About Us
Welcome to the Pirate Castle
The Pirate Castle’s London’s longest-running community boating charity. We’ve been flying the flag for opportunity and adventure on the Regent’s Canal since 1966. From our fully-accessible base in the heart of bustling Camden Town, we promote learning, life chances and healthy living through a raft of paddlesport, canal boating, training and volunteer initiatives.
From humble beginnings as a kids’ rowing club almost 60 years ago, we’ve transformed our stretch of the canal from an under-used resource to a thriving hub of activity and inclusivity, providing low-cost and free activities for all – including specialist projects for young people, disability, SEMH (social, emotional and mental health needs), elders and LGBTQ+ groups and communities most in need. We also partner with schools, voluntary and support organisations from across London to broaden our reach and maximise our impact.
Today, over 4,000 people access our services each year!
We're proud that our accessible widebeam, ‘Pirate Prince’, is the only canal boat in central London that can be operated by wheelchair users and people with severe mobility restrictions, thanks to its state-of-the-art joystick control and hydraulic steering platform.
As the only Paddle UK-affiliated club and National Community Boats Association operator / training centre in Camden, we provide unique opportunities for people to discover London’s waterways, gain skills, make connections and improve their health, wellbeing and wider prospects – regardless of ability or circumstance.
Our fully-accessible castle home offers affordable community space for a wide range of projects and events, modern changing rooms, showers and dedicated 'wet' areas for paddlesport sessions and step-free access from the street to the canal bankside and our boat fleet - opening up the waterway for all to enjoy.
Our free and heavily subsidised projects allow everyone to benefit from our unique approach to opportunity, learning and adventure on the Regent’s Canal!
Video
Unlocking the Pirate Castle
To find out more, check out our short film, 'Unlocking The Pirate Castle' created in partnership with John Lyon's Charity and Media Trust.
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