My friend Judy came up to London from Southampton and I came down from Harpenden to London, and we decided to take a canal boat from Little Venice to Camden Lock. The journey took us alongside some of the beautiful old mansions around the Regent Park area. We also went past London Zoo. Such a different perspective from the canal.
On arriving at Camden lock, we got off the boat and went to the Camden markets. The Camden markets are a number of adjoining large retail markets, often collectively referred to as Camden Market or Camden Lock, located in the historic former Pickfords stables, in Camden Town, London. It is situated north of the Hampstead Road Lock of the Regent’s Canal. The food stalls were very good and you could sit down inside the little perspex bubbles to eat. There are also a lot of antique memorabilia stores and many other sorts of stalls.
From here we strolled along the canal to St Pancras and Kings Cross. The area around the stations has been completely renovated and revamped. It’s a great area to walk around. Part of this area is the Coal Drops Yard which has a vibrant and eclectic mix of independent shops and signature retail brands. With a focus on fashion, design and culture, visitors can stumble upon unexpected collaborations and hand-picked must-haves, set to the backdrop of al-fresco terraces, pop-ups, arty spaces and eateries galore.
Then onto Leafy King’s Boulevard which is a vibrant city street and key thoroughfare at King’s Cross, linking the busy King’s Cross St Pancras transport hub with Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard. It’s home to big, international brands and cult, Insta-famous restaurants.
Just moments from King’s Cross and St Pancras Stations, leafy Pancras Square is an oasis for local workers and visitors. Then there’s Canalside which is modern and cosmopolitan. This massive foodie hotspot buzzes with energy throughout the day and into the evening. With the thriving Granary Square at its core, Canalside is the social heart of King’s Cross. In just a few years, this area has transformed into one of London’s favourite meeting places, thanks to its buzzing foodie scene, atmospheric surroundings and a year-round programme of events and happenings.
I’m discovering more parts of London now than when I lived in London as a student!! Also lovely to catch up with Judy again.