London’s canals and waterways have long been the lifeblood of the city – helping
it grow and trade, and more recently becoming a haven for wildlife and somewhere that
everyone can enjoy. On Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th September, as part of the Heritage
Open Days event, the London Canal Museum is inviting everyone to explore this history
free of charge.
Community Open Days
September 14th and 15th
Located in a Victorian icehouse, the museum tells the story of London’s canals – how
they’ve shaped London’s development, the ordinary people who lived and worked on them,
and the entrepreneurs, engineers, and navvies who built them. The museum also tells the
story of goods which were carried on the canals, including ice, the storage of which was
the primary purpose of our building.
As an independent charity that receives no public funding, we usually rely on our
entry fee to keep the doors open (£8 standard entry for adults). However, we believe
that London’s rich waterways history should be accessible to everyone in our community,
regardless of their circumstances.
We encourage everyone, including local residents and neighbours, to come and learn
about a unique part of London that is often hidden from view.
Free digital guide
Our digital guide is free and runs on your own phone, with no app to download. There is plenty to
read and listen to: a Top Ten Things to See tour, an audio tour of the whole museum, a family fun tour,
a close-up clues museum quest, and exhibitions on life on the canals, the Norwegian ice trade and ice
cream. You can also look through our live camera in the ice wells. It auto-translates into more than
60 languages. Remember to bring headphones for the audio.
Free tours on both days
Our Ice Trade tours run at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm on both days and take around 45 minutes. They follow
the full story, from frozen Norwegian lakes to Gatti's delivery carts on Victorian London's streets.
Ground floor only, and suitable for adults and teenagers.
Event Details
- Dates: Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 September 2026
- Times: 10 am – 4:30 pm
- Cost: Free entry for all visitors, no booking needed
- Address: 12-13 New Wharf Road, London N1 9RT
- Getting here: See Find Us page
Access
Step-free access on all floors with two lifts, a power-operated rear door, a gender-neutral accessible
toilet with baby changing, and a hearing loop at reception. Assistance dogs and prams are welcome.
Donations
Entry is free, and there is no obligation to give. If you are in a position to support us on the day,
a donation of any amount is welcome. Every visitor is equally welcome whether they give or not.
