Camden Town, London » Entertainment » Attractions
Camden Town may be a smaller fraction of Camden borough, but its rich cultural heritage can be experienced in the diversity of music, food, fashion and arts. Said to be the hometown for Gothic and Punk culture, Camden Town entertains us with its vibrant markets, electrifying nightlife, magnetic attractions such as its churches, Jewish Museum, Regent's Park, London Zoo and various galleries and museums hidden in small nooks and corners of the maze of the city.
- Regent’s Park
The Regent's Park is an official part of the Royal Parks of London which includes other parks such as St. James Park, The Green Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, Bushy Park and Brompton Cemetery. The Regent's Park which envelops a huge area of 166 hectares and therefore its location partly includes both Westminster and Camden. The main highlights of the Regent’s park are London Zoo, Madame Tussads museum, London Planetarium and the eye catching rose gardens which include more than 400 varieties of roses. It also comprises of an Open Air Theatre, a number of cafes and restaurants and facilities for sporting activities like tennis, football, softball and rugby. In fact, it is the biggest open air sports arena in Central London.
Opening Hours: Everyday 5 am to dusk
Address: The Store Yard, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4NR, UK
Tel: +44 20 7486 7905
Fax: +44 20 7224 1895
For more information, The Regent’s Park,
- Regent’s Canal
The Regent's Canal is situated north of Central London and forms a link between the Paddington division of Grand Union Canal, Limehouse Basin and River Thames in East London. Once upon a time, it was the source of life for all Londoners as major trade took place when goods were ferried from and to North London. Through its travel, it crosses over Regent’s Park, Camden, Islington and Mile End to Limehouse and finally merges into Thames. There are many boat trips or private charters that can be organized on The Regent’s Canal. Also you can have a leisure walk along the canal towpath which starts from the Docklands and ends at Limehouse Basin. Along the way you forget all your worries and have that once in a lifetime chance of viewing Camden from a different view. Not as a bustling town known for its restaurants and nightlife, but also a town that can offer some picturesque views.
- London Zoo
ZSL London Zoo is the world's oldest zoo since it opened in 1828. Today it houses more than 650 species of animals which are well looked after in their special enclosures. Not just a zoo for children to frolic around, London Zoo is a historical attraction and its approach towards preservation and conservation of animals, makes every visitor to the zoo clap their hands in appreciation. The Zoo arranges various activities and programs to bring humans and animals closer to each other, so that they will be able to understand each other better and live in harmony. Some of these interactive activities include adopting an animal, interacting with animals face to face and being a part of the Zoo's daily activities. Each species of animal enclosures have been named differently like ‘Blackburn Pavilion’ for tropical birds, 'Gorilla Kingdom' for Western Lowland Gorillas, ‘Aquarium’ exhibiting various species of coral fishes, sea snakes and other sea animals, 'Butterfly Paradise' with several butterfly species from all over the world, 'Meet the Monkeys' to protect black-capped squirrel monkeys and 'Clore Rainforest Lookout' where you can encounter a near perfect South American tropical habitat filled with monkeys, birds and other animals.
Opening Hours: From 6 March to 25 October: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm, From 26 October to 2 November: 10.00 am to 4.30 pm, From 3 November to 4 November: 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Address: Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
Tel: +44 20 7722 3333, +44 20 7449 6228
Fax: +44 20 7224 1895
For more information, ZSL London Zoo
- Primrose Hill
A little away from Regent's Park is Primrose Hill which is not only a hill that offers a superb view of the London skyline, but also is the name of the surrounding district. Many famous celebrities, actors and artists visit the neighborhood as it is host to some fantastic restaurants and bars. A climb on the steep but small hill can lead you to your perfect picnic spot. Have a nice time with your family or just stroll around as you enjoy the London panorama. When you reach back to the neighborhood, the cafes and pubs are always eager to serve you.
Opening Hours: Everyday 5 am to dusk
- St Pancras Old Church
The St.Pancras Church dates to Roman times, mostly around 313 - 314 A.D. But today's St. Pancras Church doesn't have much proof of its ancient remains except for the sixth century altar. During past times, it served as the church of the parish of St Pancras and was one of the oldest Christian worshipping sites. Initially it was just known as St.Pancras Church, but after the construction of St.Pancras New Church, a little away from the old site, the original church came to be known as St.Pancras Old Church. The old neighborhood of St.Pancras Church was isolated due to frequent flooding and it lost its glory and position as parish status when new St.Pancras Church was built in 1822. But in later years, during mid 19th century as population grew, the church was restored and what we see today of the church belongs to that era. The church also suffered some damage during Second World War and restoration took place afterwards, to bestow it its past glory.
