LONDON HIGHLIGHTS: PART 1

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. I always make time for Camden. Camden Town is known for its nightlife, but I went in the morning which suited the tranquil, spring theme of my visit. Nestled along Regent's Canal and bordering beautiful areas like Primrose Hill, Camden is full of beauty too.

This is the first time I walked to Camden Town, unexpectedly at that, and this is now one of my favourite walks in London. I started at Kings Cross. Kings Cross is a major train station and has undergone massive development. 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 the absolute perfect spot for a drink in the evening. But at the time, there was only a handful of people and many places were closed. I sure have great timing. By now, a canal walk was calling my name and 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 north London. It is a beautiful part of the city that is well-known yet off the beaten path. At first it was so quiet, I wondered how I would end up in the heart of Camden Town from here. I felt assured seeing others, including joggers, tourists and locals walking their dog, going the same direction. Despite that, it was very still and calm. 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 reasons I love Camden.

In 20 minutes or so, the scenery started to change and I knew I was, in fact, close to the market. I passed Kentish Town Road and began hearing faint music. Ed Sheerhan, I believe. Then I spotted those signature sleepy trees that drape over Camden Lock. It felt as if I had magically appeared in Camden Market. I have to say, I really enjoyed this mellow side of Camden. The market 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 walk in Camden ended as I caught the Northern Line to head back west.

Highlights:

Kings Cross

Coal Drops Yard

Regent's Canal

Camden Town

Stables Market

Chalk Farm Road