With the iconic River Thames snaking its way through central London, it is somewhat unsurprising that the canals of North London tend to be overlooked by visitors, although they’re missing out on an absolute gem. Whilst wandering the banks of these pretty canals allows you to take in the diverse surroundings, there is, however, no better way to soak up the atmosphere than by sailing the waters of Regents Canal yourself with GoBoat Paddington.
The various passageways and basins of Regents Canal are largely taken up by Londoners living the traditional life in a narrowboat, moored up along the banks, some as a value alternative to the city’s affordable housing crisis! Ordinarily visitors exploring the area opt to join one of the narrowboat tours running between Camden and Little Venice, discovering the peaceful pace of canal life. But GoBoat has emerged with an alternative, more private (and fun!) way to explore the canals and enjoy the waters in style: a small self-driven electric boat.
On your arrival, the GoBoat team will brief you on your recommended route, either heading East or West from Paddington Basin dependent on how long your booking is for, and highlight any key sites to look out for along the way. They’ll also explain how to maneuver around the canals and its various tunnels and turns and, most importantly, hand out the captain’s hat! Once your initial briefing is complete, all aboard your vessel and it’s time for a short test drive to get used to the controls – don’t worry, whoever’s driving will pick it up in no time.
If you’re hiring the GoBoat for two hours or more, you’ll likely head East from Paddington, towards Camden Lock. On exiting Paddington basin, you’ll first navigate one of the beautiful canal ‘roundabouts’ by Little Venice (famously featured in the film Paddington 2!). Immediately afterwards you’ll enjoy one of the most picturesque stretches of canal, winding through popular Little Venice, with beautiful tree-lined banks and quaint Victorian houses flanking the canal.
Soon after Little Venice, you’ll start going along the northern end of Regent’s Park, where you can admire some of the most expensive Italian style villas. Following which, you can spot some of the inhabitants of London Zoo, including the magnificent African Wild Dogs, warthogs and a huge aviary full of colourful birds. After a little longer you’ll reach a strikingly large Chinese style boat (now converted into a restaurant), signalling that it’s sadly nearly time to turn around and head back to base.
Key Information about GoBoat
How much does it cost to rent a GoBoat?
GoBoats can be booked for between one and three hours slots. 1 hour sessions cost from £65, 2 hour sessions from £89 and 3 hour sessions from £119. During peak times, including weekends, bank holidays and summertime prices are more expensive.
How many people can sail in a GoBoat?
The GoBoats comfortably hold up to 8 people, including your nominated Captain. Should your group be larger than 8 you can choose to book multiple GoBoats and sail alongside each other down the canals.
Can you bring food and drink aboard a GoBoat?
All the GoBoats are equipped with a central picnic table which you’re highly encouraged to make use of, where better to have a picnic than floating along the scenic canals! At GoBoat Paddington there are no alcoholic drinks allowed for everyone’s safety, so why not take the opportunity to try an alcohol free wine! You can pick up any last minute food and drink from Marks and Spencer’s food hall just behind the GoBoat pontoon.
Do GoBoats sail in all weather?
GoBoat operates in all weather apart from extreme winds, thunderstorms or restricted visibility. Blankets and umbrellas are available on board for cooler days or incase of a stereotypical English rain showers.
Where can you hire a GoBoat from?
GoBoat London now has four locations – Paddington, where you can explore Regents Canal as we did, Kingston and Thames Ditton, where you can adventure along the River Thames, and Canary Wharf, where you can meander between the skyscrapers. All four are easily accessible via public transport and offer a special way to see London.
Can I stop my GoBoat to explore some of the sights along the way?
Unfortunately GoBoat is not licensed to moor the boats anywhere else but at their own pontoons. This means that you’re not able to stop the boat at the side of the canal and you can only take in the views from the water – but don’t worry, the views from the water are special enough!
Our final thoughts on... GoBoat
London really comes to life when the sun comes out, with the waters glistening and the lush greenery blooming in the parks. There aren’t many better ways to spend your afternoons than sailing the canals around Little Venice in your private GoBoat with a picnic lunch – this really is the best way to explore.
Find Out More…
GoBoat – https://goboat.co.uk
Many thanks to GoBoat for hosting us for this fun adventure in London. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely our own, we wouldn’t recommend something if we didn’t love it!
