Reviews of London Canal Museum. (Museum) in London (London).

London Canal Museum

109 Reviews

84 Comments

Museum

History museum

12/13 New Wharf Rd, London N1 9RT, United Kingdom

Description

Information of London Canal Museum, Museum in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

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Open hours of London Canal Museum

Popular times

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Reviews of London Canal Museum

M. M.

The building which now houses this museum was previously an ice house, storing tones of ice imported from Norway and brought along the canal to be stored in giant ice wells. You can see one of these on the ground floor of the museum. The first floor would have previously been used as stables for the horses who were used to transport the ice around London, the ramp for the horses is still here. The museum itself is very interesting and covers all aspects of the canals. How they were made, the Network of canals around the country linking the rivers, life for those working the canals & barges, and the story of the decline of the canals as a commercial enterprise before being reborn and restored for leisure activities. Some great early 20th Century black & white film playing on the first floor showing what life was like on the canals.

E. M.

Such an interesting building - part of the rich history that the museum itself describes, with really informative exhibits. Loved seeing the canal tractor and the ribbon and lace plates collected by barge people.

M. N.

5£for adults great place to learn canal history

M. P.

What an interesting find! I was a little unsure from the outside but glad I went for it, for it's a fine little museum. It tells the comprehensive story of London's and Britain's canals, with interactive displays and things to see, such as a mocked up barge. The old ice pit was very cool, as was the story of ice cream! They sell it in the gift shop too! Upstairs contains an informative gallery with visuals and audios too. My only criticism was that the only video playing was a little lackluster, enjoyable though old grainy footage can be! I think a ten minute introduction film to canals in general would be a great addition. But that's only a minor point, for it's a great place. There's even a little terrace outside by the canal basin, great for some fresh air. All for a fiver, which is terrific value. Definitely worth a visit!

w. a.

Great place to learn about London waterways. Exhibits are interactive and relays information in just the right way. It is a lot smaller than other London museums but I think that works in its favor. Entrance is ticketed and the reception also accepts contactless / card not present payments as well. Highly recommended. Will definitely visit again.

S. C.

I had a nice time at the London Canal Museum, it was very interesting, and I had a nice intro to the Ice Trade (who knew!) given by Tony, thank you. I would definitely recommend this museum for anyone interested in the Industrial Revolution and how transport was 2-300 years ago. its amazing to think how quickly it has developed really. Thank you and keep up the good work!

P. F.

This is my sort of museum, as I am not an expert at art, so this the kind of museum I visit. I've been here a while ago, but still want to give my feedback on this place, such an interesting museum where I could learn a bit of history of London canal. The place is not huge, but one can learn a great deal of history of British canals. I really had a good time.

E. s.

Well until googling we didn't realise that London had a canal museum so didn't go with any expectation but actually it was really interesting and we spent about an hour there. Nice cheap (£5) bit of culture.

P. D.

Very interesting place not only the info about the canal but also the building and surrounds. Do the islington tunnel trip get a hour in a barge and further interesting facts. Our guide was Dan whose was very interesting and also took time in his break to tell us more interesting facts of the local area great guy. All staff was very friendly and interesting to talk too.

M. M.

A small museum located a few minutes from Kings Cross station. The canal museum is a double floored museum with a modest display of canal boats and the history. There is also a model interior so visitors can experience what it's like inside a canal boat. Pleasant and a nice activity for an hour or so.

A. H.

Anyone interested in canal history and the mechanics of how they work will be fascinated by this little museum. Some good canal towpath walks are nearby.

A. P.

Arrived at The Canal Museum by 12. It took 2 hours to go around the whole museum. The entrance fee was decent, got a discounted rate. There was a lot to see and I used an audio guide. It came on in different areas of the museum. Particularly enjoyed looking into the Canal Boat and also down the excavation sore where the ice used to be stored. There was an interesting video on the first floor and lots of information on the canal routes in London. I would visit again, maybe with family or a friend who enjoys museums.

