What to Do in Camden Town, London

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Camden Town is a historical neighbourhood in London, with deep roots in music and counter-culture. Amy Winehouse is a notable recent name that called Camden her home, but it’s also home to many punk rock bands/artists such as Joe Strummer of The Clash, Madness, The Libertines, and more.

Walking around Camden today, the neighbourhood has been cleaned up in appearance versus years past, but the counter-cultural roots remain. Camden is a brief train ride from the city core via the Northern Line and was only about a 25-minute train from my hotel in White Chapel (Lehman Locke Hotel).

See the Sunrise from Primrose Hill

Sunrises on a clear day are rare in London, and of course, my morning in London would be no exception. Primrose Hill, a ~15-minute walk from Camden, is a great place to start the day, and one of the best places in London to see the sunrise. A brief walk up the hill and you can take in the beautiful London skyline from afar. With birds chirping around you, and dogs running up and down the hill – it’s a gorgeous scene and a great way to start a day in London.

Things to Eat Around Primrose Hill

Regent’s Park Road, by the park, is a street lined with small businesses and patios. I’d recommend grabbing a bite to eat around here, reading a newspaper, and going for a quick round of shopping at the local stores nearby on the walk to Camden. Here’s where I visited en route to Camden, walking along Regent’s, and down Gloucester Ave.

• It’s Bagels (try the peanut butter and jam everything bagel)
• Ripe Kitchen (try the flat white)
• Jolie Corner (grab some baked goods and enjoy the scenery)
• Lansdowne Pub (try the ciders on tap)

Camden Market

One of the main attractions of Camden today is the Camden Market/Camden Lock. This is the place in the neighbourhood to try food, go thrift shopping, buy souvenirs, or simply watch the boats pass through the locks. If you’re shopping for alternative clothing or jean jackets, there are places aplenty here for that as well.

Some of the highlights for me would include:

• Cyberdog (a multi-level rave and clothing store, featuring an adult section in the basement)
• Dr Martens (a mini-flagship Dr Marten’s with a museum on the top floor which is great for photos as well)
• Bornleather (for leather shopping at a reasonable price)
• Boom Cat Books (for low-cost books and souvenirs)
• Horse Tunnel Market (for low-cost souvenirs)
• Amy Winehouse Statue

Other Notable Areas Nearby

Camden is a close walk to other notable areas as well. Given the musical history of the area, it’s imperative you visit an establishment that offers live music. Roundhouse, Jazz Cafe, or Electric Ballroom, are all excellent choices for this. You’ll also find Inverness Street Market very closeby to the Electric Ballroom and Jazz Cafe as well.

A 20-minute walk south, en route to King’s Cross where you can visit the Harry Potter Store and Platform 9 and 3/4, is Coal Drops Yard, a recently constructed shopping complex, with a beautiful design.

Where I Stayed (Leman Locke, Aldgate)

We stayed at Leman Locke, Aldgate, a stone’s throw away from Aldgate train station, which can take you very quickly to Camden. The studio room we booked was one of the lowest-cost units of the building, but we were lucky to grab the top-most room in the building which had stunning panoramic views of central London from the convenience of our room.

It comes with a full kitchen and is incredibly clean and well-designed. We’d certainly come back to this hotel the next time we’re in London!

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