By Lauren Harmes
Camden is a cultural haven, incredibly cool and a place where anyone and everyone is welcome. Street food, music, fashion and drinks – Camden has it all. Here we lay out six reasons to make the trip to North West London.
Camden Market
Camden Market is a must-visit destination for any fashionista – and anyone who wants to see what Camden is really all about. With around 250,000 visitors a week, Camden Market is one of the capital’s biggest attractions, with vintage clothes and shoes for sale alongside street food stalls, furniture and even fetish clothing!
Amy Winehouse street art trail
Camden was the stomping ground of the late, great Amy Winehouse, and there are tributes to the singer everywhere. There are nine stops on the trail visiting different pieces of street art dedicated to the jazz artist. Covering less than three kilometres, the trail is a nice activity to get to grips with Camden and remember one its most famous residents.
The Hawley Arms
Sticking with the Amy theme, the Hawley Arms was her local, and frequented by the likes of The Libertines, Wolf Alice and Noel Fielding too. But it’s not just its famous clientele that makes The Hawley Arms such an unmissable place, its Victorian interiors and huge list of IPAs make it a nice spot to indulge in a few beverages.
Regent’s Park
One of London’s most popular parks, Regent’s Park is 410 acres and houses attractions such as an open-air theatre, beautiful rose gardens, tennis courts and much more. If you’re looking for an activity, there is also rowing boat hire and a timber treehouse area for children with a large sandpit – fun for all the family!
Live music
Camden is awash with famous live music venues, and there is something to enjoy every single night of the week if that’s your bag. The Roundhouse has played host to the likes of Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Clash, Manic Street Preachers and George Michael to name a few – so who knows, you could be watching the next superstar on your visit! Another iconic venue is the Electric Ballroom, a rock music venue that has been open since the 1930s and has played host to the likes of Foals, The Killers, Sir Paul McCartney and the Smiths over the years.
Camden Beach
Amidst all of the live music, markets and general raucousness, Camden offers a tranquil escape in the form of Camden Beach. Situated on the rooftop of the Roundhouse – this pop-up bear bar comes ready with sand, deckchairs, cocktails and even a BBQ. But make sure you get there early, or book a private beach hut as it gets super busy in the summer!