Camden Town and Market
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Camden - by Javier Martinez on Unsplash
Description
Camden Town is a district known for its street markets and alternative culture music venues. It is in the London Borough of Camden just northeast of Regent's Park and the Regent's canal passes through at the famous Camden Lock, linking Little Venice to Islington. The neighbourhood is well known for its various markets that center on craft and clothes, including (but not limited to) the Camden Lock Market, Stables market and Camden Lock Village. The gentrification also reached Camden in the 1990's and, despite losing some of its grittiness, the area is still one of the cultural centers of the city.
Access & Transport
The center of Camden Town is directly on the Northern line with a station bearing that name with Mornington Crescent and Chalk Farm on the southern and northern ends of the neighbourhood, respectively. There are also plenty of bus services along Camden High St. (which branches off towards Kentish Town near the canal).
Instructions & Recommendations
We would recommend combining a visit to the markets with a walk to Primrose Hill and Regent's Park and, why not, a small boat trip on the canal. The neighbourhood offers a lot of good value options for lunch and dinner.
Environmental & Social
Slightly negative from an environmental standpoint as it encourages consumerism and the production of junk products. Socially neutral as the benefits of gentrification and increased revenues from tourism also have negative impact on the community (lower rent affordability and increased cost of living).
Conclusion
Camden Town and its markets are certainly different from what you may experience in the upmarket neighbourhoods of central London. The crowds are younger, and everything is a little bit rawer, which is part of the charm. Weather permitting, strolling through the various markets and by the canal to Regent's Park is a great way to spend half a day. We would recommend this to residents as well as tourists with more than 4 days in the city or who are not keen on historical buildings.
Key positive
The area still retains an authentic feel and vibe
Easy to access by underground
Good for shopping clothes, craft and street photography
Key negative
Can be crowded
Feel too touristy in some places and big chains starting to claim their territory
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but recommended for 15 - 50yrs old. There are some cobble sections and not all markets and boats are accessible for customers with reduced mobility who should nonetheless be able to enjoy most of the neighbourhood.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo