London Neighbourhoods: Our Guide to Camden

By Megan Hills

Explore one of London's most diverse neighbourhoods with our guide to Camden

There's always something to do and see in Camden, whether you're combing the markets for amazing handmade jewellery or grabbing a bite to eat at a quirky street food stall. With so much going on, we've narrowed the highlights down for visitors below.

Things to Do

London Zoo Wander over to Regent's Park and enter London's own animal kingdom, away from the bustling city. Filled with varied enclosures ranging from chilly Penguin Beach to the walk-through spider enclosure BUGS exhibit, explore and meet over 750 different animal species. There's a number of special activities for visitors including an animal encounter accompanied by zoo keepers, photography courses and even the option to stay overnight at Gir Lion Lodge, just a stone's throw from the zoo's sleeping lions. Camden Market There's not a single London tour guide that doesn't mention this vibrant market, full of colourful stalls and even more colourful people. With over a thousand different stores, stalls, bars and restaurants to explore, Camden Market has been open since 1974 and continues to thrive to this day. With everything from sunglasses to hot chocolate, there's something for everyone here.

Jason's Original Canal Boat Trip See Camden from the water on an authentic canal boat, trailing along the canal between Little Venice and Camden. A tour guide accompanies the Little Venice to Camden route, providing information about the 108 year old boat, the surrounding area and the history of the original Regent's Canal tour. For those who want to take in the scenery without the commentary, hop on the boat going towards Little Venice from Camden. The Roundhouse Camden lives and breathes creativity, so it's no surprise that it has its own performing arts space. There's always a live performance on at The Roundhouse, a theatre whose main mission is to promote arts and creativity with young people, and their shows feature spoken word artists, musicians and more. Have a look on their site for their current line up and arrive early to grab a drink at one of their bars. The Jewish Museum Founded in 1932, the Jewish Museum of London celebrates Jewish life, culture and heritage from 1066 to present day. Whether you're part of the Jewish community of not, it's a fascinating museum filled with key objects and artefacts of historical and modern Jewish life as well as exhibitions and interactive displays. Currently, you can visit the Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait exhibition (16 March - 24 September 2017) and learn about the woman behind the music. Featuring a collection of her personal belongings, it's an up-close and personal exploration of the real Amy Winehouse.

Image via KERB facebook

Things to eat

KERB Camden KERB specialises in street food markets and they've set up a forever home in Camden Market, just a little walk away from the main hustle. Located by the water, it's absolutely picturesque and worth a visit after you've tuckered yourself out in main throng The 34 food stalls range from the classics to the truly adventurous - Swedish, Mexican and Korean fusion tacos anyone? Poppies You can't come to the U.K. and not have fish and chips. Poppies is one of our favourite places to indulge ourselves with a charming, retro vibe inspired by the founder's childhood. Using only sustainable seafood caught by their in-house fishmonger, their menu not only serves fish and chips but other seafood dishes, as well as delicious rotisserie chicken.

