Camden Markets Guide

Camden Markets Guide

26 February, 2010
by: Sofigod

Spoonfed has obliged the curious shopper with a comprehensive guide to Camden’s markets to make your rummaging easier

Camden’s markets surrounding Camden Lock and Regent’s Canal remain the area’s primary daytime attraction. With seven indoor and outdoor markets in total you can pick up anything from a vintage wedding dress to a piercing or two! Weekends are when the markets are usually in full swing but mid-week visits are rewarding too.

Camden Stables Market
Coming from Camden Town station, the Stables Market is the last market on the left after the railway bridge. About 700 shops and stalls trade here on the weekends but most are open during the week selling anything from crafts and collectables to furniture and fashions. Stables Market also offers a huge range of international food stalls to graze on whilst watching local punks and fellow visitors pass by. The recently opened Victorian catacombs and arches underneath the north end of the market now house even more stalls selling their wares. Proud Camden, formerly the Horse Hospital for steeds injured pulling the canal’s barges and now one of north London’s best nightclubs, is located within Stables Market.

Best for : Alternative fashions, antiques, furniture, and foreign foods.
Open 9.30am to 5.30pm 7 days a week.
Nearest tube : Camden Town and Chalk Farm.

Camden Lock Market
Camden’s original market, established in 1975, features the indoor Market Hall and the West Yard market square. This market forum mainly specialises in handmade jewellery, textiles, trinkets, paintings, prints and an impressive collection of book and music stalls. Recent renovations have seen new cafes and shops line the borders of the West Market square from which to gaze upon many a fashion victim over a steaming cup of latte. To get there simply walk over the bridge from Camden High Street and it’s the tall building on your left.  This is also the drop off and pick up point for canal boat travel and tours.

Best for : intricate and unique jewellery and finding that something to liven up your hallway.
Open 10am to 6pm, 7 days a week and till 7pm on weekends.
Nearest Tube : Camden Town

Camden Lock Village
Located directly opposite the Camden Lock Market, this area of intersecting streets has recently been revamped for a better layout.  Around 500 stalls sell a vast and varying range of wares from handbags and t-shirts to rows of food and drink stalls.

Best for : picking up a take-away and sitting on a scooter to watch the barges go up and down the canal.
Open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm.

Inverness Street Market
Located directly opposite Buck Street Market, this is one of Camden’s oldest markets, traditionally selling fruit, veg, and other fresh produce. Whilst some of these still survive, the market row is now predominantly lined with specialist shops and some excellent continental bars to leave your partner in while you peruse.

Best for: a pound of strawberries and a cold San Miguel.
Open 7 days a week, 8.30am to 5.30pm. 

The Electric Ballroom
This popular indoor clothing and fashion market forum is only open on Sundays, and moonlights as one of Camden’s most famous clubs on Friday and Saturday nights. The Electric Ballroom at 184 Camden High Street houses 60 stalls selling a range of fashions, jewellery, CDs, t-shirts and much more.

Best for : designer and retro clothing and tarot card readings.
Open on Sundays, 9am to 5pm.

Buck Street Market
This is probably the second market many stumble upon as it’s located on Camden High Street just 200 metres down from Camden Town tube. Confusingly emblazoned with a sign saying “Camden Market”, it is a labyrinth of 200 closely packed stalls selling Sex Pistols-style punk footwear and fluorescent clubwear amongst other commercial treasures. Whilst a fitting introduction to Camden’s markets, this is far from the full story.

Best for : all the clubwear under the stars.
Open Monday to Sunday, 9.30am - 6pm.


Camden Market Hall
As you exit Camden Town station this indoor market is the first to meet the eye. 53 stalls fill the Camden Market Hall and whilst it does not offer much in the way of unique merchandise, you could unearth a bargain or two.

Best for : making the other markets look amazing.
Open 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm on weekdays, and until 7pm on weekends. 

All markets are located within 5 to 10 minutes walk from Camden Town station. 

Click here for more things to do in Camden
Click here for what's on in Camden
Click here for more things to do in London

Sofigod