The historic Grand Union Canal spans West London, from Paddington to the Colne Valley. This local asset provides many excellent opportunities for exploration and curriculum enrichment. We offer free guided walks at this site. Our guided walks are well established and are a fantastic way to discover our waterways. Children will learn how to keep safe by water, compare rivers to canals, find out how a lock works, learn about the local history and spot a variety of water birds. During most of our walks, children have spotter booklets to help guide them and remind them of the visit. Visit Brentford Gauging Locks to learn more about how the canals connect to the transport of the Thames – half a mile from Brentford Station and on Bus Route 235, 237, 267 and E8 Visit The Hanwell Flight for a walk along a Green Flag area of natural beauty, with evidence from the area’s history all around you. Use Hanwell Station on the Elizabeth line or Bus Routes 195 & E8 Visit Uxbridge Lock to discover how trade and transport – roads, rivers, canals & rail - built this historic town. Half a mile from Uxbridge tube station or, use Bus 331 and any for the town centre.
West London
Uxbridge Lock, The Hanwell Flight (Southall) and Brentford Gauging Locks - The Grand Union Canal
Educational visits in West London
Workshops
This site offers guided walks as described above.
Learning Resources
Facilities
Most routes are step free and have plenty of public green space for eating lunches or continuing the learning. Unfortunately, most locations lack toilet facilities, so tours are limited to 90 minutes. Site visits are limited to one class of children at a time (max. 35), due to guide numbers and space limitations. On most occasions we can host two visits in one day. All West London site visits are outdoors with very few shelter options. Please ensure participants are appropriately dressed. All visits are weather dependent and are rearranged if bad weather interrupts a visit. We usually only accept bookings up to three months in advance, when we can guarantee availability. Unfortunately, we cannot offer activities in the evenings or at weekends. There are some independent organisations that can host boat trips or paddling – an internet search may help you find an extra special experience.
Price
Visits to our London sites are FREE!
London sites hold the Quality Badge
Find out more about this accreditation from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom
