Sign in
  1. Home
  2. Area Guides
  3. Camden Town

Living in Camden Town

Camden Town is a cultural landmark, known for its historic music venues, colourful markets and canalside walks. Today, it’s a thriving residential area that balances artistic spirit with modern city living.

About Camden Town

Camden Town may be famous for its punk roots and legendary music venues, but there’s much more to this vibrant neighbourhood. It’s full of life, with buzzing street culture, nightlife and a growing number of beautifully restored period homes. Many students who come for the scene end up staying long-term, eventually settling into spacious family houses and flat conversions. The area has seen a steady transformation over the years, with rising desirability and improved housing stock attracting a wider range of residents.

Camden offers everything you need, restaurants, shops and bars - yet it’s also perfectly placed to enjoy the amenities of nearby areas and some of London’s best green spaces. Its unique mix of character and convenience attracts everyone from lawyers and bankers to artists.

Fact file

  • The crossroads between Camden High Street, Parkway and Kentish Town Road used to be a site for public executionsand is now said to be haunted by a witch who was hanged there.
  • Charles Dickens once lived in Camden and some of his novels feature the area: both Bob Cratchit’s family in A Christmas Carol and The Micawbers in David Copperfield live in Camden.
  • Camden was once home to Amy Winehouse. Her influence is still felt today, with a bronze statue in her honour at Camden Market and a strong musical legacy that continues to shape the neighbourhood’s identity.

Architecture and property 

Camden Town was little more than open fields until development began in 1791. The arrival of Regent’s Canal in 1820 accelerated growth and by 1850, much of the town’s core had taken shape. Today, Camden showcases a wide variety of property styles from Georgian terraces off Parkway and Victorian homes on the eastern side, to low-rise flats near Camden Road station and sought-after Edwardian townhouses on Gloucester Avenue. Camden Square is one of 39 designated conservation areas, highlighting the architectural value of the neighbourhood.

Area regeneration in surrounding areas has raised the quality of homes coming to market and Camden now competes with its traditionally wealthier neighbours for buyers. Larger houses are often converted into spacious flats, with most properties offering two or more bedrooms, making it a popular choice for both families and professionals.

Going out

Camden might be best known for its markets, bars and clubs, but it’s also home to a growing number of excellent restaurants, with new openings appearing regularly. Celebrity favourite Gilgamesh serves vibrant pan-Asian cuisine and transforms into a club by night. The high street is lined with lively pubs and bars, including The Lock Tavern with its popular outdoor terrace, The Enterprise for live music and the Edinboro Castle, known for its summer beer garden and BBQ. The Hawley Arms, once a regular spot for Amy Winehouse, remains a beloved local spot.

Local amenities

For everyday essentials and organic treats, Whole Foods Market stocks a wide range of natural groceries and beauty products. Camden’s shopping scene is centred around its famous markets - Inverness Street, Camden Lock and the Stables Market alongside a buzzing high street full of independent shops and big-name brands.

Entertainment is never in short supply. The Odeon cinema screens the latest releases, while The Roundhouse, a converted railway engine shed, hosts world-class music and arts events, including the annual iTunes Festival. Camden also has a well-equipped public library with a dedicated children’s section and learning centre.

Fitness enthusiasts are well catered for, with a mix of chain and independent gyms across the borough. Fitness First and Soho Gyms both have local branches and Cantelowes Gardens features one of London’s outdoor council-run gyms, free to use.

Green spaces

The views from the top of Primrose Hill are truly spectacular and not to be missed. Its proximity to Camden Town makes it a popular spot for joggers, young families and dog walkers. Just nearby, Regent’s Park offers boating lakes, rose gardens and London Zoo - perfect for summer outings or simply as a scenic route into the West End. Many Camden residents take full advantage of these green spaces, enjoying the balance of city life and nature right on their doorstep.

Education

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 and Haverstock School. Eleanor Palmer School, in nearby Kentish Town, is one of the most sought after primary schools in the country.

Transport

Camden Town Tube station, is a key interchange on the Northern Line, serving four branches - Bank, Charing Cross, Edgware and High Barnet. Nearby stations Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent also serve the area, while Camden Road provides Overground connections.

Major transport hubs like St Pancras International, King’s Cross and Euston are all within a 20-minute walk, making national and international travel easily accessible. Camden is also well-connected by bus, with routes including the 168, 24, 214, 88 and 134. Most night buses heading north stop in Camden Town. For cyclists, canal-side paths are heading east and west and Camden is part of the proposed North–South Cycle Superhighway, making it a convenient base for active commuters.