It was our last weekend in London and we were debating between visiting Stonehenge or the Camden Market. The feedback on our Facebook Fan Page was that the Camden Markets were fun, lively and had some great food and pubs. Our followers didn’t disappoint, London travel should always include a visit to Camden Town.
Camden Locks Market in London
Camden Town, London
Camden Town is home to the Camden street markets, a highly visited tourist attraction in northwest London. The markets are easily accessible by both bus and the Tube (Underground subway system). Expect large crowds on the weekends, as tourists and young kids flock for shopping of all kinds.
High Street shops in Camden Town, London
High Street in Camden Town, London
As the main thoroughfare into the Camden Markets, High Street fills with crowds on the weekend making walking in opposing directions a challenge. The shops remind me of South Street in Philadelphia with art and design showcased on building facades.
High Street Store Fronts in Camden Town, London
Body piercing, tattoos, souvenirs, alternative fashions, music tapes and records, shirts, restaurants and pubs keep the crowds in line. I could spend all day walking up and down the street from the Tube station to the Camden Locks overpass.
High Street in Camden Town, London
You get a sense of excitement, feeling this is the place to be on the weekends. Let’s do some shopping, grab some food and people watch while having a drink near the canal.
High Street Crowds in Camden Town, London
Camden Markets in London
The area was first recognized during the development of the railways and also resides on the London Canal network. Today, it’s undergone a major redevelopment into a hip, mega retail tourist attraction. There are 6 markets that fill the area:
Inverness Street Market
At over 100 years old, this is the oldest, original market of Camden. Originally a small fruit and vegetable market, it has changed over time to now include stalls selling clothes and souvenirs. A few fruit and vegetable stalls exist today, but it’s not a major attraction in the area.
Inverness Street Market in Camden Town, London
Buck Street Market
An outdoor market selling clothes. It’s one of the first markets you will see as you walk towards the Camden Lock Market and the overpass. The sign hung above this market reads, “The Camden Market”, which is quite confusing considering that market is further down the street.
Buck Street Market in Camden Town, London
There exists a lot of negotiating in this area. It’s mostly filled with overpriced printed t-shirts and women’s dresses. The market is small and crowded with minimal walking space. It’s okay for a browse, but nothing special.
Buck Street Market in Camden Town, London
Camden Lock Market
One of the first of the modern markets to enter the area, the Camden Lock Market began in 1974. As the area flourished, the market grew and so did Camden Town’s tourism value.
Camden Lock Market in Camden Town, London
Second hand clothes, books, souvenirs, crafts and fast food stalls line an area next to the canal. The area is identifiable by a three-story indoor market hall designed by architect John Dickinson.
Camden Lock Market in Camden Town, London
Camden Lock Village
The smaller Camden Lock Village resides on the banks of the canal. Stalls sell unique items often made by independent craftsmen and designers. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat while sitting on a scooter prop facing the canal.
Camden Lock Village Market in Camden Town, London
Historic Stables Market
The Stables Market is the largest market in Camden Town, and one crazy maze of stalls. Aracely and I found ourselves lost most of the time.
The Historic Stables Market in Camden Town, London
It’s name describes the market’s design; it’s the actual horse stalls once used in Camden Town. Stalls still have original doors that are over 100 years old.
The Historic Stables Market in Camden Town, London
The Stables market sells a bit of everything. Antiques, retro clothes and collectibles, crafts, alternative gothic fashion and a plethora of international fast food joints.
Retro signs at the Historic Stables Market in Camden Town, London
Antique luggage at the Historic Stables Market in Camden Town, London
Primarily made of up asian and middle eastern foods, I wasn’t impressed with the food stalls, because most of it’s fast food, which means it’s frozen foods that are fried or reheated for serving.
Food Stalls at the Historic Stables Market in Camden Town, London
Food Stalls at the Historic Stables Market in Camden Town, London
The biggest attraction in the stables market was the Cyberdog, which houses a huge range of cyber-style neon PVC and rubber clothing. One would think it’s a techno club from the outside. If you enjoy people watching, watch the folks coming in and out of this store.
With so much interesting stuff in this market you will probably spend hours exploring while calculating how much it will cost to send it home.
Electric Ballroom
We didn’t visit the Electric Ballroom, it’s only open on Sundays. The stalls here focus on fashion from independent designers.
Canal Rides
Enjoy a ride on the long narrow boats that cruise the canal passing through the locks. Boats offer meals on the canal and other entertainment.
Boats cruising the Camden Canals in Camden Town, London
We enjoyed a vegan meal and organic beer at inSprial Cafe that overlooked the canal across to the Camden Lock Village. It was a great place to enjoy a stiff drink, coffee or tea while watching the boats pass the crowds of shoppers.
View of Camden Lock Village in Camden Town, London
Add the Camden Market to your list of things to do in London when enjoying London travel.
Ah cool, glad you had a good time. After we’d messaged I was trying to remember the name of the Argentinian tapas restaurant at the start of Inverness street but I failed in time. Still it looks like you found more than enough to occupy your time. Did you follow my advice and stop into a pub late afternoon? That’s always my favourite time as market traders come in for a well earned beer, shoppers take a break after a day on their feet and some of the early party people start arriving to get started on a session. Add in the locals who have been sat there all afternoon and you get a real interesting mix that lasts about 2 hours.
Great pics as ever!
We had a really good time, so much to explore there, and glad we opted to visit. Thanks for persuading us! We had a few drinks at a vegan restaurant we were hanging out at, but it definitely wasn’t a pub atmosphere. After feeling real tired, we headed home before the late afternoon. Still glad we saw the place. The contrast between the antique shops and the Cyborg shop is very unique.
No problem, glad you had a great time. Judging from the pic looking over the canal I think I know the restaurant you mean.
Yeah the cyborg shop is pretty funny. You kind of jump from world to world at each turn round there. I’m not sure if it’s still there but there was a vintage furniture shop further on in the stables that used to have some brilliant 60′s style chairs. I’ve promised myself that one day I will have one!
I loved the antique stuff. Couldn’t image how much it would have cost to send back to the US. Beyond my budget.
Camden Market is definitely a must to visit in London and you really captured the essence of it. The area is also really cool at night with some awesome restaurants and pubs like the Lock Tavern. There’s even quite a lot of clubs like the Koko just a little bit down the road at Mornington Crescent and the Electric Ballroom that has regularly really good live bands.
We had heard that it is an exciting nightlife, but after an entire day walking around we were exhausted.
I love the front stores. So original!
They are definitely creative.
How cool! I love how each market seems to have a different purpose and design from the next.
They are so vastly different. Thanks for commenting Suzy.
Never even heard of this place – looks like a fun place to spend the day!
We just got into London and we are about a 5 minute walk from the Camden market from where we are staying. I have a feeling we’ll be spending quite a bit of time down there over the next 3 weeks.
You guys will love it there! have a great time.
I miss Camden it is such a groovy little place!
It was definitely groovy, hip and a lot of fun.