The Pirate Castle

The Pirate Castle We’re passionate about opening up the waterway for everyone to enjoy and proudly welcome people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Welcome aboard The Pirate Castle ⚓

For 60 years, we’ve been bringing opportunity, learning and adventure to people of all ages and abilities through a raft of canal-based activities, community projects and events on the water 🏴‍☠️ Welcome aboard The Pirate Castle ⚓

Based on Regent’s Canal in the heart of Camden, The Pirate Castle has been flying the flag for opportunity, adventure and community on London’s waterways since 1966. We promote life chances, learning and healthy living through a wide range of paddlesport activities including kayaking, canoeing and bell boating, alongside canal boating, training programmes and volunteer initiatives. As Camden’s only British Canoeing-affiliated club and National Community Boats Association operator and training provider, we provide a unique range of affordable and often free activities designed to improve physical and mental wellbeing, build confidence, develop skills and bring communities together. From young people trying kayaking for the first time to volunteers, families and community groups finding connection on the water, The Pirate Castle is a safe, supportive and adventurous space for all. In 2026, we proudly celebrate 60 years of community on the canal⚓

🏴‍☠️

Little Pirates. BIG adventures. 🏴‍☠️💙There’s nothing better than watching a young person go from “I’m not sure I can do ...
12/10/2026

Little Pirates. BIG adventures. 🏴‍☠️💙

There’s nothing better than watching a young person go from “I’m not sure I can do this…” to “LOOK AT ME!”

That’s what we’re here for.

Trying new things. Building confidence. Learning new skills. Making friends.

And having a lot of fun in the process. 🛶

Autumn has officially arrived at the Castle. 🍂🏴‍☠️Crisp mornings, golden leaves, cooler days… and absolutely no reason t...
09/10/2026

Autumn has officially arrived at the Castle. 🍂🏴‍☠️

Crisp mornings, golden leaves, cooler days… and absolutely no reason to put the paddles away.
In fact, we think the Regent’s Canal looks pretty good at this time of year. 🛶

Who’s joining us on the water this autumn?

In loving memory of Hazel Saunders, 1958 – 2026.We're heartbroken to share the news of Hazel's passing after a fiercely ...
06/10/2026

In loving memory of Hazel Saunders, 1958 – 2026.

We're heartbroken to share the news of Hazel's passing after a fiercely courageous battle with cancer.

Hazel was a treasured member of our Pirate Castle family, a dear friend and a true London boatwoman.

As a volunteer with us for over 20 years, she made an enormous contribution to our community and the waterways she loved.

Hazel’s passion for boating ran deep. Along with sharing her enthusiasm, skills and knowledge when mentoring newer volunteers or supporting our clients, she also set up and ran her own trip boat company for 15 years and was a familiar face on London’s canals.

Hazel’s friendship, dedication and humour will be greatly missed by us all. Her contribution to The Pirate Castle and London’s boating community will not be forgotten.

Our hearts go out to all of Hazel’s family and friends at this sad time.

With lots of love and gratitude. May you always sail on fair waters, dear friend.

Everyone at The Pirate Castle xXx

Half term = sorted. 🏴‍☠️🛶From 26–30 October, we’re back with another action-packed week of adventures at The Pirate Cast...
06/10/2026

Half term = sorted. 🏴‍☠️🛶

From 26–30 October, we’re back with another action-packed week of adventures at The Pirate Castle.

Think time on the water, new skills, new friends and plenty of Pirate Castle fun along the way.
Whether they’re seasoned Pirates or picking up a paddle for the very first time, we’re ready to welcome them aboard.

October Half Term, here we come! 💙

🎃🏴‍☠️ Halloween is coming to The Pirate Castle… and we’re taking it onto the water!Join us on Saturday 31st October, 5–7...
03/10/2026

🎃🏴‍☠️ Halloween is coming to The Pirate Castle… and we’re taking it onto the water!

Join us on Saturday 31st October, 5–7pm for our Halloween Extravaganza, as part of our 60th anniversary celebrations.

Expect a spooktacular evening of:
👻 Night paddling or a canal boat trip along the Regent’s Canal
🎃 Plenty of spooky tricks and treats
🧙 Fancy dress — very much encouraged!
🏴‍☠️ Pirate Castle Halloween fun for the whole crew

Adults: £15 | Children aged 8–17: £5
All adults must be accompanied by a child, and all children by an adult.

Places are limited, so book your spot and prepare for a frightfully good adventure on the water! 🎃🛶🏴‍☠️

Paddling into the weekend like… 🛶🏴‍☠️There’s no better way to shake off the week than getting out on the water!Whether y...
02/10/2026

Paddling into the weekend like… 🛶🏴‍☠️

There’s no better way to shake off the week than getting out on the water!

Whether you’re learning the ropes, building confidence or simply having a brilliant time with your crew, there’s always an adventure waiting at The Pirate Castle. ⚓️

Here’s to another weekend of paddles, smiles and plenty of pirate spirit on the Regent’s Canal. 💙

30/09/2026

What a lovely evening on the water with our Upper Deckers! 🛶☀️

Our over-50s crew made it all the way up to the tunnel tonight — with no boats to stop us along the way!

Warm weather, calm waters and great company… evenings on the canal don’t get much better than this. 💙🏴‍☠️

Fancy joining the crew? Our Upper Deckers sessions are a brilliant way to get out on the water, meet new people and enjoy the canal.

One year on, remembering and celebrating our much-missed Karl. 💙We took a little trip aboard Prince up to Cumberland Bas...
27/09/2026

One year on, remembering and celebrating our much-missed Karl. 💙

We took a little trip aboard Prince up to Cumberland Basin to scatter some of Karl’s ashes into his beloved canal — a place that meant so much to him, and where so many memories were made.

A special moment to remember a very special member of the Pirate Castle family.

Forever part of our crew. 🏴‍☠️💙

25/09/2026

Our Head Coach has taken a busman’s holiday! 🛶

When you spend your working week on the water, what do you do with your time off? Get back on the water, of course!

Our Head Coach recently joined a course with Ken Hughes to sharpen her whitewater canoeing skills and keep pushing her own development.

At The Pirate Castle, we’re big believers in learning at every level — and that includes our team. Keeping skills fresh, building confidence and always finding new ways to develop means we can continue giving our young people the very best experiences on the water. 💙

Not a bad way to spend a day off! 🌊🏴‍☠️

Address

Pirate Castle, Gilbey's Wharf Oval Road
London
NW17EA

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 6pm

Telephone

+442072676605

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