This is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing over 100,000 visitors at weekends. Originally a timber yard and stables, it began life as a food market but in the 1970’s, a weekly craft market started up, paving the way for the huge enterprise it is today. I wonder if any of the original 16 stallholders are still around and what they think of the area now with over 1000 stalls, shops, cafes and restaurants spilling over several market areas and side streets.
The markets are found between 2 stations on the Northern Line – Camden Town and Chalk Farm. Today, there are 4 main market areas. Each supposedly has its own style and character but to be honest, they all tend to run into each other so its best to just allow enough time to wander and enjoy the scene. So, come for the shops and stalls with everything from vintage, original fashion, goth, crafts, furniture, antiques, London souvenirs…. Stay for lunch – there’s pretty much everything here you’d care to eat or drink. If you’re still around in the evenings, there are lots of music venues so there’s live music every night and several bars and pubs…
Its worth taking the underground train to the area just to have a look at Camden High Street itself – shop fronts are brightly painted or decorated with giant signs representing the goods inside:
Then its on to the markets …..
….for some serious browsing, eating and people watching….
There’s a bronze statue of Camden’s favourite daughter -Amy Winehouse – in Stables Market.
She still receives gifts and someone added pink lipstick today!
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Small Stuff
- Getting there – Underground Station – Camden Town and Chalk Farm – Northern Line – Zone 2.
- Keep and eye on your personal belongings – beware of pickpockets in the crowds.
- The markets are open 7 days per week – the area is less busy on weekdays but not everywhere is open during the week.
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