Shop, then watch a London West End show and stay in a top 3 or 4 star hotel ready to shop again in the morning! Camden
Camden is a complete contrast to the metropolitan feel of the central London shopping areas such as Oxford and Regent Street. The borough lies to the north west of the City, just three miles from St Paul's Cathedral and is renowned for its diversity and individuality, particularly with regards to shopping.
The borough has four markets - Camden Market, Camden Canal Market, Camden Lock Market and Camden Stables Market. The markets are famous for selling vintage clothes, arts and crafts and antiques. The area becomes particularly busy on the weekends and in the summer months, so it advisable to go early and avoid the crowds. Although the extra people provide a buzzing atmosphere within which to explore the carnival of wares.
Camden Market
Open: Mon to Sun 09.30am - 05.30pm
Nearest Tube: Camden Town
Sells: Vintage Clothing, Arts and Crafts, Antiques, Clothing
Camden Market is located on the high street, selling first and second hand clothing. Designs range from gothic and punk to 21st Century designs from Firetrap, Punkyfish and Full Circle. With around 200 stalls to browse, with a number selling their own designs this Market is more than a few hours worth of shopping.
Camden Lock Market
Open: Everyday 10.00am - 06.00pm
Nearest Tube: Camden Town
Sells: Clothing, Arts and Crafts, Antiques, Jewellery, Household Items, Accessories
Lock Market was the original market in Camden, established in 1975 the site has always been popular due to the quality of the goods sold and its location adjacent to the Regent's Canal. The market now attracts over 150,000 people a week and sells an array of products from jewellery to toys.
Places to check out: - Market Hall - spread over three floors there are just over 100 traders selling in this building. Check out Cetin Candles and Fabrice Jouet
- West Yard - specialist shops and stalls selling a range of unique products
Camden Stables Market
Open: Mon to Sun 09.30am - 05.30pm
Nearest Tube: Chalk Farm
Sells: Vintage Clothing, Arts and Crafts, Antiques, Alternative Clothing, Jewellery, Household Items
Stables Market is for the alternative shopper, this market is predominately for those looking for the exotic and the unique. The market contains approximately 250 shops and stalls stocking various items, including Gothic and Punk fashion, collectables and ethnic fabrics.
Places to check out: - The Horse Hospital - formerly a hospital for injured and sick horses that worked on the canal, the site now houses a selection of antiques and furniture
- The Gin House - the place for vintage clothing that was originally used as a store for gin
- Suay Design - contemporary designed unique jewellery
Camden Canal Market
Open: Fri to Sun 09.00am - 06.30pm
Nearest Tube: Camden Town
Sells: Vintage Clothing, Arts and Crafts, Antiques, Clothing
Canal Market is the market for leather, suede and velvet, the site has over 150 stalls selling a range of items from the exotic and unique to the ordinary. Bohemian fashion is available alongside antiques and jewellery. This market is not as well known as the others but is certainly worth a look.
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