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London's Best Roof Gardens

It's summer in London and what better way to escape the heat, or bask in it, however you prefer, than to explore the rooftops of the capital. Beat the crowds by taking your tour of London up a level and enjoy the private oases high above the streets. Not only does it provide an escape from the bustle below, but you can enjoy verdant views over the city and stretching panoramas as far as the eye can see. We've listed our favourite rooftop experiences for you to try while you're in London; from green gardens to sophisticated bars - there's something for everyone. The Roof Gardens, Kensington Located one hundred feet above Kensington High Street are the gorgeous secluded Roof Gardens; a magical world filled with trickling streams, delicate flowers, giant oaks and exotic pink flamingos. Yes, really. Covering approximately 1.5 acres, this green oasis in the city is split into three themes - Tudor, Spanish and English woodland. It’s the perfect roof garden and you’ll not find one like it. If you’re feeling peckish, forget the picnic, you have to do it properly in Kensington. Try out the Babylon restaurant on the 7th floor for some gourmet grub instead. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden, Southbank One of the Southbank’s summer specials, high above the hustle and bustle of one of London’s most touristy areas, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden offers those on the riverside a green garden to enjoy. Up an industrial concrete yellow staircase, you’re invited to this garden party on wooden decking and pretty iron tables and chairs complete with a pop up bar - and plenty of Pimms on tap. It’s the perfect summery spot to enjoy a drink before you revel in the entertainment provided by the BFI Cinema, National Theatre and Southbank Centre, located just below. Vista Bar, Trafalgar Square If you’re looking for a room with a view, you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere better than Trafalgar Square’s Vista Bar, overlooking the iconic square, National Gallery and the Thames. With clean lines, dark wood decking and polished garden furniture, this bar is both sophisticated and stylish – perfect for a special occasion. Sit amongst the perfectly manicured bushes, sipping a glass of bubbly, or if you stay for a bite to eat they’ve got a fresh BBQ with a range of tasty burgers to try. Another alternative for stunning views is the Radio Rooftop Bar, further down on the Strand. Another perfectly polished experience, expect the chic-est of chic and perhaps the odd celebrity sighting, too. Sushisamba, Heron Tower Located in London’s East End banking district the Heron Tower is a must for anyone who wants a break from sightseeing to explore a bit of London rarely ventured by visitors to the city. Up on the 38th and 39th floors of the Heron Tower (which itself is one of the tallest buildings in London) you can get a unique perspective of the city from this easterly vantage point. What makes it so special is the weeping willow tree in the middle of the round bar and the dim red lights which give the atmosphere a modern and romantic feel; perfect for making a good impression. Have a cocktail as the sun goes down, overlooking St Paul’s and the Gerkin, and you'll see a magical park of London you can't find in the guidebooks.
Vanessa Teo
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Highlights of Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is one of London’s most popular royal attractions with close links to the royal family, having played a key role in the history of the British monarchy. Like Buckingham Palace and Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace is a honey-pot for visitors (and locals alike) to experience the past and present of the royal family and to get to know a little more about those famous faces everyone learnt about at school. Step inside Kensington Palace and discover the timeline of its residents from Queen Victoria, to Princess Diana – even as far back as King George. So let’s take a look at the highlights – there are quite a few – and why we love this royal retreat. The Glorious Georges A new exhibition opened on April 17th, the Glorious Georges, marking the 300th anniversary of the Hanoverian succession to the throne. As part of a series, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hampton Court Palace are all celebrating their own Georges and how their courts affected the history of the palaces to this day. At Kensington Palace, the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the court of George II and Queen Caroline in 1727 – rather controversial royals for their time as their succession to the palace inspired a new era of culture, music and fashion. