Are you planning a family trip to London and looking for a fun and exciting destination to explore? Look no further than Camden! This vibrant borough is full of activities, attractions, and events that are perfect for families with kids. From the famous Camden Market to the iconic ZSL London Zoo, there’s something for everyone in Camden.
Key things to know about Camden:
- Famous markets: Camden Lock Market, Stables Market, and Camden Market.
- Street food, vintage clothing, and unique souvenirs sold at markets.
- Music venue, the Roundhouse, located in Camden.
- Amy Winehouse statue located outside of Camden Market.
- Regent’s Canal runs through Camden, great for boat tours.
- Plenty of green space: Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath.
- The Electric Ballroom in Camden is a popular music venue.
- Camden is home to many famous musicians, including Coldplay and Madness.
Top 6 activities for kids in Camden
1. London Zoo
London Zoo is one of Camden’s most beloved attractions, and for good reason – it’s a truly unique experience for kids of all ages. With over 750 different species of animals and exhibits that range from awe-inspiring to downright adorable, there’s something for everyone at this iconic zoo.
One of the things that makes London Zoo so special is its commitment to conservation and education. Kids can learn about everything from the fragile ecosystems of the rainforest to the conservation efforts to save endangered species like the Sumatran tiger and the Western lowland gorilla. The zoo’s knowledgeable staff are always on hand to answer questions and provide fascinating insights into the animal kingdom.
Of course, the animals themselves are the main attraction, and there are plenty of them to see at the London Zoo. From majestic big cats like lions and tigers to playful primates like chimpanzees and lemurs, there’s an endless array of creatures to discover. The zoo is also home to several rare and exotic species, including Komodo dragons, pygmy hippos, and giant anteaters.
2. Camden Market
Camden Market is one of London’s most iconic and eclectic shopping destinations, and it’s also a great place for families with kids to explore. In addition to the amazing array of shops and food stalls, there are plenty of fun attractions and activities that are sure to keep kids entertained.
One of the highlights of Camden Market is the range of quirky and creative stalls selling handmade toys and crafts, as well as unique clothing and accessories that are perfect for teenagers who want to stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re looking for a handmade doll or a funky new t-shirt, there’s something to suit every taste and budget at Camden Market.
For kids who love sweets and treats, there are plenty of stalls selling delicious goodies that are sure to delight. From classic British sweets like fudge and toffee to international treats like Japanese candy and American-style cupcakes, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try some of the more unusual treats on offer, like chocolate-covered insects or exotic fruit smoothies.
But it’s not just about shopping and snacking at Camden Market – there are also plenty of fun activities and attractions to enjoy. Kids can try their hand at arcade games or get their faces painted, while older visitors can enjoy live music and street performances. And with the market’s vibrant atmosphere and friendly community vibe, it’s a great place for families to come together and make lasting memories during their London visit.
3. Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is a 410-acre public park in the heart of London and a fantastic destination for families with kids. The park features beautiful gardens, sports fields, playgrounds, and a boating lake, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities and picnics. Kids can enjoy a range of activities, including pedal boat rides, football games, and exploring the numerous play areas.
4. Coram’s Field
Coram’s Fields is a seven-acre park in the heart of London that offers a safe and secure space exclusively for children and young people. The park is designed with families in mind and features a range of activities for kids, including playgrounds, sports fields, and a city farm with animals like goats, rabbits, and chickens. The park also offers a range of activities and workshops for kids, including music and dance classes, arts and crafts sessions, and educational programs.
5. Music and Performances
For families with older children, Camden also offers a range of cultural attractions, such as the Roundhouse. This historic venue is one of the most iconic live music venues in London, and it hosts a range of performances and events throughout the year. From concerts and theatre productions to spoken word performances and workshops, there’s always something happening at the Roundhouse.
6. Take the waterbus
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore London’s waterways, the waterbus on Regent’s Canal is a must-try. This scenic waterway winds its way through some of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods, and the waterbus is the perfect way to take in the sights and sounds of this historic canal.
The waterbus is operated by the Canal & River Trust and runs between Camden Lock and Little Venice along Regent’s Park, with several stops along the way.
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Cool facts about Camden
Camden is one of the most vibrant and diverse boroughs in London, with a rich history and culture. Here are some cool and little-known facts about Camden that you might not know:
- Camden is the birthplace of bouncy castles. They were invented by John Scurlock in 1959, who was inspired by the inflatable covers he made for tennis courts.
- It was a key location for the growth of the punk and rock scene in the UK. The Roundhouse hosted one of the first performances of Pink Floyd in 1966, and many other legendary bands and artists have played in Camden venues, such as The Clash, The Sex Pistols, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Amy Winehouse and more.
- Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein, was born in Somers Town, Camden. She wrote the famous novel when she was only 18 years old, after having a nightmare about a scientist who created a monster.
- Dua Lipa, the internationally acclaimed pop sensation, grew up in West Hampstead, Camden. She attended Parliament Hill School and started her music career by posting covers on YouTube.
- Camden schools have a registered number of 120 spoken languages, making it one of the most multicultural areas in London. Some of the languages spoken include Arabic, Bengali, Polish, Portuguese, Somali and Turkish.
- Camden is home to over 25,000 students, as it hosts some of the most important higher education institutions in London, such as UCL, SOAS, Birkbeck and the Royal Veterinary College. UCL alone has 29 Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and staff.
- The area houses more than 150 million books in the British Library, which is the largest library in the world by number of items. The library has 625 km of shelves and receives a copy of every publication produced in the UK and Ireland.
- Camden is famous for its street markets, which attract millions of visitors every year. You can find anything from vintage clothing and antiques to street food and crafts. The Electric Ballroom is a popular nightclub that doubles up as a market during the day.
- Camden has a unique architectural style, with many buildings featuring colourful facades and quirky sculptures. Some examples are the Cyberdog shop, which has giant robots at its entrance, and the Stables Market, which has a bronze horse statue on its roof.
- It has a strong connection to street art and graffiti, with many walls and bridges displaying stunning murals and messages. Some of the most famous street artists who have left their mark on Camden include Banksy, Bambi and Pegasus.