“The streets of London have their map, but our passions are uncharted. What are you going to meet if you turn this corner?”
From Highgate in the north to Holborn in the south; Kilburn in the west to King's Cross in the east, the borough of Camden exemplifies everything London. Sicilian Avenue, between Holborn and Bloomsbury, offers the perfect stepping-off point to explore an area that’s so much more than the sum of its eclectic parts.
Formed in 1965 from the historical municipalities of Holborn, St Pancras and Hampstead, today Camden is home to more than 215,000 people, and is one of the most diverse areas of Britain’s most international city, with over 140 languages spoken.
Being part of Central London, Camden Council spends a fair bit of time on making the borough cleaner and greener: declaring a climate and ecological emergency in 2019, Camden adopted a climate action plan, incorporating advice from scientists and other experts on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote biodiversity. Connected to this effort, the council has also introduced initiatives to reduce air pollution, with campaigns to promote walking, cycling and public transport, as well as car sharing schemes and electric vehicles.
It’s something the Council is proud of. As Adam Harrison, Councillor for Bloomsbury ward and Cabinet member for planning and a sustainable Camden puts it: “Since 1910, Sicilian Avenue has shown London how pedestrian-friendly areas can improve both the lives of residents and those who work and travel through them. This approach also supports our transport strategy, which is investing in more environmentally friendly, healthier forms of travel and creating more welcoming streets and neighbourhoods.”
For things to do and cultural activities, Love Camden offers a handy what’s on guide to keep you up to date. This covers everything from film screenings and theatre performances to kids’ workshops and concerts. The organisation even has a list of film locations, so movie studios can hire a street, or even a whole square, for their latest London-based shoot! In 2025, Camden opened its first family-friendly evening street market, on Inverness Street, which can be reached from Camden Town tube station. As well as international street food and handmade crafts, the market features live music, dance and art performances, showcasing local talent.
For history hounds, the Camden History Society organises events and publishes books on the borough’s backstory, offering rich insights into the makeup and mystery of this region, from the architecture to local heroes (and villains). If you want to dive a little deeper, the Society even has a newsletter archive where you can check out its bulletins going right back to 1970, when it was formed.
So, as inviting and comfy as Sicilian Avenue is, we invite you to use the eclectic promenade as a springboard to venture forth and sample everything Camden has to offer. We’ll still be here when you get back.