S. L. -. B.

Such a great experience from being a canal boat and everything canal associated, this place was brilliant. Just £5 to pay each and such a great experience. Also, the gift shop was very reasonable and the staff very knowledgeable, helpful and polite. Would return again when back in London 😊

Z. R.

The staff and employees here were so friendly, they made me feel very welcomed. The museum is modest in its size yet there's opportunity to explore the different areas within. There's a ground and first floor gallery. Outside there's a section of canal too. There's also a small souvenir section toward the entrance. One of the best museums I have visited in London and with affordable prices too :) enjoyable for all audiences including those with less mobility.

F. A.

Really interesting little museum. Takes about an hour to wander round and well worth it

m. b.

Fantastic historical place of interest. Well worth a visit on a bright summers day. The industrial revolution made a significant impact on UK life and it's economy. Great photo opportunities at the museum's rear.

J. D.

Interesting museum for an hour or so, great location on the basin. Staff are lovely.

M. S.

Highly interesting and educational, not just about British canals. The setting -- the first ice cream factory in London! How cool is that! -- is perfect, and the Canal Museum is an idea starting point for walks along the canal. I didn't know the first thing about London's waterways but from now on, I'll make sure to explore much more. London Canal Museum was certainly a nice surprise. Highly recommended!

N. W.

We held our wedding at the London Canal Museum in July 2018 - and what a beautiful, quirky, fascinating and friendly venue it is. Our 80 guests took a 90-minute cruise along the Regents Canal from Camden Lock (booked separately from a private company) before mooring at the museum in time for the ceremony. The museum makes ingenious use of its two floors, as well as the outside patio by the canal, where many guests took their drinks. All our guests loved the "village hall" feel, especially of the upper floor where the ceremony, dinner and dancing took place. Veteran wedding-goers have commented on how distinctive and memorable it all was - in central London but feeling like a world away. Pricing was very reasonable and the set-up is very flexible: you can bring in your own services or use those provided by - or recommended by - the museum. The staff are dedicated and friendly. Throughout the planning stages Martin, who coordinated it all, was extremely quick and helpful in dealing with our questions and could not have been more attentive. We really feel so glad that we chose to marry here!

A.

A charming little museum with fascinating exhibits providing an insight into our social history. I would love to give it 5 stars but museum doesn’t accept dogs for no apparent reason and despite spending £40+ on entrance and items in gift shop we were told off by a volunteer who said we should have left the boat mooring immediately after our visit of the museum - we were actually waiting for rain to pass?

S. C.

Fascinating little museum set in an old ice warehouse, a great add-on to our day out on the canal. My 4 and 7 year-olds loved it - plenty of things you can actually touch, as well as a dressing up box and a family trail. Also very informative for adults. We spent about an hour here. Free for under-5s!

C. M.

I very much enjoyed my visit to the museum. I thought the entrance fee of £5 was cheap, considering the quality of my visitor experience and the fact that I paid more than that for a pint of beer the night before in a pub nearby. I had a great welcome from a volunteer staff member called Brian. A very friendly chap who is obviously very knowledgeable and passionate about the museum. Thank you Brian and thank you everyone else who is involved in preserving this marvelous building and explaining it's history and that of Englands, and in particular London's canal transportation system.

A. S.

I visited museum with my 10 yo son. We both enjoyed it very much! Staff is very nice and knows everything about the subject. We took a tunnel boat ride and we can only recommend it. But better than overprices touristy tours in camdem area!

N. H.

Hidden away behind Kings Cross station in an old ice store, this charming museum details the history behind London's canals. The exhibits are informative. The museum is good for kids as they can explore an old canal boat (inside). You can also see the old ice stores as well which is fascinating.

A. K.

The staff are really friendly and they look after you by answering any of your questions. They are genuinely interested in the museum and like to share stories that they have. There are sometimes trips on the canal and all of this is at very reasonable prices.

A.

