At 10.00 a.m. we welcome you aboard Helix with tea, coffee, or something stronger. We cast off, and almost immediately cruise through the 960 yards of the Islington Tunnel, under some of the old parts of London. We ascend our first lock at St. Pancras, and soon afterwards the three locks at Camden, where we moor for our elevenses. Coffee and chocolate croissants at eleven o’clock, and an opportunity to stroll through Camden Market, a famous canalside attraction.

At midday we set off again towards Cumberland Basin, past its unusual Pagoda-style restaurant and an interesting array of moored boats. We make a hard turn to starboard for a scenic cruise through Regents Park and London Zoo, with Lord Snowdon's eye-catching aviary on the right. Soon, we pass under Blow-Up Bridge; we'll tell you its story when we reach it. Then through the delightful formal gardens at the edge of St. John's Wood, just a good bowl away from the famous Lords' Cricket Ground. Around 1.00 p.m., after cruising through Lisson Grove Basin and the short Maida Hill Tunnel, we emerge into the crowded, colourful and boat-lined stretch leading to Browning's Island. At Little Venice we tie up for lunch; an aperitif and a delightful four-course home cooked meal, finishing with coffee, liqueurs and mints.

Casting off again, we pass under the wide sweep of a motorway, as we cruise to Kensal Green, where we travel alongside the very first of the great cemeteries built by the Victorians. Here lie some of the famous names of the 19th century: Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Blondin, and even some of the royal family. A little further, we reach the aqueduct carrying the canal over one of London's major arterial roads. Moored at Little Venice at about 4.30, it's time for an English tea of home-made scones with cream and jam. We continue our return journey through Regents Park to Camden Lock, where you would disembark at approximately 6.00 pm. We can take you back to your starting point if you prefer.