Camden Town, located in North London, is a former industrial wasteland rehabilitated by artists in the 70s. Today Camden Town is one of the most popular tourist attractions and is home to London's largest flea market. It is also a hotspot for alternative cultures such as punk and gothic cultures. You can find original clothes, fashion accessories not found elsewhere or other trinkets and jewelry.
This district where eccentricity is the norm is a visit to be made as a couple or as a family to discover underground London.
Camden Town Markets
Camden Market is divided into five parts which each have their own unique characteristics: Inverness Street Market, Buck Street Market, Camden Lock Market and Camden Lock Village.
Inverness Street Market (on High Street, left side from Camden Town station): Historically was a traditional market where you could find fruit and vegetables. Today, the sale of clothes, shoes and souvenirs have taken the place of fresh produce.
Buck Street Market (opposite Inverness Street) is devoted to clothing. Almost 200 stalls are spread out in the alleys, where a large number of merchants sell their own creations. You will probably come face to face with one of those thrift stores where clothes are sold by the kilo!
Crossing the canal bridge, Main Street leads to the main flea markets, Camden Lock and Camden Lock Village.
Camden Lock Market : gigantic half-covered half-open market which offers an eclectic mix of street food, clothes, original gifts and crafts.
Camden Lock Village : Its special feature is that you can eat while sitting on scooter seats while admiring the boats and barges along the Regent's Canal. Very pleasant in spring and summer.
Stables Market : on your left after the railway bridge. Former stables for horses which have undergone a magnificent renovation work. To recall the past use of this place, are exhibited imposing bronze horse sculptures. The shops are located in the boxes: a must see!
Today, Stables Market has 350 stalls where in addition to food, clothes and other stalls there is a section devoted to antiques and furniture. If you are looking for the old, this is the place to come!
Alternative crops in Camden Town
Camden Town has recently become a favorite playground in London for street artists.
The walls regularly display political demands or graffiti paying tribute to certain artists such asAmy Winehouse or John Lennon where their portraits are represented.
These creations are the work of renowned graffiti artists in the field, namely Mr Cenz, Gnasher, Otto Schade, Zabou…
They are scattered all over Camden Town, including Leybourne Road, Hawley Road, Water Lane and Castlehaven Road.
Shopping in Camden Town
With nearly 700 shops and stalls, everyone can find what they are looking for: decoration, vintage clothes, crafts, piercing and tattoo parlors and many other amazing and psychedelic things !!!
Cyberdog : huge futuristic space guarded at the entrance by two giant robots: impossible to miss this store! Inside, it's a nightclub atmosphere with blast techno music and dancers waddling on the catwalks! The basement is prohibited at least 18 years, I let you imagine why ... 😉 In short, even if you do not buy, it's worth the detour!
For Doc Martens junkies, check out the store British Boot Company which is the oldest boutique of the brand open since 1958. It is a real pleasure to see so many original models but don't plan to do business here as the prices are higher than in the official store in Covent garden.
Eating in Camden Town
In Camden Town you can travel thanks to the numerous street-food stalls offering cuisine from all over the world: Chinese, Thai, Mexican, Peruvian, Lebanese, Indian, Italian and many others !!!
The dishes are good and present a very good value for money. Do not hesitate, as we suggest, to taste before buying!
Finally, if you feel like wanting a fish & chips, I advise you and re-recommend those from Poppies (30 Hawley Cres) who are to die for !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What to see in Camden Town?
Embark aboard a barge to walk along Regent's Canal and to discover a lesser-known London. During this bucolic walk, which will take you to Little Venice, you will cross Regent's Park where you will see the giant aviaries of London Zoo.
Take a walk along Regen's Canal, which will take you to Queen Mary's Park, one of London's most beautiful parks.
Don't miss the Camden Lock which is still in operation.
At the entrance to the Stables Market is a life-size bronze statue of Amy Winehouse.
At 30 Camden Square, is the last home of Amy Winehouse, on the sidewalk opposite a tree collects all the expressions of affection from her passing fans.
What are the opening hours of the Camden Town markets?
Open every day - except December 25 - from 10 a.m. to 00 p.m.
Visiting tips
- Be vigilant and watch out for pickpockets.
- Prefer weekdays or in the morning to visit Camden Town, you will avoid the crowds.
- If you come to Camden Town on weekends on busy days, get off at Chalk Farm station rather than Camden Town. Chalk Farm which is closer to the Stables Market has the advantage of being less crowded.
- Bargain at the small stalls where prices are not displayed.
How to get to Camden Town?
Camden Town is easily accessible by public transport.
Metro
bus
