Your guide to living in Camden
Camden holds an unusual charm. Previously known for punk music and its grunge scene, the area now brings in a diverse group of young people to live, work and play. Perhaps it's the variety of characters you find walking the streets, the array of colourful, vintage shops or the fact that many of Camden’s community have lived there for years. Camden is also home to several famous writers like Charles Dickens, as well as legendary musicians like Amy Winehouse – the latter now an iconic poster girl for the town. Whatever it is, Camden oozes with a distinctive personality, making it one of the more quirky and spirited parts of London.
Despite its bohemian vibes, the town attracts all kinds of individuals from all over the world. It’s also a great place to call home, thanks to its fantastic travel connections, nightlife, greenery and all the things to see, eat and do.
If you’re thinking of visiting or moving to NW1, check out our guide to this unique, north west London town…
Where is it?
Located in the Borough of Camden in North London, there’s nothing else like it in London.
The borough is made up of 18 wards, with Camden Town at the centre. The area has been popular for many years, but has experienced more gentrification in the last decade due to its location near the trendy and fashionable Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park.
What’s the transport like?
Camden Town tube station sits on the Northern line, where you can get to Bank in 14 minutes and King’s Cross St. Pancras in an impressive five. You can also easily head south to Waterloo in 12 minutes and Earls Court in under half an hour, making connections to all around London super easy.
PLUS Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted Airports are all within an hour journey.
Where do the locals go?
Parks: The Regent’s Park spans across the City of Westminster and the Borough of Camden, and is one of London’s most favourite parks. Home to the famous London Zoo - as well as a lake, tennis courts, cricket ground, children’s playgrounds, and the Open Air Theatre… *breathes* Prefer something with a little less going on? Primrose Hill is truly something special, with spectacular views looking over central London. Also a residential neighbourhood in Camden’s borough, find Primrose Hill on the other side of the park, known for its trendy reputation and home to many celebrities.
Events & Activities: Of course we would mention Camden Market, London’s most famous market which is a must see for anyone. Attracting 100,000 people every weekend, and divided into several areas including Camden Lock Market, The Stables Market and Camden Lock Village- find everything from eclectic boutiques, vintage boho fashion and unusual gifts. Also serving up anything and everything to eat (no literally, you won’t be able to choose), Camden Market is a foodie's dream. Camden High Street is also a hotspot- the place for shopping, socialising, street art and of course home to one of London’s most iconic venues KOKO. But if you were to ask a local for the ultimate Camden night out, they’d point you in the direction of the famous Electric Ballroom or The Roundhouse. These two iconic entertainment venues are massively rich in music history. Legendary bands Madness, The Clash and Led Zeppelin all regularly graced the Ballroom and Roundhouse throughout the 70s and 80s, and the venues continue to host huge artists and events.
The best restaurants: Round the corner in Camden’s Stables Market sits The Cheese Bar; a restaurant which, unsurprisingly, serves up all things cheese – from grilled cheese sandwiches to classic cheese boards and fondue. The restaurant is actually pretty chic with its exposed brick walls, long marble tables and large hanging lamps. For something a bit different there’s Made In Brasil, where you can tuck into traditional Brazilian dishes such as fried plantain and cassava balls. The funky interior complete with neon lighting, disco balls and graffitied walls. Camden Town is clearly a hub for foodies, but even locals will admit that fine dining is not its speciality. Good thing celebrity village, Primrose Hill, is just around the corner where you’ll find Gordon Ramsay’s gastropub restaurant, York & Albany. If you’re looking for some classic British cuisine, this place has you covered.
The best pubs: If there’s another thing that Camden is really renowned for… it’s the town’s iconic drinking and music scene. You’ll never be at a loss when it comes to finding a pub. For a real street-corner boozer, check out The World's End – with an impressive glass roof, mezzanine balcony and huge island bar, serving up Staropramen Lager from its specialist copper tank. There’s also The Colonel Fawcett – a gastropub which boasts an eclectic cask beer menu AND a heated, covered beer garden for alfresco pints all year round. For a jazzy, drinking experience head to the Jazz Cafe, which brings live jazz music to the town. You can get involved on the ground floor (where the stage and bar are located) or enjoy the action from above in the mezzanine restaurant.
The best coffee shops: Find Camden locals working away on laptops at The Coffee Tree. With three locations in London, the Camden branch is something really special, with delicious coffee. For all your brunch needs, head on over to Fabler on Camden High Street, with a relaxed and friendly chilled out vibe, this is a place you'll be coming back to time and time again.
Shops: Of course you’ve got Camden Market and Camden High Street for all your shopping needs, but what else does Camden offer? Well you’re in luck, this area is filled to the brim with everything from comic books to edgy clothing with quirky shop fronts. It’s a shoppers dream for everything boho, punk, goth, rock or vintage!
What’s it famous for?
Camden was the playground for many famous and iconic names in history such as Charles Dickens, George Orwell, Sylvia Plath, Mary Shelley, Amy Winehouse and Bob Marley. Camden oozes creativity and individuality, making this area in North London an incredibly exciting place to live.
Want to know the average room rent for Camden, and other London postcodes? Check out our latest guide here!
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