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Whatever you love... Love Camden is the place to find it.
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Love must doWith everything from amazing museums and exciting attractions to quirky shops and delicious delis, you’ll never be stuck for something to do in Camden. But if you only have time to do a handful of things, here are our top ten tips for discovering the area.
Explore the world’s knowledge
The British Library holds 14 million books, 92,000 journal and newspaper titles, 58 million patents, three million sound recordings and much, much more. Only here can you find a medieval manuscript of Beowulf, original copies of the Magna Carta, a Gutenberg Bible, ancient texts from across the world and Jane Austin’s writing desk.
The extensive galleries host high profile exhibitions, the majority of which are free, while reader passes can be obtained by those requiring access to the library’s unique resources.
The British Library96 Euston Road
NW1 2DB
0843 2081 144
www.Bl.uk
Take an alfresco dip
You haven’t experienced outdoor swimming until you’ve overtaken a mallard with your best back stroke. Londoners have been enjoying the tranquillity of the wooded swimming ponds at Hampstead Heath since the 1800s.
The male pool has a spring board and a fenced nudist enclosure. The female pool, near to the natural springs of Kenwood, has the clearest water and the most cover, thanks to the sprawling surrounding foliage. The mixed pool, situated under sweeping willow trees, is the murkiest of the three but is great fun amongst the crowds.
Hampstead HeathNW5 1QR
020 7485 4491
Culture by candlelight
The Sir John Soane’s Museum is the house of the famous 19th century architect. His vast and eclectic collection of antiquities, furniture, paintings, sculpture and timepieces is best viewed with an atmospheric candlelight visit. The sessions happen on the first Tuesday of the month between 6 and 9pm, and there are often queues so arriving early is advisable. For regular visits the museum is open Tuesdays to Saturdays and entry is free of charge.
13 Lincoln’s Inn FieldsWC2A 3BP
020 7405 2107
www.soane.org
Calming canal cruises
Escape the hustle and bustle of the streets with a tranquil sight-seeing trip on a traditional narrow boat along Regent’s Canal. Start at Walker’s Quay and take an hour and a half trip that passes through London Zoo and Regent’s Park, all the way down to Little Venice in Maida Vale, before returning to Camden Lock. There are also regular dining cruises throughout the year, offering a three course à la carte menus, with food freshly prepared and cooked aboard during the cruise.
250 Camden High StreetNW1 8QS
020 7485 4433
www.walkersquay.com
Enjoy a traditional British pint
Enjoy a traditional British pint
Sidestep the swarms of tourists in central London and enjoy the perfect pint at The Lamb.
There is no music or TV screen to distract from the idyllic, olde world charm of this perfectly preserved Grade II listed Victorian pub. It even still has the etched glass snob screens in place above the bar. The Lamb also retains its original working polyphon – the predecessor to the gramophone The Lamb
92 Lamb’s Conduit StBloomsbury
WC1N 3LZ
020 7405 0713
Champagne in style
Experience the romance of travel at the St Pancras Grand Champagne Bar. You can stop for a top quality glass for as little as £7.50, while their top bin changes hands for £6,800.
The open plan bar is located under the stunning roof of St Pancras Station. Heating for each booth is provided when needed, and blankets are also available to snuggle under. Evenings can be busy so groups are advised to book ahead.
St Pancras InternationalUpper Concourse
Euston Road
NW1 9QP
020 7870 9900
www.stpancras.com
Eat the seasons
In a city where you can get absolutely anything from anywhere in the world, Konstam keeps things local. The restaurant operates a policy of sourcing 85 per cent of its ingredients from greater London, including Amersham pork and Mersea plaice, while all produce is strictly seasonal. The inventive yet unpretentious menu offers the best in modern British cooking, and luckily for those working nearby – much of the lunch menu is available to take away. Reservations are highly recommended for evening meals.
Konstam at the Prince Albert2 Acton Street
WC1X 9NA
020 7833 5040
www.konstam.co.uk
Museums, museums, museums
A walk along Museum Mile provides a fascinating insight into London, past and present. From Euston Road to the River Thames, discover 13 of London’s most extraordinary museums and galleries and their equally diverse collections.
Stop by the Charles Dickens Museum, the Foundling Museum and take in the most popular tourist attraction in the UK - the British Museum. The British Museum has an amazing collection of artefacts spanning two million years of human history. As well as the artefacts you will be able to marvel at the large glass dome of the museum.
British MuseumGreat Russell Street
WC1B 3DG
020 7323 8299
www.britishmuseum.org
Spot a star
Primrose Hill is the UK’s celebrity capital. Kate Moss, Jude Law, Gwen Stefani and Jamie Oliver are just a few of the A-listers residing in this picturesque enclave. Tucked between Regent’s Park and Chalk Farm, the stars seek safety in numbers. Chalcot Square is a prime location, with its idyllic coloured terraces carrying a particular price premium. Who knows who you might bump into ordering a quick caviar on toast?
Cure your curiosity
Sir Henry Wellcome was an eccentric American pharmacist and philanthropist. He made his fortune selling medicines to Victorian Britain and his legacy is the Wellcome Trust, the world’s largest charity. This includes the Wellcome Collection – a unique mix of galleries and events on the development of medicine through the ages and across cultures. Sir Henry’s personal collection of curios contains everything from a Chinese torture chair to a lock of George III’s hair, while the exhibitions explore all aspects of the body and mind. Entry is free
Gibbs Building215 Euston Road
NW1 2BE
020 7611 8888
www.wellcomecollection.org
Camden Council