Boating along the Regent's Canal

The Regent's Canal is a highly attractive waterway in itself, offering you the chance to see a side of London missed by others.

It's also a useful through-route to the rivers Lee and Stort, and for the more adventurous boater, forms part of the London Ring which incorporates a trip along the Thames tideway. Access onto the River Thames is via Limehouse Lock or Bow Locks, and from the Grand Union via Thames Lock at Brentford. Remember that the Thames has fickle currents and tide runs.

London by water

Useful information

The Boaters' Guide for London can be downloaded below and is an essential read for anyone planning a trip on London's waterways.

When mooring, please ensure that your ropes do not cross the towpath. Please also ensure that your mooring pins are visible – if possible, tie a brightly coloured object such as a carrier bag to the top of each pin to warn other towpath users.

Visitor moorings at Camden and Islington on the Regent's Canal have now been changed to 7 day maximum duration of stay throughout the year. Previously the moorings were 7 days in the summer and 14 days in the winter. The new time durations will ensure that more boats can use these popular central London moorings.

If you wish to visit London Docklands, bookings must always be made in advance. As the waterspace comprises working docks, only boaters with a confirmed berth or mooring space can come through the locks. However, visitors are welcome during special events which are organised during the summer and organised club visits are possible. A Mooring Permit will be issued at the lock for short term moorings (two months or less).

For full details on cruising beyond London's waterways and tide timetables, please refer to the ‘Tidal Locks Availability leaflet', which is reviewed every 6 months and is available from British Waterways' regional office.

Locks on the Regent's Canal should be shared wherever possible. Lock gates and paddles should always be closed after use to preserve water levels.

Bridge & lock opening times

Find detailed information on local services, moorings and stoppages by using the drop down menu on the left.