The London Borough of Camden

A Cultural Powerhouse in the Heart of the Capital, London

Where is Camden?

The London Borough of Camden is centrally located, forming a crucial part of Inner London. It stretches from the busy heart of the West End to the leafy edges of Hampstead Heath, offering a rich and varied experience across its area.

To the north, Camden borders Barnet, while Islington lies to the east. On the south, it meets the City of Westminster, and to the west, it adjoins Brent. This strategic position gives Camden a unique character-part central metropolis, part tranquil suburb.

Size and Population

The borough spans approximately 22 square kilometres (8.5 square miles). According to the most recent data, Camden has a population of around 275,000 residents. It's a borough known for its diversity, both demographically and architecturally, offering everything from grand Georgian terraces to bustling multicultural high streets.

A Brief History of Camden

The London Borough of Camden was officially formed in 1965 through the amalgamation of three former metropolitan boroughs: Hampstead, Holborn, and St Pancras. However, the area's history stretches much further back.

In medieval times, much of Camden was rural, with settlements dotted along the River Fleet and on the hills to the north. With the growth of London in the 18th and 19th centuries, Camden became a hub for industry, especially around King's Cross and Euston, where canals and railways turned it into a centre for goods transport and manufacture.

The arrival of the Regent's Canal in the early 19th century helped establish Camden Town as a lively centre of commerce and creativity-an energy that still defines the borough today.

Map of The London Borough of Camden

How Camden got its name

Camden takes its name from Camden Town, which in turn was named after Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden. In 1791, Pratt began developing the area, which at the time was semi-rural. He named it after his title, which derived from his estate in Chislehurst, Kent.

Streets in Camden

These roads help make Camden a well-connected and accessible borough, whether by car, bike, bus, or foot.

The Character of Camden

Camden is incredibly diverse in character. In the south, around Holborn and Bloomsbury, you'll find academic institutions, museums, and historic architecture. King's Cross and Euston are bustling transport hubs and centres for redevelopment, while Camden Town is world-famous for its alternative culture, markets, and live music.

Further north, Hampstead and Belsize Park offer a much more residential and affluent vibe, with leafy streets, historic homes, and panoramic views from Hampstead Heath. The borough is thus a mix of commercial, residential, cultural, and retail zones.

Major sights and attractions in Camden

Camden is brimming with iconic destinations that draw both tourists and locals: Painting of the London Borough of Camden

Painting of the London Borough of Camden (View full-size image here)

Real Estate in Camden: Premium Prices for Compact Living

The London Borough of Camden is renowned for its vibrant culture, central location, and diverse architecture. These attributes contribute to its status as one of London's most desirable—and expensive—places to live.​

Average Property Prices

As of December 2024, the average property price in Camden stood at approximately £1,017,000. First-time buyers faced an average price of £734,000, significantly higher than London's overall average of £677,000 during the same period.

Property Sizes

While Camden's property prices are among the highest in London, the average property size is relatively modest. The typical London apartment measures around 700 square feet (approximately 65 square meters). Given Camden's central location and high demand, many properties, especially apartments and flats, fall below this average, offering compact living spaces that cater to urban lifestyles.

Price Per Square Foot

In 2025, the average price per square foot for apartments in Camden ranged between £1,115 and £1,486, depending on the specific area and property type. This places Camden among the higher-priced boroughs in London, reflecting its desirability and the premium placed on its limited housing stock.

Rental Market

Camden's rental market is equally competitive. As of January 2025, average monthly rents were: These figures underscore the premium associated with living in Camden, driven by its cultural attractions, excellent transport links, and proximity to central London.

Underground Stations in Camden

Camden is exceptionally well served by the London Underground, with stations on five key lines:

This extensive network makes Camden one of the most accessible boroughs in all of London.

Fun Fact: Camden's Musical Legacy

Camden has a rich musical history and is often considered the spiritual home of Britpop and punk rock. Legendary artists like Amy Winehouse, Blur, and The Clash have roots here. The borough's many music venues-like the Electric Ballroom, KOKO, and Dingwalls-have hosted countless iconic performances.

There's even a statue of Amy Winehouse in the heart of Camden Market, paying tribute to the singer who lived in the area and helped shape its artistic identity.

Final Thoughts

From historic streets to modern regeneration, and from serene parks to lively markets, the London Borough of Camden encapsulates everything that makes London such a dynamic and exciting city. Whether you're a local exploring a new corner or a tourist seeking the capital's creative soul, Camden offers something special at every turn.

List of Boroughs of London, Map of London Boroughs