Over the coming weeks, I'd like to share highlights of my trip to London. I had the loveliest week there last month (how has it been a month already?) and reunited with my favourite places in the city. One place I always make time for, is Camden. Camden Town is known for its nightlife, but I went in the morning which suited the tranquil, spring theme of my visit.
I started at Kings Cross, which has undergone massive development over the years. There is a lot going on here including bustling Granary Square and the adjoining St. Pancras International (trip to Paris, anyone?). My intention was to explore Coal Drops Yard, a trendy shopping complex on the water with independent boutiques and restaurants. There is a huge variety of businesses here; everything from tattoo parlors to salons. I loved the open, outdoor concept among the warehouses and cobblestone streets. It was very industrial meets cozy. It would be a perfect spot for a drink in the evening.
After happily browsing the shops, a canal walk was calling my name. I made my way down to the narrowboats, with all signs pointing to Camden Town.
Regent's Canal is a peaceful canal that stretches across the city. Once the rain disappeared, the sun was warm and birds were chirping. The mood shifted between an atmospheric waterway and rough, graffiti covered bridges. This contrast is one of the many reasons I love Camden.
The scenery began to change and I knew I was, in fact, close to the market. I passed Kentish Town Road and began hearing faint music. Then I spotted those signature sleepy trees that drape over Camden Lock. It felt as if I had magically appeared in the market.
I have to say, I really enjoyed this mellow side of Camden. It was just waking up so everything felt slow and leisurely.
Camden Town is a huge attraction in London. There are stalls upon stalls of crafts, jewelry, clothing, records and basically everything else. That's not even mentioning the huge melting pot of culture and flavourful food. I love walking through the dim tunnels of Stables Market, inevitably getting lost in them and ending up on Chalk Farm Road.
A walk down Chalk Farm Road, home to the famous Roundhouse music venue among other things, is where my time in Camden ended as I caught the Northern Line to head back west.
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What started as a hunt for fish and chips, ended with stops at Temple, Covent Garden, The Strand and South Bank.
Because Covent Garden runs into heavyweights like Soho, Piccadilly and Leicester Square, there are many ways to get there. But I love to start at quiet Temple station. I discovered Temple as an expat in London and it has stuck with me ever since. The station itself is charming, perched perfectly on the river embankment. It is also secretive and hidden away. That being said, it is a gateway to some pretty fantastic sightseeing including Fleet Street and the Royal Courts of Justice.
If there is one thing Temple is known for, it is law. I'm not an expert in this subject, not even close, but walking through here made me feel like I was cast in a BBC legal drama. In reality I was just enjoying taking photos of the place. I loved admiring the beautiful Temple church and walking through the various tunnels, gardens and courtyards.
The Strand is a bustling street in London that stretches alongside the river. It is home to the stunning Somerset House and beginning of Theatreland. My sign that I am getting close to Covent Garden is sighting the imposing Lyceum theatre, home to The Lion King. It is from this location on Wellington Street I make my way up to Covent Garden.
Covent Garden is truly magical, a haven for west-end theatre and attractive pubs. It is one place in London I always manage to get lost in, and I mean that literally. There are just endless and wonderful distractions here. It also has some of the best shopping in town in terms of clothing and beauty boutiques. The gorgeous, Victorian era inspired market is open seven days a week. There is always something to watch, whether it be a street performer or a busker. Covent Garden is here to entertain and that's why we love it.
But for every sold out show or crowd frenzy, there is a mysterious street to walk down or shop window to peer into. Covent Garden is a place you can return to and never see everything.
I had heard of Instagram famous Goodwin's Court and decided to use that as my focal point. This street is as old as they come, built in the 16th century with tattered windows and street lamps. To find it, you have to veer off the main Path, St. Martin's Lane to be exact, and keep your eyes open for a peculiar little archway. I am also told this street inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. This place has a puzzling and unusual vibe that fits in with all the wizardry. This hidden gem is also a great way to escape the crowd for a few minutes. Also, if you look closely there are little white owls in the window (yes, they are fake).
By now it was nearing noon, so lunch seemed like the next step. Despite there being fantastic fish and chip options in Covent Garden, I wanted to keep going. I circled around and ended back where I started on the Strand. But instead of going back to Temple, I crossed the Waterloo Bridge.
Caught somewhere between the iconic Undercroft skatepark and Shakespeare's Globe, you will find Founders Arms. The fish and chips here are unbeatable and so is the atmosphere, located in the heart of South Bank with dazzling views of St. Paul's across the river.
Even after all that, I actually crossed the bridge again, this time going over the Millenium bridge to St. Paul's. After doing some shopping in that area (there is great shopping here, FYI!), I took the Central line back to my hotel.
As you can see, this walk had it all. It is amazing what you can do with a few hours in London.
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Floral Court, Covent Garden <3
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