Had a very interesting morning with a group of friends at the museum. We particularly enjoyed the films. Only comment would be we did the recommended canal walk in reverse and the info sheet I had downloaded was only in one direction. The website said that there was a leaflet for the reverse direction available at the museum but they had run out. We enjoyed the walk but I think we missed quite a lot as I was trying to follow the directions backwards on my phone. Would it be possible to have both on the website?

V. Z.

Really interesting and comprehensive. Provides a great overview of London's canals from both engineering and social/economic perspectives. Separately, the building itself was designed as an ice cube storage, and the museum covers this archaic yet fascinating industry in great detail.

D. F. d. l. C.

Really interesting museum. It makes you realise to what extent canals are linked to London history.

S. R. Y. S. U.

Had a good experience working at this museum as a front-desk volunteer while studying in London. Also, good place for those who are going to spend their family outings during summer here in London. For the staff, I miss you all.. Cheers!!

N. J.

Have you ever visited the Canal museum. If you are a big fan of the art - this museum will become your favourite place. On the 17th of May I'm planning to go there and enjoy the "Museums at Night" event. A nice chance to see the museum in a different light.

A. L.

+ Interesting and plenty of things for the kids to touch - £5 each for adults is a bit much for 2 very small floors -The bloke taking your money needs some customer service lessons. After asking if I had less than £20 note (for £12.50 total) I gave him £10 then all I got was £2.50, £2.50, £2.50 while I was counting the change. Then not another word, no thank you, no nothing, another chap stepped in and pointed to "go there first". Not very customer friendly.

G. L. P.

A canal museum isn’t the first place you’d think of to find out about the history of ice cream, but at the London Canal Museum that’s what you’ll get – flake and all. In what was once an ice warehouse used by Carlo Gatti for his famous ice cream, you’ll find an exhibition on the stuff that is anything but vanilla. Sorry. You’ll also come away having learnt about the intriguing history of the canals and waterways, their people, horses and trade. Plus you get to go inside a narrow boat cabin. It certainly floated our boat. Sorry x 2.

A. H.

I really enjoyed this museum and thought it gave a unique perspective on Londons waterway systems I hadn't really thought about before. Bring your student ID for reduced admission, although if you have limited time in London there are other museums to check out

I. C.

This is a good museum tickets are priced at £5 they do have family tickets . Location is good ideally I would recommend organising the day so you can visit a few of the museums on the same day

D. C.

Enjoyable, for the small out of way little museum

A. N.

Where you can see all the lovely mansions and the beautiful boats that go passing by. I love staying in this place, very relaxing and many beautiful views to look on. Very relaxing and calming, that you will surely love.

D. H.

If you are into narrowboats, this is the place to come. Been couple times. Saw Mikron theatre company there. They were absolutely superb. Staff don't seem hugely knowledgeable though. Go on a narrowboat trip through tunnel if you can.

R. R.

We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at canal museum. The volunteer lady there was very friendly and knowledgeable. Recommended to visit

v. r.

Very interesting visit with knowledgeable staff. Good variety of material covering the history of the canal network and the Regents canal and its environs generally.

S. J.

Well worth a visit, a bit off the beaten track. Good exhibits on display and was offered and accepted an oral introduction to the musuem.

A. D.

Great little museum on the canal. An old ice house with plenty of history about that, canals and boats too. Make sure to watch the films which are always playing upstairs. £4 entry fee for adults.

K. L.

A great little surprise of a museum! Informative about canal life and the history of the Canals.

G. W.

If, a year ago, you'd told me i'd be posting a positive review of a tiny museum dedicated to canals... In response to owner: okay - not tiny ;) & I did like it.

O. Z.

Plenty of things you can actually touch, as well as a dressing up box and a family trail. Also very informative for adults.

N. C.

Add a few £ and enjoy a very nice boat ride in the tunnel and on the canal. Full of history, with passionate people answering all your questions.

a. s. m.