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to listen to stories and tales from around the court and even meet Queen Caroline and the king’s mistress, Henrietta Howard. Get ready for some scandal... Fashion Rules Fast-forward a few centuries to the present day and some of the most decadent decades just past. Taking visitors on a nostalgic tour through the most impressive fashion eras of the later half of the 20th century, the Fashion Rules exhibition explores the wardrobes of three members of the royal family: HM Queen Elizabeth II in the 1950s, Princess Margaret in the 1960s and 70s, and Diana, Princess of Wales in the 1980s. Through this chronological costume display, visitors will learn about the changing fashions of the royal faces and can admirie the purple Dior evening gown worn by Princess Margaret for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations and two never-seen-before dresses belonging to Princess Diana among many other couture masterpieces. A great event to take your Mum to, it’s a hit for women of all ages – we bet your grandma will recognise a few pieces, too! Victoria Revealed The ten-room display of Victoria Revealed tells the personal story of Britain’s longest serving monarch through her eyes as visitors are led through her childhood home to experience her memories and day to day life. Quotes from her personal journals and letters will paint the picture of her early life; the rooms in which she was born, the spot where she first set eyes on her beloved Prince Albert and the place where she spent her first moments as Queen. The exhibition includes over 300 items and personal objects such as the tiny black silk shoes Victoria wore as a baby, an enchanting collection of dolls she owned and the elegant ivory silk wedding dress she wore for her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840. The King’s Staircase The King’s Staircase, the magnificent entrance to the King’s State Apartments, is not to be missed. The grand frescoes painted on the walls by William Kent in the 1700s were to recreate the vibrant Georgian court scene – bringing mirth and liveliness to the palace. Don’t forget to look out for the artist himself in the painting, who is depicted wearing a brown turban and holding an artists’ paint palette with his mistress at his shoulder. The Queen’s State Apartments As one of two joint monarchs, Queen Mary II and William III, Mary wanted to make Kensington Palace their real home. Discover the comfy rooms that were once used by Queen Mary II as her private salons to entertain guests, to eat, to sleep and to relax. Here you can explore her drawing room, filled with many decorations from China, and her dining room where she and her husband liked to eat together out of the public eye. Did you know these modest monarchs liked to dine on fish and beer? Nothing like the feasts you heard of at old Hampton Court... The King’s State Apartments The King’s State Apartments are some of the most lavish rooms in the entire palace. Each room grander than the last, these apartments contain the Presence Chamber, which features a gilded armchair that belonged to George II's son Frederick; the Privy Chamber, which was one of Queen Caroline's favourite rooms; The Cupola Room; one of the most impressive in the palace; and The King's Drawing Room, where courtiers would have gathered. It also contains the King's Gallery where William III played soldiers with his little nephew and where he caught the chill that eventually led to his death in 1702. It’s in these rooms that you will be able to discover the Glorious Georges Exhibition. The Sunken Garden Planted at the turn of the 20th century, Kensington Palace Gardens are breath-taking in their landscape. Modelled on Hampton Court Palace this beautiful garden is one of the most secluded and peaceful spots at the palace, a real exotic oasis of flowers and fountains. Perfect for a picnic, why not enjoy afternoon tea at the Orangery and sit outside and admire the view. With a Cradle Walk and multiple paths to explore, it’s a gorgeous excuse to get some fresh air and stretch the legs. You can’t get more beautiful surroundings – and you completely forget you’re in central London! With The London Pass you can get entry with no further payment into Kensington Palace. As one of over 60 attractions included in the pass, it's the ultimate sightseeing package and guaranteed to save you time and money!
Vanessa Teo
Blog

