Travel Diaries: Camden
By Mystkial Scalzi; Edited by Meg Marzella, Digital Editor
The historic neighborhood of Camden, once known as the Rock N’ Roll capital of the world, is the stomping grounds for many famous musicians. While the music scene is certainly thriving with live concerts, Camden also offers plenty of shopping opportunities with its six unique markets, along with great food, pubs, and colorful street art.
Home to London’s most bustling music scene, Camden is a great, funky area to explore live-concert venues—including the famous KOKO, where Madonna had her first gig. With its quirky finds and delicious food, Camden Market will surely appease. Once solely a residential area serving as an important junction for railways and a canal network, this neighborhood has evolved over the years into a major tourist attraction while staying true to its rich musical culture. Camden Market was founded by childhood friends, Dr. Bill Fulford and Peter Wheeler, back in 1972. They purchased the then run-down timber yard and transformed it into what is now known as Camden Lock Market: a unique borough of London that will satisfy any visitor seeking a taste of British culture, music, sights, and history.
Camden Town is conveniently located in central London, north of King’s Cross. The nearest tube station is the Camden Town underground on the Northern line. Opened in 1907, the tube had failed to reel in wealthier commuters. However, it now welcomes millions of tourists and locals alike. It is also accessible by plenty of different bus routes. As soon as I stepped off the tube, I was greeted by the market instantly and the bustle of people milling around.
Camden Market belongs on the top of the list for things to do in town. With its world-famous status, it is full of shops and stalls itching to be explored. Antique markets sit in the back at The Stables. This used to be an actual horse stable for the horses of Pickford’s distribution company during the 1700s. Chain stores are not allowed, so you are guaranteed to find something unique and quirky. Newer markets sit closer to the station. Full of vintage fashion, Camden Market carries embroidered jean jackets and old Burberry trench-coats to suit your retro needs. Sprawled under arches and on cobbled alleyways, Camden High Street is a market lover’s paradise. Camden Lock was one of London’s first crafts and antiques markets and remains the principle market for crafts. Dig through boxes of antiques and hand-made souvenirs and uncover bountiful treasures. Notable singer Amy Winehouse was known to dwell in Camden, and even worked in a stall in the market during her teenage years. Her statue is centered in the heart of Camden Market. Though comically taller than the late singer, I stood next to the statue and took a photo with her, waiting in line as other tourists had the same idea.
Regent’s canal runs throughout Camden. No matter the season, canal boat trips are available to transport you to Little Venice in Paddington, and back. The boats cruise past celebrity homes, through Regent’s Park, and through the middle of London Zoo. Jason’s Boat Tours are included in the London Pass, which you can purchase for discounted sight-seeing. Even better, there is a hot tub you can take for a relaxing cruise through the canal. The Hottug is an electric, self-driving, wood-fired hot tub that provides a fun experience all year round. The water is heated at 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) for a relaxing soak.
A stroll through Regent’s Park will uncover 410 acres of open land with a range of facilities including a lake, garden, canal, playgrounds, and the zoo. The monarchy has owned this land since the Middle Ages, and in 1811, King George IV permitted John Nash to transform this land into the park you will see today. Next in line is the London Zoo, also known as Regent’s Zoo. The world’s oldest scientific zoo, opened in 1822, is home to a collection of 806 different species of animals. With almost 20,000 animals, this is one of the largest zoos in the United Kingdom. A family friendly zoo that is a must see for any tourist. Its notable animals include the polar bear, giant panda, and hippopotamus. Take on a different perspective with Primrose Hill, where you can gaze high above over Regent’s Park, conveniently located right next to the zoo. This is one of the most exclusive and wealthiest residential areas in London and home to many prominent figures, including one of Ireland’s famous poets, W.B Yeats. It is a really neat experience being able to enjoy scenery that is not only stunningly beautiful, but also rich with history.
You’re in England after all, so afternoon tea is a must. Yumchaa, a tea shop, specializes in loose-leaf tea, and overlooks Camden Lock. With over 40 different tea blends and flavors, you are sure to find something to indulge in. Additionally, this cozy tearoom sells coffee, matcha lattes, and pastries. This shop is the perfect place for people-watching and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the market for a while. Throughout Camden Market, food options are plentiful, and you’ll find plates from all over the world. Enjoy street food at the Camden Lock Market, with stalls ranging from Thai cuisine to mac and cheese to giant stuffed doughnuts. Make sure to try fish and chips, the classic English meal. Personally, my favorite treat was the cookie dough shop, Naked Dough, where you can order cookie dough in a bow!. I took my food and brought it over by the canal and sat and watched tourists in boats go by happily.
In the evening I ventured into Cecil Sharp house, home of English folk dance and song. Inside, this building holds artifacts, manuscripts, and records that together paint the history of traditional English folk music and dancing. This venue hosts nightly musical concerts, workshops, dancing events, and talks. Make sure to check out their website ahead of time to see what’s going on that evening. I was able to catch a classic English folk music performance where musicians gathered in an intimate space. The songs were performed without frills, played along with acoustic guitars and accordions. Audience members gathered in chorus singing along to each tune, quickly learning the words at an impressive rate. The venue also holds a bar where concert-goers can enjoy a pint of beer, or my favorite, cider while singing along. While I rarely venture out of my musical comfort zone, the English Folk music genre surprised me with how much I enjoyed it.
Moving along to the next category of music, the Jazz Cafe is London’s home of soul, jazz, and disco. It has welcomed Amy Winehouse and Bobby Womack, and still hosts both international and local stars in a more intimate setting. Live music concerts take place every night, making it impossible to miss the opportunity to dance the night away. Additionally, there’s a mezzanine restaurant and cocktail menu. And, for weekend nights, a soul-themed club takes over. To mention another iconic venue, The Roundhouse dates back to 1847, but opened as a performing arts center in 1964. Originally a railway engine shed and turntable, it has since been a venue for many big names in the music industry from The Doors, to Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, and The Ramones.
After a day of roaming through markets and listening to live music, settle down over a cold pint at one of Camden’s many pubs. This includes the rock n’ roll pubs along with craft beer bars. Chill at the Lock Tavern, which serves a variety of beer, wine, and spirits. DJ’s play sets throughout the week for further entertainment. There also sits a sun terrace along with a cobbled beer garden outdoors. Alternatively, for the rock vibe that Camden is ultimately all about, check out The Elephant’s Head, with an open mic held every Wednesday. Again, this made for the perfect place to people watch; this time, in a setting where people are mingling, drinking, and enjoying the atmosphere. It was interesting that within the same area where I listened to English folk music, rock music was also prevalent despite the massive genre shift.
Works Cited
Camden Market. “12 Facts about Camden Lock Market.” Camden Market, Camden Market, 12 May 2016.
“Camden Town.” Hidden London.
“Camden Town.” visitlondon.com.
Tamsin, et al. “10 Cool Things to Do in Camden, London.” Love and London, 22 Feb. 2018.
Things to Do in Camden Town. 15 Jan. 2019.
The Elephants Head Camden | Beer in the Evening | London Tourism.
Wilson-Powell, Georgina. “The Top Things To Do in Camden.” Culture Trip, 29 Sept. 2015.
*All images were found online.