Opening Hours: Gardens: 7.00 am till dusk, Services: at 9.00 am on Sunday and at 7.00 pm on Tuesday
Address: Pancras Road, Camden, London, NW1 1UL, UK
Tel: +44 20 7387 0840
- St Michael's Church
The main Angilican Church in Camden Town, St.Michaels Church's congregation began in 1881 on the present location of William Hills bookmakers. A Parish Church held service at various temporary locations under the guidance of Father Edward Penfold. Services started to be held at St.Michael's after it was constructed by Bodley & Garner, for whom it was their first London church. The brick construction of this church is renowned for its architecture which can be proved by its Grade II listing. The construction was completed in 1894 under its first vicar Father Edward Penfold. It has been renovated in 2005 with an addition of a new roof in August 2007. The Church has been in the service of God for more than 120 years. It is connected to St Michael's Church of England Primary School.
Opening Hours: Sunday Parish Mass 10.30 a.m, 5.00pm Service at St. Paul's, Tuesday Healing Prayer 1.00pm, Wednesday Mass 1.00pm
Address: Fr. Nicholas Wheeler and the Parish Office, The Rectory, 191 St.Pancras Way,, London NW1 9NH, UK
Tel: +44 20 7424 0724
Fax: +44 20 7424 0724
For more information, Visit St Michael's Church
- Camden Catacombs
London's Catacombs are amazingly widespread considering the area is known for its high water table. The Catacombs of Camden are one of the surprises that Camden Town offers and that too beneath the Camden Lock Market, where while buying your regular knick knacks, you are unaware that underneath lie a web of passages from the Victorian Era. These catacombs, built in the 19th century, were used as stables for horses and as a track for railway wagons. Today no one access the catacombs as they are directly linked to a huge canal basin and is prone to the danger of getting flooded. As you follow the iron grills on the road you will be able to detect the path of the catacombs, which run from Euston mainline to Camden Lock market.
Address: Underneath Camden Lock Market, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1, UK
- Greater London House
Greater London House or GLC in short, which is Camden Town's largest office building, was initially built as a cigarette factory in the 1930's. Many may find visiting an office building, a little boring, but lovers of historic architecture will really appreciate its art-deco construction that has been reinstated to its 1930's splendor. Today it is a well known historical landmark of Camden Town, London.
Address: Hampstead Rd, Camden, London NW1, UK
Tel: +44 20 7383 0336
Fax: +44 20 7383 4605
For more information, Visit Greater London House
- Camden Lock
Camden Lock, also known as the Hampstead Road Locks, is a twin manually operated lock located along the Regent’s Canal in Camden Town. James Morgan and John Nash, in partnership, constructed this lock between 1818 and 1820. Presently, it is the only twin lock on the Canal while the other one has been shifted to single lock operation. Their historical value can be substantiated by its Grade II listing. They are located to the west of Camden High Street and the area around it is known as Camden Lock which encloses the Camden Lock Market and the Chalk Farm Road. The Camden Lock Market is the fourth largest tourist destination in London. Camden Lock references can be found in many well known music tracks, novels and films.
- Return To Camden Town: Festival Of Traditional Irish Music Song And Dance
Arranged during the month of October, ‘Return To Camden Town Festival Of Traditional Irish Music Song And Dance’ is a renowned Irish song and dance festival that is being arranged for more than ten years. For ten days, some of best musicians and artists from UK and Ireland showcase their talent using the medium of concerts, dances, workshops and sessions. Both children and adults can enjoy as well as benefit from these sessions. This high voltage event is generally arranged from the last week of October lasting till the first week of November.
Address: London Irish Centre Camden, 50-52 Camden Square, London, NW1 9XB, UK
Tel: +44 20 7916 2222, +44 78 7108 8121
For more information, Visit Return To Camden Town: Festival Of Traditional Irish Music Song And Dance
- Camden Crawl
The Camden Crawl is one of those music festivals which don’t need time to 'crawl' into the hearts of music lovers. More than 150 British and International music bands screech the guitar string at this festival which takes place at over 30 different venues in and around Camden Town. Performances have a very high variation graph as all types of music are played here like pop, acoustic, karaoke, etc. Exciting events such as quizzes, band competitions, exhibitions and much more. Special guests also perform during the festivals along with other live performers.
Address: 6 Stucley Place, London, NW1 8NS, UK, Venue: Various Venues
Tel: +44 20 7485 7400
For more information, Visit The Camden Crawl
