by I had a great opportunity to live in London a few years ago thanks to a dear friend. I lived on a tight budget having to happily avoid major tourist spots but I would take weekly wanders via the train. Just hop off, explore the neighborhood, get a nibble, and see what I could see. One day I ventured out the northside of London’s Paddington Station, where I stumbled upon a floating oasis for bibliophiles known as London’s Word On The Water Book Barge, a second-hand bookstore housed on an old canal boat. But I also discovered a peaceful part of London where conventional lines of existence are colorfully blurred. Where one can quietly drift along the old canal system amid a turbulent urban sea of tall buildings and busy streets. The slower more mindful bohemian lifestyle seemed to still be holding on despite the new millennium of technology, modern convenience, and ever overbearing government regulations that surround it.
early canal life at nearby Regent’s Canal, 1823 
barges being towed through Regent’s Park, 1930’s
London’s Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal was completed in 1801 and was a much needed welcomed addition. An efficient means of timely transport of goods into central London from Britain’s plentiful north and midlands via the man-made canal system. Despite its importance in the beginning, over time the steam train and eventual modern lorries made obsolete the horse-drawn barges of yesteryear. For many years now, the canal system throughout the UK has become almost only for pleasure with very few transport companies in operation. Now you will near only find nomadic residents living on rehabbed narrowboats, holiday accommodations, and waterside entrepreneurialism. Long gone are the days of narrow barges bulging with coal, lumber, and stone being towed up the Grand Union Canal.
Canal neighbors visiting 
Quaint canal-side cafe at London’s Little Venice
Many have chosen a narrowboat as a way of life; some as escapism, some as retirement, and even some as a solution to long commutes and high cost of London housing. Overseen by the Canal & River Trust there are many options for mooring stays and areas such as London’s Little Venice offer only 14 day stays but provide a convenient opportunity for boatsmen to explore (the western edge of central London such as Regent’s Park, Camden, and Westminster) for rubbish disposal, waste and water needs and refueling.
being handy with tools and a willingness to help make you a valuable neighbor 
life on a narrowboat looks lovely
A land-lover visiting London’s canal of Little Venice will find miles of lovely waterside walking path’s with the occasional floating cafe to enjoy a nibble along with the tranquil views and the waterbus hauling visitors to the London Zoo. One unique and wonderful floating shop near Little Venice is Word On The Water Book Barge, a halcyon space for bibliophiles.
Browsing below deck at Word On The Water
A floating haven for used books to find new life, this genuine and unique shop is struggling to stay afloat. With a wonderful selection spanning all genres priced 1£-3£ and the occasional Sunday afternoon jazz session on the top deck, nirvana is near. Business is a tricky game along the canal system due to regulations and despite a large customer base and support from the local community, the future of this canal business is in question as it struggles for permanent mooring status from the city.
A real shame should Word On The Water cease to exist as in this complicated world it becomes tougher to find genuine small businesses offering what I consider the ‘consumer holy trinity’; sincere customer service, affordable product, and a refreshing sales approach.
UPDATE 5/2/20 Word on the Water Book Barge is still going strong and now located in the canal at York Way, Granary Square, London UK. They also have a wonderful website where you can order online at Word On The Water.com and they also have a fabulous Facebook Page.
A beautiful alternative to your urban exploration of London, the canal waterways and Little Venice are not to be missed. Although economically archaic due to industrial evolution, war, weather, and necessity; nostalgia and appreciation for this oasis amongst the skyscrapers have insured London’s canal waterways perpetuity.
To follow along with their progress and events, as well as shop for that favorite hardback or recycle your old books, goto Word On The Water
To learn more about activities, ecology and supporting canal clean up goto UK Canal & River Trust
To enjoy a unique and peaceful holiday in the middle of London or throughout the UK, goto Drifters Boating Holiday
