London Canal Museum
12-13 New Wharf Road, Kings Cross, London, Greater London, N1 9RT
The London Canal Museum explores the history of the city’s man-made waterways, documenting the vessels, trade, and workers of London’s canals. Exhibits tend toward the immersive, though they also explore the museum building’s past: It was originally used as an ice warehouse by Carlo Gatti, which is a bigger deal than it might sound—he’s the Swiss entrepreneur credited with introducing ice cream to the British masses.
The basics
The London Canal Museum chronicles the history of London’s canal system as well as the city’s Victorian-era ice trade. A standard ticket provides access to the museum’s exhibits, while a combination ticket includes museum access and a guided 1-hour boat trip through the Islington Tunnel—an underground portion of Regent’s Canal that can only be traversed by boat. Some London sightseeing passes include free access to the museum as well as hop-on hop-off bus transportation.
Things to know before you go
- If you’re doing the tunnel boat trip, dress for the weather: While the boat is covered and the Islington Tunnel provides shelter, you may be exposed to the elements while boarding and disembarking.
- Download a free audio tour of the museum at the London Canal Museum website before you visit.
- The museum building is wheelchair-accessible. The narrowboat cabin exhibit is not wheelchair-accessible, though a virtual tour is available.
How to get there
The London Canal Museum sits on the waterfront of Regent’s Canal in Islington, London. Take the Tube (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines) to King’s Cross St. Pancras. The museum is less than a 10-minute walk from the station.
When to get there
The best time to visit is summer, when the weather is mild and suited to canalside walks. Boat trips run every Thursday between May and September, and every second and fourth Sunday between May and October.
Towpath walk
Combine a visit to the museum with a scenic stroll along the towpath, from Camden Town to the London Canal Museum. This walk, which takes about an hour to complete, takes travelers along the edge of Regent’s Canal, past historic bridges, locks, narrowboats, and waterside warehouses. Download the audio guide at the London Canal Museum website to listen to commentary on the surroundings.
Ways to explore
The London Canal Museum chronicles the history of London’s canal system, as well as the city’s Victorian-era ice trade. A standard ticket provides access to the exhibits, while a combination ticket includes museum access and a guided 1-hour boat trip to/through the Islington Tunnel (only accessible by boat), Little Venice, Victoria Park, Camden Locks, and more. (Combination tickets are only available on certain dates.)
Some London sightseeing passes include free access to the museum as well as hop-on, hop-off bus transportation.
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair-accessible, including accessible restrooms
Age limits
Content is most suitable to kids ages 6 and up
What to pack
Reusable water bottle, camera
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, layers if you’re taking the canal trip
Not allowed
Touching exhibits, smoking, disruptive behavior
Amenities
Gift shop, restrooms, audio tours, canal tours, free Wi-Fi
Address
The London Canal Museum isn’t far from King’s Cross Station (yes, the one in Harry Potter). It’s best to get there via public transit.
Driving
While driving to the London Canal Museum is technically possible, parking is challenging in central London, and the museum doesn’t have its own parking lot. You’re best off with a rideshare, taxi, or public transit.
Public transportation
Take the London Underground to King’s Cross St. Pancras station (on the Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Northern, Victoria, and Metropolitan lines). From the station, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the museum.
Best times to visit
Go on a weekday morning or early afternoon for fewer crowds, and expect to spend about an hour inside.
Best days to visit
Tuesday through Thursday are good for quieter visits, while Wednesday through Sunday there’s a wider range of boat trip options.
Best months to visit
Catch a boat trip between April and October. The summer months are ideal for combining museum visits with canal walks.
Special events
Certain Thursdays offer the bonus of evening talks, and on certain dates, boat trips are available to book—check the museum’s calendar.
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