CAMDEN is the quirky London street that millions of teenagers make their first stop when they visit the capital.
It’s always busy with market stalls, persistent sellers, food stands, bustling pubs, colourful buildings clad in street art, graffiti and a rich history when it comes to punks and musicians.
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Camden has also been home of many incredible musicians, like Amy Winehouse, who once describing it as her “playground”.
There’s even a bronze statue of Back to Black singer at the Stables Market.
Another popular spot is the Hawley Arms, worth a stop for its homage to artistic legends with the ‘Camden Music Walk of Fame’.
You might also recognise the boozer as the pub Richard Gadd worked at in Baby Reindeer.
In the 1970s Camden became famous for its part in the punk rock scene.
Music venues, Electric Ballroom and The Underworld, gained popularity with emerging punk rock bands and Camden was also known for punk fashion too.
The borough is still a hub for music with famous venues like Jazz Cafe and Roundhouse.
However, when you mention the word ‘Camden’, despite everything the borough has to offer, something else comes to mind – which is just how busy the high street can be.
Trying to look at goods on a stall is one thing, but trying to cross the road takes dodgems to a whole other level.
Stretching 0.6 miles, the popular high street can see up to 40,000 in one day.
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With pedestrians pouring out onto the road, which is still used for vehicles, it can be pretty hairy at times.
Camden Council have decided to take action to and create a “safer” spot for locals and tourists.
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden: “So many people ask why the high street is not already pedestrianised – now we are delivering on that call.”
Later this year, Camden High Street will enter a trial of being pedestrianised.
In an effort to clear traffic, there won’t be any motor vehicles on the highs street from the junction with Parkway and Kentish Town Road.
Nor will there be vehicles in front of Camden Town Underground station up to the junction of Jamestown Road and Hawley Crescent.
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Buses towards Chalk Farm will be rerouted, travelling along Kentish Town Road and Hawley Crescent before continuing north.
TfL has provided £130,000 for the development of the trial.
The council have said that bus stops in the trial area are not being changed and new blue badge parking will be provided on side streets.
They have also said that the existing parking spaces and loading bays on Camden High Street will be turned into Streateries – outdoor seating areas for existing pubs and cafes.
After the trial period, that could last up to 18 months, the council will look at the effect it had on local businesses and will ask to hear back from locals before making a final decision.
But if it’s positive, Camden High Street could close to vehicles for good.
At the moment, there is no confirmed dated of the trail, but Camden Council have said it is “scheduled to begin later in 2025′.
And the pretty ‘seaside’ town one hour from London that was named the best half term day trip.
Here Are The 10 Mistakes Tourists Make In London
Here are some key pieces of advice for anyone travelling in London…
- When it comes to travelling, the rules of the escalator are simple: stand on the right, walk on the left. Follow that and you’ll get along with the locals, no problem.
- Anyone looking for a view over London might think of going to the Shard, where a trip up to the viewing deck costs £28. Across the river, you can go to the Sky Garden in the Fenchurch building is completely free of charge and get a view that is just as good – just make a booking before you go.
- More needless tourist spending happens on open-top bus tours that go along the same roads as the public buses, which cost a fraction of the price. You can travel as far as you like within 90 minutes on the regular buses for £1.75.
- Getting the tube is an essential part of any visit to London, but it’s not always the best way to get from one place to another. For instance, the route from Greenwich to central London is much more enjoyable on the Uber boat, which costs a little bit more, but provides an affordable sightseeing tour through the city.
- One of the best things about London is that most of its museums are free. The Natural History Museum, the V&A, the Tate, the British Museum and the Science Museum are among those that don’t cost a thing to enter.
- Once you’ve explored Zone 1, venture to the outer parts of London like Hampstead Heath, where you can go swimming in the outdoor ponds, Brixton with its amazing markets and food and Hackney for its parks and breweries.
- After a few drinks in one of London’s many great bars, taking a rickshaw ride back to your accommodation might seem like a good idea. But there are plenty of horror stories about people being charged a fortune by unofficial rickshaw drivers, especially after they’ve had a few drinks.
- A trip to London wouldn’t be complete without trying fish and chips, but there are hundreds of places that don’t do the dish justice. It’s well worth spending a bit of time before your visit researching the best places to get them.
- It’s worth researching the best and most traditional pubs, instead of just going to the first King’s Arms or Red Lion you come across. Among the best pubs in the city are the Mayflower in Rotherhithe and the Southampton Arms in Kentish Town.
- Ditch Oxford street for Spitalfields, Shoreditch and Brick Lane, where some of the best curries in the city can be found. Camden, Portobello Road, and Camden Passage (near Angel) are equally worthwhile.
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