Free Walking Tour London was created to show you the best of London in a more cost-effective way. Our guides are experts in history and London in general and are only too happy to recommend ways to spend your time in the U.K. capital. Our tours work on a pay-what-you-like basis whereby you can enjoy a tour with us, and then at the end of the tour, you can show your appreciation to our guides.
This one and a half hour tour will begin with a brief history of the area, from the time when highwaymen would stalk the Hampstead Road and move on to discuss how Camden became a boom town in the railway era. We will then talk about some famous faces who have called Camden home, including the likes of Charles Dickens and of course, Amy Winehouse. Camden has however also been witness to some rather turbulent times, such as in the 1920s when the Camden Town Gang fought rival gangs in the Camden pubs and Camden's very existence threatened by a planned road through its very heart. Camden nowadays is famous for its market, or rather markets which sell almost everything one could imagine, including excellent food from every corner of the globe. It is of course impossible to do a tour in Camden without talking about Camden's role in the music scene, from Rock and Roll to Britpop, Camden has it all. So come here with an open mind and an empty stomach and enjoy this incredible area with us!
Opposite the exit to Camden Town Underground Station, by Barclays Bank with a PURPLE flag ☂.
We begin the tour just opposite the exit to Camden Town station. Here we start with a brief introduction of quirky Camden.
Despite the name, The World's End represents the genesis of Camden Town. With its tales of witchcraft and mystery, it seems fitting that the Underworld lurks beneath this Camden icon.
On Bayham Street, we will visit the house where Charles Dickens grew up. The experience of living in 19th Century Camden, heavily influenced Dickens's writing on poverty and industrial London.
The first of several of Camden's world-famous markets, Buck Street offers chic eateries and snack-joints.
An iconic venue in Camden's music scene. The Electric Ballroom has played host to many a global act from Prince and U2 to the Clash.
Originally a fruit and veg market, Inverness Street Market offers an insight into Camden as it was before gentrification. In the 1990s, this area was at the centre of Camden's 'murder mile' during the period of the drug wars.
The Good Mixer is strongly associated with Amy Winehouse. This rough-and-ready pub was however also the favourite drinking-hole of Oasis and Blur during the 90s Britpop era and where the rivalry between the bands began.
The original, and most iconic of Camden's markets. We will cross the lock into the bustling West Yard, before discussing the market's role in rescuing Camden from destruction.
Originally a goods yard, complete with horse stables, this part of the market now offers a labyrinth of tunnels where you will find all manner of weird and wonderful gifts.
Our final stop takes us to this coliseum of the London music scene. The Roundhouse has hosted bands like Pink Floyd, the Beatles and THE Ramones gig. A must-visit for any music fan.
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).
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