Cultural centre of London
Camden is the cultural, shopping, alternative and music centre of London. You can visit the never ending Camden Markets and tour the streets of the outstanding neighbourhood of alternative life style in London.
Connectivity to Camden Town
Camden Town is incredibly well-connected, with the Northern line tube stopping at Camden Town station as well as at Mornington Crescent and Chalk Farm (both walking distance from Camden Town station). You can also catch the overground and get off at Kentish Town West or Camden Road station. There's also number of buses coming directly to Camden Town from major transport hubs like Euston station, Warren Street, Charing Cross or Paddington station. You can also use the alternative waterways of the Camden canal or ride a bike using Cycle Hire.
Diversity and alternative scene
Camden Town is an area at the centre of London with its own alternative world. Many languages are spoken here and you'll find a wealth of different cultures and communities throughout the borough. Alternative music scene is an essential part of Camden Town as many of the stars of tomorrow once started on the stages of Camden's music venues.
History of Camden Town
Camden's history stretches back over hundreds of years. Camden Town, often shortened to Camden as ambiguously also used for the much larger London Borough of Camden, is one of the 35 major centres identified in the London Plan. Laid out as a residential district from 1791 and originally part of the manor of Kentish Town and the parish of St Pancras, London, Camden Town became an important location during the early development of the railways and is also located on the London canal network. Its industrial economic basis has been replaced by retail, tourism and entertainment, including a number of internationally known markets and music venues that are strongly associated with alternative culture.
Attractions in Camden
Camden's world-class tourist attractions are renowned across the globe. Many of the most famous attractions are free to visit, for example the Camden markets or Camden Lock. Camden is the best known for its people which makes just walking around an adventure. Colourful characters on the streets and behind the stalls, staff in the pubs, music fans and performers, they all share the spirit of Camden. Just grab a coffee and watch the world go by.
Camden Canal
A visit to Camden Town is not complete without spending some time around the area where Regent's Canal crosses Camden High Street, runs through the very heart of Camden and becomes Camden Lock. The canal links a diverse types of London’s attractions including part of London Zoo also based in Camden. Then it passes the craft stalls and quirky clothing shops of the famous market, a centre for London’s alternative culture.
Outdoor spaces and parks
Great part of Camden is devoted to parks and open spaces, so there are plenty of places to relax on fine days. Make sure you visit Hampstead Heath including Kenwood House and Parliment Hill, which offers amazing views over the city.
Restaurants
There are hundreds of restaurants in Camden with a new ones cropping up every day, so you'll never be short of new places to eat. You'll find great British pub food in Blues Kitchen as well as Fish and Chips specialists around the area. Camden Town is a culturally diverse place with people from around the world which greatly reflects on the variety of cuisines available. From English, American, Pan Asian, Japanese, Spanish, Greek, Cypriot, Caribbean or Indian, the tastes offered are so extensive that no other place in London can offer such variety of food.
Shopping
If you love shopping chances are you love Camden Town. It's on London's top list of the best shopping destination. In various Camden Town markets you'll find stores and stalls selling new and second hand clothes, shoes, accessories, posters, music on vinyl or jewellery. There's a huge range of places to buy gifts, fashion and food.
Family holidays
Want to bring your kids to Camden? They'll have a great time. Camden is full of children friendly attractions, and many – including the London Zoo - provide designated playground areas. Camden has also a wonderful mix of wild open spaces and squares, pocket parks and places where people can enjoy themselves together with their kids.
Hotels
Whether you want to stay in a well-known 5-star hotel, a cosy bed and breakfast or a cheap backpackers' hostel, Camden offers a wide range of quality accommodation.