Information rich, lots of boards to read. Lots of photos. Didn't romanticise too much, covered multiple aspects and perspectives.

S. L.

It was very intresting and fun and it made my day.I want to come back soon and it is an intriguing place to go. All of London should go. Felix White

c. l.

Brilliant museum would like to spend more time there to read everything but my 3 year old wasn't too impressed

F. W.

A good hour about here makes you feel proper pirate, fair historical information and interactive learning materials, staff were friendly enough, thanks :)

l. d.

Very interesting insight into canal life.

D. H.

Very good for a day out. Not only about Canal but also about how ice 1st came to the United Kingdom.

G. G.

Fantastic display and great activities for the kids

S. D.

What a delightful museum. The staff where very friendly, knowledgeable and friendly.

G. C.

Fantastic and cheap museum full of interesting facts.

R. F.

Full of history and a great place to take the family.

J. M.

Very interesting exhibition,

B. P.

Good if you have any interest in the subject.

T. D.

Is so nice museum

K. A.

😊

M. S.

Great place to visit with family and friends.

K. H.

I going for my uncle and auntie wedding 👰 🎩

J. W.

A great little place to visit

Z. H.

Boring

A. A.

curious

A. G.

(Translated) A museum outside the traditional schemes, but no less fascinating and educational than others. Absolutely not to be missed for those who, like me, love to discover and learn the lifestyles of the past, savoring their daily ménage. It is an ethnographic museum that illustrates how people lived a long time and inside the waterways of London, a life certainly not at ease made up of risks, fatigue, sweat and poverty. A cross-section of a "different" London, whose symbol is the "Coronis", a perfectly restored old boat, emblem of the art of getting by: it seems impossible that in its spaces, skimpy and optimized beyond belief, a real family has lived and own. (Original) Un museo fuori dagli schemi tradizionali, ma non per questo meno affascinante ed educativo di altri. Assolutamente da non perdere per chi, come me, ama scoprire ed imparare gli stili di vita del passato, assaporandone il loro ménage quotidiano. E' un museo etnografico che illustra come si viveva un tempo lungo e dentro i corsi d'acqua londinesi, una vita certamente non agiata fatta di rischi, fatica, sudore e povertà. Uno spaccato di una Londra "differente", il cui simbolo è la "Coronis", una vecchia imbarcazione perfettamente restaurata, emblema dell'arte di arrangiarsi: sembra impossibile che nei suoi spazi, striminziti ed ottimizzati all'inverosimile, abbia vissuto una famiglia vera e propria.

F. D.

(Translated) Not large, but very nice to get detailed information about the history of channels in England. Explained with practical examples and many activities for children. Run by volunteers and a very friendly entrance fee. (Original) Niet groot, maar zeer leuk om detailinformatie op te doen over de historie van kanalen in Engeland. Uitgelegd met praktijkvoorbeelden en veel activiteiten voor kinderen. Gerund door vrijwilligers en een hele vriendelijke toegangsprijs.

T. K.

(Translated) Small and intimate museum of the "Grand" canal. Very friendly service, the possibility of a barge cruise on the canal. I recommend to people visiting not only the main tourist attractions. (Original) Małe i kameralne muzeum "Wielkiego" kanału. Bardzo sympatyczna obsługa, możliwość rejsu barką po kanale. Polecam dla ludzi zwiedzających nie tylko główne atrakcje turystyczne.

M. R.

(Translated) AWESOME !! The owner gives you an explanation of the museum, which is really interesting, the museum is very attractive, for £ 5 it is really worth the detour !! (Original) GÉNIAL !! Le propriétaire vous fait une explication du musée, qui est vraiment intéressante, le musée est très attractif, pour 5£ ça vaut vraiment le détour !!

d. p.

G. M.

(Translated) Successful museum about the history and tradition of English inland navigation with so-called "narrow boats". (Original) Gelungenes Museum über die Geschichte und Tradition der englischen Binnenschifferei mit sog. "Narrow Boats".

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