Camden in the summer just hits differently.
It’s loud, laid-back, packed with music, colour, and people doing their own thing, paired with pockets of green space that you can enjoy with a chilling iced drink in your hand.
If you’re around London this summer, here’s a quick, no-fuss guide to enjoying Camden.
Start by the canal
Regent’s Canal is the best part of Camden when you want a breather.
You can walk along the water towards Little Venice, spot the houseboats, and stop off at cafés built into the old lock buildings.
On hot days, people rent kayaks, canoes or paddle boards from hire companies like The Pirate Castle.
It’s a super-chilled activity with no experience needed.
TravelSavvyJen on TripAdvisor said: “Floating along in a kayak, experiencing all the life to be observed from Regents Canal while our friendly guide Karl ran through local history and pointed out things of interest rates as one of my best travel experiences ever.
“If you’re in London, ever, you have to do this.”
The Pirate Castle is based at Gilbey’s Wharf, Oval Road, NW1 7EA and is open daily.
Booking times are available on the website, and prices are £10 per hour with free youth sessions on Tuesdays from 4.30-6.30pm.
Market stalls and street food
Camden market is touristy but it’s still worth a visit. Stables market and Buck Street are full of vintage stalls, second-hand gems, handmade goods, and foods from across the globe.
The result is a medley of aromas spanning from churros, chives and fried chicken.
Chin Chin Labs is also a must-visit if you’d like to try liquid nitrogen ice cream.
- 49-50 Camden Lock Place
- Open daily, 12–7pm
- Socials: @chinchinicecream
Mara L on Google Reviews said: “They have amazing combinations to choose from – we’d went with sticky toffee pudding and were not disappointed. You can even choose your ice cream flavour. The ice cream itself is velvety and rich.”
Camden Market
- Open daily, 10am–6pm
- Camden High Street, NW1
- Socials: @camdenmarketldn
Edna D on Yelp said: “This is a must visit for all London travellers! Amazing market and a food haven!
“Very busy, crowded but it has everything you can possibly imagine, clothes, beer, food, gift shops, a lot of street foods….it could literally keep me entertained all day! I love Camden and I will come visit again!”
Bollywood Mela Weekend
There will be performances during South Asian Heritage Month. Camden Market will be welcoming dancers, live performances and crafts.
Entry is free of charge.
Mela patron and trustee of Seven Dials Trust Jamal Uddin said: “The Mela is a cross-cultural event for all ages aimed to promote cultural cohesion, integration, and enhance communication and interactions through involvement in various arts and community activities.”
- Open August 9-10, 2025, 1:00pm – 6:30pm
- Hawley Wharf, NW1 8QH
- https://camdenmela.org/
Green spaces
For those who’d like to unwind, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill are within walking distance of Camden Town station.
The Pirate Castle and London Zoo is also located within Regent’s Park for family friendly activities.
- Regent’s Park – walkable from the canal, perfect for soft afternoons
- London Zoo – situated north of Regent’s Park and is the oldest scientific zoo in the world
- The Pirate Castle – youth activities and free play area for little ones
- Camden family craft days – Hawley Wharf, Sundays from July 23 to August 20
You don’t need a perfect plan, just shoes that don’t hurt and a bit of time to wander.
Featured image courtesy of Pixabay
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