Starbucks Camden Lock Keeper's Cottage

The Pirate Castle's been flying the flag for opportunity and adventure on central London's waterways since 1966. Based on the Regent's Canal in the heart of Camden Town, our small (but mighty) community boating charity promotes learning, life chances and healthy living through a raft of paddlesport (kayaking, canoeing and bell-boating), canal boating, training and volunteer initiatives. We strive to tackle disadvantage, challenge exclusion and support the more vulnerable members of our community through all that we do. We low-cost (often free) activities for local kids, adults, elders and disability groups of all ages. We also work with specialist and mainstream schools, Pupil Referral Units, local youth / voluntary groups and support agencies to broaden the health, wellbeing and enrichment opportunities available to our local community and beyond. A founding member and affiliated training provider for the National Community Boats Association, we offer certificated boat management and crew courses for service users, volunteers and the wider community. The majority of our boat trips are run by our amazing team of volunteer skippers and crew, all of whom are trained in-house by our Boat Manager. All of our boat trips are voyages of opportunity, discovery and learning. Our 'Camden Community Cruises' initiative enables passengers of all abilities to get involved with the practicalities of boating. ‘Black Pearl’, our traditional narrowboat, is perfect for cruises and boat handling training, whilst ‘Pirate Prince’, our purpose-built, fully accessible wide-beam opens up the canal to special needs and disability groups. Equipped with a state-of-the-art joystick control and hydraulic steering platform, we're proud that ‘Pirate Prince’ is the only canal boat in central London that can be operated by wheelchair users and people with severe mobility restrictions. As the only British Canoeing-affiliated club in Camden, we provide unique opportunities for local people to go paddling, develop skills and gain accreditations in a safe, supportive and stimulating environment. Our paddlesport projects include Holiday Schemes for local kids, term-time after school and weekend 'Pirate Club' youth sessions, ‘Upperdeckers’ sessions for over 50s and activities for young adults and families. We also provide affordable services for visiting schools, youth and community groups - along with free activities for those most in need. Built in 1977 to replace our original club-house barge, our iconic castle home also provides fully-accessible, affordable community spaces overlooking the canal. These are used by a diverse range of community and support groups, local residents and businesses for projects and events, therapy, training and celebration events - and more! Through our combined commitment to affordability, inclusivity and opening up the waterway for all to enjoy, The Pirate Castle is a truly irreplaceable community asset.