Getting on/off trains and boat; train journeys approximately 1 hour total; boat ride about 2.5 miles, approximately 1 hour. Walking about 3 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobblestones. This day involves use of the London Underground; not all stations have step-free access from street level, platforms are typically accessed by escalators and underground pedestrian tunnels, and some journeys involve changing trains.
In the hotel dining room, the breakfast buffet offers a range of hot and cold items such as eggs, breakfast meats, hash browns, mushrooms, tomatoes, cereals, cheese, cold cuts, yoghurts, pastries, toast, milk, juices, coffee, tea, water.
We’ll walk to the nearby London Underground station and take the Tube to Camden Town in north London. Since the 1970s, this vibrant neighborhood has been renowned for its markets, which are a popular weekend destination for Londoners and visitors seeking “alternative” fashion, music, crafts, antiques, and street food. Our Study Leader will provide an introduction to the area, followed by some time for independent exploration during which our Study Leader will remain on hand to give advice. We’ll regroup in the late morning at Camden Lock, where we’ll board a narrowboat and ride along the Regent’s Canal to the picturesque west London neighborhood known as Little Venice. Our route will take us through The Regent’s Park —named for King George IV, who conceived of the park in 1811 while he was Prince Regent — to the triangular canal basin that forms the heart of Little Venice.
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
We’ll continue on foot alongside the Grand Union Canal, which was one of the most important transportation routes in Britain from the beginning of the Industrial Revolution until the introduction of the railway network. Our Study Leader will provide informative commentary on the history and culture of the area as we walk to Portobello Road, where we’ll have some time for independent exploration. Portobello Road is one of the most celebrated streets in the country, appearing in numerous films, books — including the Paddington Bear series — and popular songs. It hosts a daily street market, which is at its most lively on Saturdays when the focus of trade is antiques.
At a local restaurant near Portobello Road we’ll have a 2-course plated meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
After returning to the hotel by public transport, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.