A drab and dreary day faced us on waking up but we still decided to go ahead with our plan. We took a train from Basildon to Limehouse Station and as it was lunchtime the first thing we did was look for a restaurant. We found a very good one called La Figa, a traditional Italian. After a wonderful lunch we stepped outside and the rain was just as heavy, but my dear husband said we should stick to our plan as we needed to walk off our lunch.
I am fascinated by the canals throughout London and the walks along them. I love all the barges and often wonder who lives in these. Some are in shipshape condition while others look damp and dilapidated.
The Limehouse Cut is a straight long canal and the oldest canal in London, opening in 1770. It is relatively short but you can walk to Three Mile Island from here (our original plan).
Either side of the canal there are some very fancy apartments. A two bedroomed apartment would set you back a mere £570,000.


Would you rather live on a canal boat or in an apartment?
We wended our way along the canal walk for about half an hour, when dear husband turned and said it was enough! I must admit the weather was getting worse and to take any decent photos I had to turn my whole body as my hood was obscuring my view. One thing is for certain you wouldn’t find anyone swimming in these waters, except the ducks.
Walking to the next road we decided to catch the next bus, wherever it went? What a coincidence that it went to Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford, husband’s dream come true.
Well until another find day when we can explore more of London’s canals and waterways.


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I feel i want to apologize for our weather but you knew about it when you came so it isn’t entirely unexpected. Nevertheless, it is disappointing as a canal walk in good weather is delightful. Glad you had a good lunch at La Figa anyway, goes a little way to make up for the incessant rain.
I did know Mari but I have a good rain coat so helps a lot
Today was a nice sunny day
I know the area quite well, growing up in the East End of London and my family afterwars moving out to Dagenham. Bethnal Green was quite near the Regents Canal.
Thanks for you comments
My dad was born in Bethnal Green as well. It’s a very trendy area now
It’s changed loads, East London, hasn’t it? Still love the canals though. Even on a rainy day. Will just have to smuggle this into a Monday walk. How much longer do you have in the UK?
Thanks Jo, I should ping back?
A good while yet, we came over because my dad has health issues plus to see them of course after such a long time
I don’t mind, Ali. I often pick out walks just becausde they appeal. Hope Dad improves soon. Hard when you’re a long way away.
Oh thanks Jo ..do you still do a weekly walk .I couldn’t see the latest one
That’s one of the reasons I don’t worry too much about pingbacks, Ali. My walk posts are usually fortnightly. The last one was ‘would you believe it?’ and I hope to post one on Monday but I haven’t a clue what yet. Life’s too short!
Oh yes I did see it, I did “like” it, very beautiful
Yes, that does look dreich!
It looks more like Amsterdam than my vision of London. I’d rather have an apartment and a friend who lived on a canal boat.
Haha good choice 🙂
This is a part of London we are yet to explore. There is so much to see and learn anywhere we go. It does look chilly on this particular day.
There is so much to see in East London Carol, old churches next to modern buildings. Great restaurants tucked in between, wonderful parks and of course the waterways 🙂
That looks such a typically drab day, weather wise. However that part of London is full of interesting corners, we know Stratford very well. Not missing our English drizzle….
No I bet, there’s nothing worse is there, but I do have a great raincoat
what an interesting walk for a rainy day. But I’m glad that you went to find somewhere to warm up and have a drink 🙂
Thanks Meg, it was interesting but would have been better on a dry day 😁
I love walking by canals. Seems like you had fun despite the bad weather.
I always like to find somewhere I haven’t been before 😁
Same here. Be safe and enjoy your adventure. Hope your family’s safe as well!
Thanks Teresa 🙂
Thanks for including me Jo 😁
So much to explore around! It looks you still had fun, despite the bad weather. All the best! xx
Thanks for your comments Christie, it was a very good day with so much to see 🙂
I love a wander in London, especially along the waterways. We recently walked a bit of the art walk from Stratford down towards Greenwich, it was a lovely walk. Such a shame the weather didn’t play the game for you. Really enjoyed your posts from your time in England- you packed so much in!
Thanks Helen, we tend to do that a bit here and a bit there, my husband’s more interested in shopping so I have to make sure I see everything quickly!