London New Year’s Eve Party Guide 2019

Have a rummage around in our 2019/20 London New Year's Eve Party Guide. We've covered North and East and South and West, and some Central bashes too. There's plenty of choice out there, including... A number of 90s nostalgia fests all over the city Some great parties offering views of the Mayor of London Fireworks A set of cool cabaret and burlesque shows Parties that will take you into 2020 via the 1920s Much, much more... Central The Candlelight Club Forget the 2020s. You’re going to a party at the start of the Roaring 20s. That’s the 1920s, kids. Head 100 years into the past at The Candlelight Club, an entirely candle-lit prohibition-era party held in a secret London location. Put on your glad rags, do the Charleston and sip champagne in dapper and flapper style. 7pm - 2am. From £40. The Candlelight Club, somewhere in Central London. Location is revealed 2 days before the event. For more info and to book, go HERE. Hot Chip New Year’s Eve House Party Party with one of the best UK bands to have appeared since the Millennium at London’s Steelyard. Their expressions on the promotional posters might make it look like they don’t want to be there, but that won’t be the case on the night. They’re doing a 4 hour DJ set, taking you right up to midnight and into the new decade. 8pm - 5am. From £45. The Steelyard, 13-16 Allhallows Lane, London EC4R 3UL. For info and to book, head HERE. Gettin’ Pingy With It at Bounce A 90s nostalgia New Year’s Eve party with a difference...and that difference is ping pong. Yep, London’s premier table tennis venue is throwing a big event this NYE, a mega ping pong party with tournaments, games tables, a 90s dress code and nostalgic wave after nostalgic wave crashing over the dancefloor. 8pm - 2am. From £25. Bounce Farringdon, 121 Holborn, London EC1N 2TD. For more details and to book, click HERE. bouncepingpong.com Glitter Ball at Ballie Ballerson Get balls deep in the NYE atmosphere at Ballie Ballerson, London’s top adult ball pit place. There’s a sentence you might not have imagined reading at the start of the decade. Get some time in the pit and let the child go, before you definitely, definitely, definitely hunker down to the hard work of becoming an adult next year. Definitely. 9.30pm - 4am. From £22.40. Ballie Ballerson, 53-54 Berwick Street, London W1F 8SP. For details and tickets, go HERE. ballieballerson.com New Year’s Eve at Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration Head up, up, up and away on a marvellous adventure and see in the new year at Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration. With the style of the golden age of exploration and invention all around you, settle in for an evening high class Victorian entertainment, with live singers and feather dancers. All aboard (the life-size Victorian train carriage inside the venue)! 9pm - 2am. £50. Mr Fogg’s Society of Exploration, 1a Bedford Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9HH. For details and to book, go HERE. mr-foggs.com North We Love the 90s N.Y.E 2020 If you’re not ready to show your love for the decade just gone, this could be the London New Year's Eve party for you. An hour of bottomless retro drinks; tunes from The Spice Girls, Blur, Oasis and Nirvana; and prizes for the best dressed...this is one of the best nostalgia nights this NYE. 9pm - 4am. £25. Number Six, 6 Inverness Street, Camden, London NW1 7HJ. For tickets and more info, head HERE. California Love 90s/00s NYE Hip Hop and RnB Party Another festival of nostalgia in North London. A London New Year's Eve party with 2Pac, Biggie, Aaliyah, Eminem and Wu-Tang, Cali Love is bringing two decades worth of the best Hip Hop and RnB to the Lockside. 9pm - 4am. From £15. Lockside Camden, 75-89 Upper Walkway, Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF. For tickets and more info, head HERE. Deaf Rave Presents NYE Everyone’s welcome (including hearing and disabled people) at this deaf rave, organised as a celebration of the UK and international deaf community. 3 rooms of Soul, RnB and Hip Hop, Baseline and Dubstep, UK Garage, Grime and Drill. 8pm - 3am. From £22. Colours Hoxton, 2-4 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU. For tickets and more details, head HERE. Twisted Circus NYE Festival Spend your evening in the company of sword swallowers, acrobats and stilt walkers at this OTT London New Year's Eve party. The circus is in town for the big countdown, with a perfect selection of pop and dance tracks soundtracking the chaos. 9pm - 4am. From £40. Shaka Zulu, Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, Camden, London NW1 8AB. For more details and tickets, head HERE. twistedcircusuk.com Brew Year's Eve 2019 See out the decade that made your mate suddenly give a flip about beer at Brew Year’s Eve. It’s a London New Year’s Eve party that knows what it likes and absolutely will not settle for anything else. You get a free beer or glass of bubbles included in the ticket price. 7pm - 2am. From £7.50. Brewhouse and Kitchen Islington, Torrens Street, London EC1V 1NQ. For more details and tickets, head HERE. South Up on the Roof’s NYE Discos with Nightmares on Wax Legendary Warp Records DJ and producer Nightmares on Wax headlines this rooftop party in Brixton. He’ll be playing a 3 hour midnight set. 8pm - 5am. Prince of Wales, 467 Brixton Road, London SW9 8HH. For tickets and more details, head HERE. pow-london.com The 2019 London New Year’s Eve Ball They’re channeling the city that never sleeps at this NYC-themed NYE ball. See Central Park, abuzz with activity, and Times Square filled with lights at this all-inclusive event. 