Just a short 10-minute stroll south from Hanwell Square you’ll land up at the Grand Union Canal. This canal was once a busy industrial waterway used for transporting wood, coal and other goods and connects London to the Midlands. Today it is mostly used for leisure boating and it serves as a scenic backdrop perfect for a country stroll.

The Hanwell Flight is a series of locks built in 1794 on the canal which were historically created as the most practical means of getting canals up and down steep hills. These locks raise the canal 53 feet in just half a mile. These locks help to adjoin ponds and meadows, and even connect the River Brent to the rest of the canal system today.

Here at this unexpected part of London you’ll find seasonal mooring and ample greenery. The canal is peaceful and quiet and is home to year-round wildlife and interesting historic architecture. You’ll also find plenty of grassy areas to have a picnic with friends and family.

The canal is the perfect scene for those brisk morning walks or the post-work runs. The routes conveniently connect to Bunny Park and Elthorne Park. Don’t forget, you’ll be just moments to one of Hanwell’s favourites, the local pub called The Fox where you can enjoy a pint or two, or sit down for a hearty Sunday Roast.