Our Camden Town area guide by your local property expert, is here to assist you discover this sometimes calm, but leafy, fascinating area of North West London!
Camden London, located between the bustle of Central London and the leafy calm of North West London, Camden Town has always existed as an interesting hybrid area. As well as having one of the best markets in London – which we’ll get to in a second…it’s one of London’s best places to live!
Originally part of the manor of Kentish Town and named after Charles Pratt, the Earl of Camden, the borough has only existed in its current state since 1965. When Regent’s Canal was built through the area in 1816, it began to grow around the transport hub as workers migrated to Camden. The famous markets began in 1973, and before long Camden Town became a byword for good nightlife and an alternative, arty scene, a reputation that remains today!
Living in Camden
Camden is located approximately two and a half miles north of Charing Cross, and sits within postcode regions NW1 and NW5. It sits to the south of Belsize Park and Chalk Farm, west of Barnsbury and Kings Cross, north of Regent’s Park and east to South Hampstead. It’s proximity to many other popular areas of the capital means that it’s well connected and usually busy for residents and visitors alike. A whirlwind visit to Camden town will display primarily brightly-coloured and graffitied shopfronts, but there’s much more to property in this neighbourhood than first impressions may reveal.
There are roads full of Georgian and Victorian townhouses, typical to London, both converted into flats and left unconverted as family homes. Many are painted in bright hues or pastels (this is Camden, after all!), to add a touch of colour to the streets. There are some estates of council housing, as well as lots of property conversions to flats from old warehouses, breweries and industrial spaces. There is also some new build developments of flats and homes, but not too many; the most recent is Hawley Wharf, which sits where part of Camden Market was irreparably damaged by fire.
Schools
Camden’s state schools pride themselves on excellent teaching and a supportive environment for all, at both primary and secondary levels, including Camden School for Girls, whose former pupils include Emma Thompson and Geri Halliwell, and Haverstock School. Eleanor Palmer School, in nearby Kentish Town, is one of the most sought after primary schools in the country.
Going Out
Camden offers a vibrant nightlife, and a multitude of bars such as BrewDog, Bar Tok, The Proud Galleries in Stables Market, the legendary Dublin Castle on Parkway, and The World’s End, all serving beers brewed at Camden’s own breweries; Little Brew and Camden Town.
The multicultural diversity of Camden is reflected through the cuisine on offer throughout the area. A variety of culinary traditions can be found on Camden High Street, Parkway, Chalk Farm Road, Bayham Street and throughout the ever-popular markets. The historic Camden Lock Market, Camden Lock Village, Camden Market, Inverness Street Market and the Stables Market are famed for their one-of-a-kind selection of fashion, lifestyle, books, jewellery and antiques.
Removed from the hustle and bustle of the markets, many visitors are drawn to Camden by the presence of the Regent’s Canal, and its proximity to Regent’s Park; home of the London Zoo. Canal-boat trips, waterbuses and sightseeing narrowboat trips all run along the canal from Camden Lock.
Commuting from Camden
The main tube station, Camden Town, is on both branches of the Northern line, one of the busiest underground lines, in travelcard zone 2. The Northern line travels from Edgware and High Barnet in the north of London, down to Morden, the southernmost station.
Residents of Camden can benefit from a quick underground service to major central locations such as King’s Cross St Pancras, London Bridge, Old Street, Leicester Square, Waterloo, Charing Cross and Euston, although, as the walk to Euston and King’s Cross is only around 20 minutes, this may be a preferred method to avoid the peak commuter times.
Camden Road station offers London Overground services on the North London line from Stratford to Richmond. There is also a number of bus links operating from Camden to destinations across the capital.
Camden Town Leisure
The six vibrant markets characterise Camden Town, with a diverse offering that spans jewellery, clothing and antiques to street food, books and crafts. Browsing the stalls is one of London’s little pleasures, with an intoxicating mix of food and music as the perfect backdrop. Camden Town is on the fringe of Regent’s Park and within minutes, residents have access to the 410 acres of parkland. Surprisingly, there are almost 70 parks, garden squares and managed grounds within the Camden Borough itself. If you really want to slow the pace down, nothing beats a leisurely sail along the Regent’s Canal on one of the waterbuses. Hop on at Camden Lock Market and drift through Little Venice, Regent’s Park and the Maida Hill tunnel.
Properties for sale
Properties for rent
Things to do in and around Camden Town