7.30pm - 3am. £190. Evolution London, Chelsea Bridge Gate, Battersea Park, Queenstown Road, London SW8 4NW. For tickets and more info, head HERE. smartparties.co.uk A Happy Ending at New Year’s Eve An immersive London New Year’s Eve party that throws together a huge number of fairy tales into a chaotic, intoxicating whole. Head down into the Waterloo Vaults and live happily ever after. Until 4am. 8pm - 4am. £25. The Vaults, Leake Street, Waterloo, London SE1 7NN. For more details and to book, click HERE. thevaults.london NYE by the Thames Head feet first into 2020 at this Caribbean theme party. It’s right by the Thames, offering great views out onto the main London fireworks display. There’s an unlimited jerk chicken buffet and rum punch between 9pm and 10pm, so make sure you’re down there for that. 9pm - 4am. £30. Cottons Restaurant, Unit 12, Flagstaff House, St Georges Wharf, Vauxhall, London SW8 2LE. For more info and to book, head HERE. New Year’s Eve Dinner and Party at Union Street Cafe Head over to Southwark’s Union Street Cafe for an evening of Italian food and partying. Choose from a three course or four course menu, with courses including lobster with soft polenta, wild mushrooms and tarragon pesto. Once the dessert spoons are down, it’s time for some lively jazz from London Django Collective to whisk you off past midnight. 7pm - 1am. £95. Union Street Cafe, 47-51 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BS. For tickets and details, go HERE. East One Night in Vegas Featuring Suspiciously Elvis Boisdale in Canary Wharf are hosting The King this year, with an Elvis tribute act there to ring in the new year. See out 2019 with dinner and a stage show taken right out of Elvis’s late period Vegas days. This jazz venue, restaurant and bar boasts a fine a la carte menu celebrating the best in British produce and a bar with over 1000 malt whiskies. 6pm - 3am. From £55.50. Boisdale of Canary Wharf, Cabot Place, Canary Wharf, London E14 4QT. For details and to book, head over HERE. boisdale.co.uk New Year’s Eve: Skylight 2020 Head up to Tobacco Dock’s Skylight for an evening of special guest DJs, dancing and ice skating on a rooftop in East London. Put on your skates for a spin out on the ice, then lace up your dancing shoes ready for the countdown. 6pm - 2.30am. From £45. Skylight, Tobacco Dock, Tobacco Quay, Wapping Lane, London E1W 2SF. For more details and to book, go HERE. SUPA DUPA FLY X NEW YEARS EVE X ACE HOTEL One of London’s hottest and biggest Hip Hop and RnB night is taking over two floors of Shoreditch’s Ace Hotel for their New Year’s Eve Party. Expect 90s and 00s stuff on one floor, new stuff on the other, played by a host of leading and celeb DJs. 9pm - 5am. From £15. Ace Hotel, 100 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JQ. For details and tickets, head HERE. RATED R NYE One of the other big hitters in East London Hip Hop and RnB nights, Southern Hospitality (the people behind Hip Hop Karaoke) are at The Book Club this NYE. Starting from 8pm, expect big singalongs and party jams, taking you from the 90s, through the 00s to right this very minute. 8pm - 3am. From £1. The Book Club, 100 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4RH. For info and bookings, go HERE. Prohibition Party New Year’s Eve Special Johnny Law has closed down all your favourite watering holes. The city’s gone dry. Everywhere except the Prohibition Party that is. This popular 1920s themed night is going big this time out, with more opulence, more elegance and more extravagance planned for their New Year’s Eve party. Expect beautiful dresses, exquisite drinks, fabulous music and a raid about midnight. Quick few bucks in the right hands and it’ll all get going again. 9pm - 3am. From £55. Secret East London location. For more details and to book, head HERE. rohibitionpartylondon.com West NYE 10 Year’s of Proud Cabaret Celebrate the 10th birthday party of Proud Cabaret, the wildly popular, wild, excessively well-received and excessive cabaret show. Expect fire breathers, acrobats, circus performers, aerial artists and...the unexpected. They offer excellent views of the main London fireworks too. 6.30pm - 11pm. From £39. Proud Embankment, Waterloo Bridge, 8 Victoria Embankment, London WC2R 2AB. For more info and to book, click HERE. proudcabaretembankment.com NYE Night Market Party Catapult yourself into the new year at this 90s throwback event held at the Market Hall Victoria. There’ll be plenty of street food, a live band taking 90s classics requests and lots of 90s themed games throughout the evening. 8pm - 2am. £35. Market Hall Victoria, 191 Victoria Street, Victoria, London SW1E 5NE. For more info and to book, head HERE. Moon and Mischief New Year’s Eve Extravaganza 2019 Go big to see out the year in style at this cabaret, circus act, drag and burlesque New Year’s Eve party. Get ready for the big countdown with a number of acts popping up all around the dance floor. This is one of the most unpredictable New Year’s Eve parties in town this year. 8pm - 2.30am. From £15. Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road, London W12 7LJ. For more info and to get your hands on some tickets, go HERE. moonandmischief.com New Year at the Gold Mansion This private venue will be decked out in golden finery for this year’s New Year’s Eve party. With an exclusive, luxurious feel all about the place, this is the party for those wanting to get a bit of glam in their lives before the decade’s out. Expect roving musicians, DJs across three dance floors and fire shows, cage dancers and aerial performers. 9pm - 4am. From £36. Held at a secret London venue. For details and to book, head HERE. New Year’s Eve: Creatures of the Night Get nocturnal at Creatures of the Night, the New Year’s Eve party held at the Natural History Museum. Grab a complimentary drink, try your luck at musical bingo and cover you and your mates in UV body paint for the Museum of the Moon silent disco. It looks set to be a hoot. 8pm - 1am. £99. The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD. For details and bookings, go HERE. So that's what's on at New Year's Eve in 2019, party-wise. But what's on at Christmas this year, everything-wise? Well, find out HERE.
Matthew Pearson

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