In leafy North London, along the picturesque Regent’s Canal, discover the unique Camden Market. Huddled together under its roofs and gables you’ll find some of the coolest shopping in London, a world of flavours to choose from in the vibrant and enticing street food markets, and a few iconic music venues thrown in for good measure. Specialising in handmade, one-of-a-kind crafts, Camden is the perfect place to spend a few hours wandering in between stalls. The booming hub of London’s music scene, with a sprinkle of fringe theatre and cabaret to boot, Camden is a fantastic place to base yourself for a night out in London. From gigs to nightclubs, there’s something special about every venue tucked away in Camden’s well worn streets.
Transformed from a run down timber yard in the 1970’s, Camden Lock opened to just 16 pop-up stalls on it’s first birthday. Dingwalls Dance Hall popped up at the same time too, right next to the canal. Camden became a hub for counter-culture in London which, in the 70’s, meant punk rock. In 2014 a statue of iconic singer Amy Winehouse was erected in the Stables Market, to commemorate her passing in 2011, and her lifelong love of Camden. Working on the stalls as a teenager and later buying her townhouse there, Winehouse was and is deeply associated with Camden’s spirit.
Why not side-step the city centre? Base yourself in Premier Inn London Hampstead, for all the iconic sights and sought-after experiences of North London right on your doorstep.
Camden Market
Camden Market
Camden Market Craft
Essential Information
Camden Market is open everyday from 10am till late, including bank holidays. There are some free toilets on the ground floor level of the stables market, or some 20p pay toilets on the upper levels of Camden Lock.
Events
Camden is a space for innovation, and every month more artists, musicians and chefs flock here to show off their stuff. Voodoo Ray’s pizza are always keeping things new and interesting, with takeovers, pizza-making workshops and DJ collaborations heading up this year’s events.
Gigs and Music
From pop-up merchandise stalls to full-on concerts, Camden is one of London’s most musical corners. Right by the market, head to The Roundhouse for slam poetry, inspirational talks and new music. If it’s dancing you’re truly after: check out the Electric Ballroom on Camden High Street, or, a little further afield, the sumptuous Koko, for all your indie music and disco dancing needs.
Accessibility
A bustling outdoor space, Camden market is mostly wheelchair accessible, with the exception of places like the Stables Market, where the historic cobbles do not make for an easy passageway for shoppers with mobility difficulties. There are plans to put a pathway over the cobbles for ease of access in the future. On Regents Canal there is a newly built and fully accessible canal boat run by Pirate Castle, visit their website to plan your trip down the canal!
Top tip
Follow the river for just 10 minutes to the gorgeous and iconic Primrose Hill, one of the best views in London and a pleasant and peaceful contrast to the buzz of Camden Market!
Street Food
There’s something for everyone in the winding pathways of Camden’s street food markets, the best plan is to turn up hungry and let yourself be swept away! Here are some great places to start though. For every imaginable twist on a much-loved classic, check out The Mac Factory. Macaroni Cheese never looked so fancy, laced with truffle oil, bacon, or even lobster! Mother Clucker is a must for any chicken-lover. Add a bit of spice to your life with buttermilk fried chicken and cajun fries, served up out of a converted US army ambulance.
Restaurants
Try decadent African cuisine in the Stables Market at Shaka Zulu, luxuriant decor and food to tantalize and satisfy even the wildest appetite.
Classic Pubs
A firm favourite with critics, serving proper pub food, indie music and all the craft beers and hand picked wines you’ve come to expect from the best of the gastro pubs- head for The Hawley Arms, on Castlehaven Road.
Buzzing Bars
With flavours hailing from Cuba, the Caribbean and Spain, The Cuban could be right up your street - set as it is in the centre of the Stables Market and perfectly poised to soothe you after a hard day’s shopping. The Lock Tavern is a firm favourite for Camden’s cooler crowds, with a relaxed and pub-esque daytime drinking atmosphere transforming into a DJ’s living room at night. Find it just outside the market, on Chalk Farm road.
Getting to Camden Market
By car
The closest car park to the market is Curnock Estate (NW1 0LY for your sat nav) which starts at £5 for 2 hours and goes up to £10.50 for 5. If you don’t need more than 2 hours it might be worth your while picking up some groceries from nearby Morrisons or Sainsbury's, who allow up to 2 hours free parking for customers.
By bus
The 24, 27, 29, 31, 46, 88, 134, 164, 168, 214, 253, 274, 393 buses all go through Camden in the day, or the N5, N20, N28, N29, N31, N253, N279 will take you home after hours.
By tube and train
Camden Market Station is just a twenty minute tube ride on the northern line from London Charing Cross, or there’s Chalk Farm station also on the Northern Line and Camden Road station on the London Overground.