A 5-minute walk from Paddington station, the barge has prime mooring in Browning’s Pond, the meeting point of the Grand Union and Regent’s Canals. On board the slate-grey wide beam boat, laden with potted plants, you'll find an open-plan stern containing a well-equipped kitchen and stylish lounge; move to the bow to find the cosiest, comfiest bedroom for two. Relax on the roof deck, light the firepit, nod to your neighbours and watch the ducks paddle past. After a day exploring the fast-paced capital, it was such a treat to return to our peaceful waterborne home. I could almost hear my senses sigh with relief. Once you uncover this secret side to London, it may change the way you do city breaks forever.
Highs
- The location: in a peaceful, leafy pocket of London, but a short walk from Paddington Station and several tube lines
- We loved having the roof deck for a sunny morning cuppa; outdoor space is a rare treat in London
- Lots of homely touches, like magazines to flick through and classic board games for rainy days
- Breakfast goodies are provided, while a choice of cafes and restaurants are in easy reach
- Good value when compared to most accommodations in the area
Lows
- Walls aren't particularly soundproof and the curtains are quite thin; earplugs and eyemasks are recommended for uninterrupted sleep
- The roof deck is unfenced and uncovered so take care if it's been raining
- The chemical toilet means loo roll can't be flushed and it will eventually need emptying, but you won't have to do this yourself!
- There's no private parking but you won't need a car to get around
- Best suited to a couple, but it could work for a family of 3-4 with sensible kids
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Boutique Houseboat
- 1 bedroom
- Self-catering
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
Rooms
As you step into the cabin, a little galley kitchen is to your left and the surprisingly bright and spacious lounge is ahead. There's a plush bottle-green sofa (which can open up as a double sofabed), a leather sling armchair and a woven footstall/coffee table. A wood-burning stove sits dead centre, with a study space on one side and the hallway to the bow on the other.
Down the far end, the sleeping cabin features a raised double bed piled high with squishy pillows, a thick down duvet and a selection of blankets. It's ridiculously cosy but, although it's enclosed on three sides, the length is ample enough to fully stretch out. There's a built-in wardrobe and boxes to store belongings away, keeping the snug space free of clutter.
Between the two rooms sits a compact monochrome wetroom with a rain shower and chemical loo - this means loo roll needs to be put in the bin rather than flushed, but we quickly got used to it.
Little touches make this houseboat feel like a home: board games, London guides, real plants and interior style mags (a nod to the owner's career as a set designer) fill the shelves.
Features include:
- Binoculars
- Bluetooth sound system
- Central heating
- Cots available
- Hairdryer
- Terrace/balcony
- WiFi
- Wood-burner
Eating
The kitchen is well-equipped for simple self-catering. There's a stove, oven, small fridge-freezer, lots of lovely crockery and plenty of pans. We noticed pantry space was limited and there's no dining area (we had to eat breakfast on our laps), but you'll likely be sampling London's culinary treats most of the time.
Breakfast provisions are there on arrival: fresh sourdough bread, milk, eggs, butter and a jar of delicious London honey. An assortment of teas and a Nespresso machine provide the caffeine fix.
When you want to head out for dinner and drinks, the options nearby are endless. We had a great meal at Bizzarro, a lively and authentic Italian restaurant near Paddington Station. The Waterside Cafe sits only a few metres up the towpath, while along the canal The Summerhouse serves good seafood and The Waterway is a popular gastropub with a riverfront terrace.
Features include:
- Chef on request
- Coffee maker
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Self-catering
Activities
- Follow the towpath along Regent's Canal by foot, bike or boat to Camden Lock; the owner can help you organise a private boat trip
- You're close to two of London's most iconic parks: Hyde Park and Regent's Park are both a 25-minute walk away; the former has the Serpentine and Winter Wonderland, the latter London Zoo and the open-air theatre
- It's a half-hour walk to the west to Portobello Road Market and the colourful streets of Notting Hill
- On a nice day, take a picnic over the bridge to Rembrandt Gardens, a pretty park on the other side of the pond
- If you're a fan of the polite bear from Peru, you can find homages to Paddington Bear all over the city, from a statue trail to an immersive experience on the South Bank
- Places of interest nearby include the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street, Lords cricket ground in St Johns Wood, and Kensington Palace in Hyde Park
- The Natural History, Science and V&A museums are in South Kensington, and the Albert Hall is nearby for special concerts
- Enjoy some retail therapy in the boutiques of Marylebone High Street or the big brands on Oxford Street, starting at Marble Arch
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Plantlife / flora
- Private guided tours
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome on the Little Venice Houseboat and kids will enjoy the novelty of sleeping on the water, but it might feel quite tight for space. It's best for babies or older kids who'll be careful on the unfenced decks and won't mind sleeping in the lounge.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The sofa lays flat to form a double bed, and the study area can be used for extra storage space.
Cots Available
Families Should Know:
The roof deck is unfenced so children should be supervised at all times.
Distances:
- Airport: 35 minute drive (Heathrow)
- Hospital: 10 minute walk
- Shops: 5 minute walk
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Little Venice Houseboat is moored in Browning's Pond, opposite the Rembrandt Gardens and a 5-minute walk from Paddington Station's canal exit.
By Air
London Heathrow or Gatwick are the most popular airports, while budget airlines often use Stansted or Luton. All airports have train/tube links into London; or you can take a taxi.
By Public Transport
London is extremely well served by public transport. You can use contactless cards or smartphones for bus, rail and tube fares. Warwick Avenue tube station is a 6-minute walk, and it's a 5-minute walk to Paddington Station, the nearest mainline railway station. There are plenty of buses which go down Edgware Road taking you to the West End and beyond.
By Car
You really don't need a car in central London, and parking is a nightmare. Much better to use public transport, a ride-hailing app or your feet!
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Heathrow 25.4 km LHR
- Gatwick 96.5 km LGW
Other:
- Beach 90.0 km
- Shops 0.4 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km