Your Five-Minute guide to Camden, London!
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Camden is one of the inner boroughs of London and has been a residential area since the 1790s. When the development of the Grand Union Canal started and improvements to rail transport started it became a much loved part of the capital. Camden is known as more of a ‘punky’ town, punk was first done in Carmen in 1976 at the Roundhouse.
Camden has a market which has attracted tourists for decades, it started in 1973 and since then has attracted thousands of locals and visitors in search for food, clothing and unique accessories.
History of Camden!
in April 1656, the London Borough of Camden replaced former boroughs of Hampstead, Holborn, and St Pancras. Camden is named after the first Earl Camden, Charles Pratt. Charles Pratt was the man who started the development of Camden Town in 1791, he started to build houses and estates on each sides of the roads. Sir Pratt wanted to create a place where both upper and middle classes were educated.
In 1820, the canals opened and construction of the railways which separated the town into two. After these developments, the borough soon became welcomed with warehouses and factories. The split in Camden was geographically and culturally. The upper class situated around the Regent’s park area whilst the working class were situated around St Pancras. Camden was soon full with piano manufacturers, wine merchants, gin distillers and soft drink makers.
The 1960’s brought a big shift in the history of Camden. Rock and psychedelia came on trend and the Roundhouse in Camden hosted rock, punk and many more music performances. The Roundhouse was once a shed and a gin distillery but in the 60’s it became a place for people to rebel against society.
In 1974, Camden Market introduced the first colourful and diverse traders, that day is when the market became one of the most famous markets in the world.
What to do in Camden!
There are many things to do in Camden, here are a few suggestions!
Shopping – Markets!
Camden is known for its markets so it is a must see when you go to visit. They have a variety of open-air markets and stores that will interest everyone.
- Camden Lock Market – This market mainly sells crafts, books, clothing, jewellery and fast food.
- Camden Lock Village – This market mainly sells clothing and accessories, as well as a range of unique items.
- Camden Market – This market mainly sells fashion for all tastes.
- Inverness Street Market – This market mainly sells fruit, footwear and souvenir stalls.
- Stables Market –This market mainly sells a mix of permanent shops and stalls selling household items, antiques, alternative clothing and food.
Food and drink
In many of Camden’s markets you will find many food stalls where they serve a variety of food. If you are visiting the Roundhouse for a performance they do a pre-theatre menu.
There is also a range of different cuisine restaurants that you should try including:
- Shaka Zulu – South African cuisine
- Gilgamesh – pan-Asian cuisine
- Trufflesecco, Masala Zone – Italian
There is also lots of pub food!
For drinks, there are bars and pubs dotted around which sell a range of drinks including beers from the Camden Town brewery.
Live Music and performances
Camden has forever been a hot spot of London’s live music scene. There are lots of venues where you can find live music, the most popular for the latest bands are: Koko, the Underworld and Electric Ballroom.
For jazz and blues performances try visiting the Jazz Café or Blues Kitchen.
For theatrical performances, films, art installations and gigs visit The Roundhouse.
You can also watch comedy at the Camden Highlight.
Other things to do!
Whilst you are there do not forget to check out the art exhibitions at The Cob Gallery.
Travel!
UnderGround
Camden has an underground station so you can travel by tube to Camden from anywhere other station in London. This can make easy to travel in and out of Camden and is also a fast way. Buy an Visitor Oyster card, Oyster card, Travelcard or use a contactless payment card to get the best value on tube travel – cash is the most expensive way to pay! From the Charing Cross Underground Station to Camden town it is 13 minutes!
Overground
If you do not like the underground try the overground station on Camden Road. The station has waiting rooms, help points, ticket halls and boarding ramps so you do not need to worry. The train line goes all around London so you are more than likely get to and from where your starting point is. From London Euston station to Camden it is only 4 minutes.
Buses
If you are not sure about trains there are buses that run in Camden, the main station is Camden road station which has many different buses for different destinations.
Places to Stay!
There are many places to staying the centre and around Camden. For a 1 night stay for one person it ranges from:
Hotels: £47 – £433
B&Bs: £33 – £194
