London Attractions Unfamiliar Attractions Camden MarketCamden Market - Regent's Canal to Little Venice walk - £
The Camden Markets are a number of adjoining markets in Camden Town near the Hampstead Road Lock of the Regent's Canal (Camden Lock), often called collectively "Camden Market" or "Camden Lock". The stalls sell antiques, crafts, clothing, bric-a-brac, fast food, and other 
paraphenalia. It is the fourth most popular visitor attraction in London, attracting approximately 100,000 people each weekend.
It began in its present form in 1974 when the Camden Lock crafts market was formed. There was a small local food market in Inverness Street long before that; as of 2009 the market retains only three fruit and vegetable stalls in addition to stalls like those in the other markets. During the 1980s the market left its hippy roots behind and focussed more on contemporary fashions (it was 'the' place to acquire used Levi 501s) and food.
The Stables Market is the largest section of Camden Market. The market is built in the former Midland Railway stables and horse hospital which served the horses pulling barges along the canal. Many of the stalls and shops are set into huge arches in railway viaducts.
It is a mixture of indoor and outdoor shops and stalls, some of them permanent, others hired by the day. Chain stores are not permitted. Like most of the other Camden markets the Stables
Market has many clothes stalls. It is also the main home of furniture stores in the markets. Many household goods and decorative items are also sold, most of which are hand-made, and often ethnically influenced. Some of the goods are second-hand or twentieth-century antiques.
Taking the towpath that runs alongside Camden Lock, you have the option of a narrow boat cruise, or walking. Walking is not only cheaper, it's also healthier and probably faster since you have no locks to negotiate en route.
The path passes through London Zoo in the northern section of Regent's Park, where Lord Snowden's aviary is visible. The most grand and impressive houses skirting the canal can be found here, before the canal passes the Lord's Cricket Ground, and enters the upscale district of St. John's Wood.
The canal then leads on to Little Venice which marks the junction of the Regent's Canal with the Grand Union Canal. The walk ends here with the nearest Tube being Warwick Avenue on the Bakerloo line. It covers a distance of approximately 2 miles.
Obviously, if you want to end up in Camden, start at Little Venice (Warwick Avenue - where Duffy has a cry) and head in the other direction.
Camden Market, Camden Road, NW1 8QS.
Camden Town or Chalk Farm Tube.
