London borough of Camden » Entertainment » Shopping Centres

Camden Town, the fourth most popular tourist destination in London, pulls many tourists to its retail markets, collectively known as Camden Markets. It is obvious why visitors and locals go treasure hunting at the Camden Markets - to set themselves free from societal rules and buy something that doesn't fall victim to mainstream commercial fashion.

Shopping in Camden is all about discovering alternative fashion and services inspired by the culture. The Camden Lock Market, Camden Stables Market, Camden Canal Market, Camden Buck Street Market, and the Main Streets of Camden all offer consumers the most extensive shopping experience. Shopping here means feasting eyes on designer clothes, alternative vintage clothing, accessories, artefacts, handicrafts, jewellery and good food and wine. Also, to shop here, you must be a king at the fine art of haggling. Roam around in the markets, and you will find a few good deals along the way.

Camden Lock Market

Camden Lock Market, one of London's oldest markets, is situated by the Regent's Canal. In 1974, a temporary market was established on this site. It is primarily known for arts and crafts; it has started offering many more things. Everything is available here, from books, second-hand clothing to handcrafted arts. The market also has many food stalls offering various types of food.

The Stables Market

This is the most diverse place of all Camden markets, located in the historic former Pickfords stables and horse hospital. Here chain stores are not permitted; instead, it contains small shops and stalls selling clothes, furniture, household goods, antiques, art decors. If you want to review the alternative culture in London, the Stables Market is the place to be. Here you can happily mingle with the Goths, Punks and the other cults alongside buying alternative, vibrant fashion from the different stalls.

Buck Street Market

The Buck Street Market was open to local trade a long time ago and is one of the most interesting places to hunt for alternative clothes, accessories and jewellery.

Inverness Street Market

Inverness Street Market, located near Camden Town Tube station, was originally a fruit and vegetable market in the early 1900s. By 2014 many original stalls got replaced by general stalls selling goods similar to other markets. It is open all days from 10:00am to 6:00pm

Camden Lock Village

Camden Lock Village (formerly known as Canal Market) was the section along the canal to the east of Chalk Farm Road. It had a covered entrance tunnel leading into a general outdoor market. The cover over the original street entrance was removed. In early 2015, the market got closed for redevelopment.

Electric Ballroom

The Electric Ballroom, a nightclub since 1950, is located on Camden High Street. The weekend market had been closed at short notice in 2015.

Chalton Street Market

What to buy: clothing, household items and food, vegetables
When to go: Wednesday to Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm
Address: Chalton Street, Camden, London, NW1 1JD, United Kingdom

Earlham Street Market

What to buy: street food and clothing
When to go: Monday to Saturday: 10:00am to 7:00pm
Address: Earlham St, London WC2H 9LN, United Kingdom

Goodge Place Market

What to buy: food (lunch)
When to go: Monday to Friday 10:00am to 3:00pm
Address: Goodge Pl, London W1T 4SG, United Kingdom

Leather Lane Market

What to buy: food (lunch) from around the world, cut flowers, fruits, vegetables, fashion
When to go: Monday to Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm
Address: Leather Lane, Camden, London, EC1N 7SU, United Kingdom

Parliament Hill Farmers' Market

What to buy: Fresh dairy products, fish, vegetables, fruits, poultry & meat, plants and more
When to go: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Address: William Ellis School, Highgate Road, London, NW5 1RN, United Kingdom

Queen Crescent Market

What to buy: fruit and veg, bread, kitchen and cleaning supplies, bedding, fashion, street food, cut flowers and plants
When to go: Thursday and Saturday: 10:00am to 4:30pm (until 7:00pm in summer)
Address: Queen's Crescent, Camden, London, NW5 4HH, United Kingdom

Swiss Cottage Market

What to buy: Fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meat, fish, poultry, garden plants
When to go: Wednesday 10:00am to 3:00pm
Address: Eton Avenue, Camden, London, NW3 3NR, United Kingdom

Plender Street Market

What to buy: fruit and vegetables, pet supplies, fashion, and factory seconds
When to go: Monday to Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm
Address: Plender St, London NW1 0JL, United Kingdom

Other than the markets mentioned above, there are few privately run markets in Camden:

• Bloomsbury farmers market
• Canopy Market
• Kings Cross Real Food Market
• The Spread - Primrose Hill
• West Hampstead farmers market