Camden Market comprises several adjoining markets that colonise a prime chunk of Camden Town. Together, they attract around 250,000 visitors a week, making Camden Market the capital’s fourth most-popular visitor attraction. This means it’s pretty hectic, especially at peak times, so it’s best to plan ahead.
one of the constituents is Camden Lock Market which, as its name suggests, is located on the lock next to the Regent’s Canal. It’s an arts and crafts haven packed with covered retail units specialising in scarves, shoes, hand-stitched leather goods, custom Converse, Fairtrade jewellery and loads more. It’s also the place to go when you’re hungry, thanks to street-food stalls selling grub such as souvlaki, vegan curries, New York-style pizza and coconut pancakes.
Housed under a huge sign that reads ‘The Camden Market’, Buck Street Market is an indoor space where traders sell T-shirts, jewellery and touristy trinkets. It’s hardly Camden’s classiest corner, but you can pick up the odd vintage gem. Occupying a former horse hospital, Camden Stables Market is a trendier spot where you’ll find quirky furniture, edgy and unusual gifts and a great selection of goth, punk and fetish clothing.
As you saunter through the different markets, don’t be surprised to see grungy teenagers and old punks on the street corners. Camden feels more mainstream than it did in the ‘90s, but it’s still one of London’s most rock ‘n’ roll neighbourhoods.
Top tip: Did we mention how busy it gets? Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid the masses. Nick Levine
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