Business Traveler, Dec/Jan 2021
b u s i n e s s t r a v e l e r u s a c o m D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 0 J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 1 5 6 For those free from quarantining this bustling transport hub has plenty of options for eating drinking and exploring 1 GRAND UNION CANAL Exit Paddington station via South Wharf Road and turn left into the cobbled pedestrianized street that runs alongside St Marys hospital Follow the sign to the right for Paddington Basin and snake around the building until you reach the Grand Union Canal Stretching 136 miles from London to Birmingham it was once a major artery for bringing goods and freight to the capital from the Midlands and the North Today Paddington remains an important transport hub as the London terminus of GWR and a future Crossrail station but it has also invested in a cultural future More than 13 billion has been spent on regenerating the neighborhood transforming the banks of the canal into a lively area buzzing with restaurants bars and community spaces while its waterways have become tourist attractions Head to the year round Floating Pocket Park at Merchant Square overlooked by glass and steel buildings This lush green space was created by garden designer Tony Woods It offers respite from the industrial architecture with its series of lawns connected by decked platforms walkways and plenty of bench seating amidst floral planters 2 GO BOAT Take a break from Londons Tube and rail rides and instead cruise down the canal in one of Go Boats electric self drive vessels Starting at the pontoon at Merchant Square youll be able to visit the likes of Regents Park and Camden Lock with up to eight people depending on current government bubble guidance Fret not you wont need any captain experience as a member of the crew will run through the controls before you set off On your travels youll pass the Thomas Heatherwick designed Rolling Bridge on your right an octagonal structure that unfurls across the towpath every Wednesday and Friday at noon and on Saturdays at 2 PM From 79 102 for one hour online booking only goboat co uk 3 LITTLE VENICE Once youve safely returned the boat in one piece turn right into Hermitage Street and continue 2 London Paddington W O R D S H A N N A H B R A N D L E R
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