This venue is located above the Bridge House Pub, at the crossing of the Grand Union and Regents Canal. The venue itself is especially famous for starting and showcasing the careers of many of the best comedians in the city. The Canal Cafe Theatre is also known for showcasing theatre performances at great value prices.
Puppet Theatre Barge
The Puppet Theatre Barge is one of the most unique theatres in not only West London, but the whole city. This 50 seat puppet theatre gives viewings of children’s shows, bringing puppet versions of famous plays by the likes of Shakespeare and Aesop’s Fables. The venue also commissions contemporary writers such as Wendy Cope and Howard Barker, giving an eclectic mix of traditional and new puppet theatre.
See Abbey Road Studios
Abbey Road Studios is a famous recording studio in St John’s Woods. Not far from Little Venice, it is a must visit for music lovers, and especially The Beatles fanatics. The studio itself is famous for the recording of seminal albums by the likes of Pink Floyd and The Hollies. The Grade II listed building is still in operation as a recording studio, but tours are available for those interested in exploring the grand building.
Take a canal barge tour
There are plenty of canal tours around the Grand Union and Paddington Basin. At most harbours and hotels you’ll be able to find details on the best ways to experience the canal system. Whether it’s a GoBoat pedalo or a houseboat style tour, there’s plenty to see in the area.
Paddington Station
Paddington Station is one of the key station in the city, with great links to the West of England and across the midlands. This station gives you a wide range of shopping options, including the world famous Paddington Bear shop, which no doubt makes one of the best souvenir shops for kids.
