One of the most colourful and interesting boroughs in London, Camden bubbles with Bohemian-style alternative culture in spite of recent gentrification. The heart of the area is Camden Town, home to the famous markets stringing like colourful kites along the streets and alleyways. Cuisine, music and interpretive art from across the globe define the culture of Camden, proudly displaying London’s diversity and international influence.
It’s all about shopping in Camden, from the eye-popping indie shops and boutiques along Camden High Street to the vintage, retro, cyber and club clothing at Stables Market, commonly referred to a simply “Camden Market”. Tourists can walk or cycle along Regent’s Canal to where it meets the Thames River, or follow it to The Regent’s Park and London Zoo to experience the Gorilla Kingdom and Penguin Beach. From Camden Lock, it’s possible to take a boat tour to Little Venice, and stop for lunch at an eclectic waterside cafe or pub.
Camden nestles in London’s northern district with a maze of public transportation options, including three main railway stations along Euston Road. The main roads of Camden High Street and Chalk Farm Road have numerous bus and underground routes, with the Northern Line tube running through the main tourist areas.
Camden wasn’t always the thriving, vivacious cultural hub that it is today. Prior to construction of the Grand Union Canal in 1820, it was a quiet farming community in the countryside. The original Camden Lock was an experimental hydro-pneumatic-style lock built to save water but is now the centre of Camden Town and home to the famous Camden Market.