A Camden Treasure Hunt. 6 Features to Look Out For.

Posted on: 05/12/2023

By Tim Carter (Owner of Black Cat Treasure Hunts)

Black Cat Treasure Hunts love a London treasure hunt. Camden has featured in four different treasure hunts in recent years, but far from being like each other turned out to be strikingly different. However, there have been certain elements of the potential routes that Black Cat thinks you should know about to convince you to make an enquiry.
Here are six great features that were drawn upon to create these fun, different and creative treasure hunts.

1. Regent`s Park including London Zoo.
When I realised Regents Park was in the borough of Camden and then remembered that London Zoo was in Regents Park, it became an obvious place to begin for a birthday treasure hunt with a short distance to travel, by tube, to be near the first question.

The Readymoney drinking fountain is a notable structure right in the middle of the park. It is an ideal spot to aim for and get your first points on the board! Happily, it is only a few minutes further on until you pass London Zoo on your left. Look closely and there will be penguins to take photos of. Penguins put everyone in a good mood and your London treasure hunt is well underway.

2. Regent`s Canal.
Soon after leaving the park, you can easily access Regent`s Canal. It`s easy to lose concentration as you browse at the barges and moored-up river boats. The first Camden treasure hunt I wrote was a team building treasure hunt for a local company from nearby Primrose Hill. As a result, the canal questions were their early ones and important to keep a close eye on to set the tone for a high score.
There are some good clues to be had here and then before you know it, the famous Camden Lock Market looms up on your left...

3. Camden Lock Market.
Camden Market or Camden Lock Market is the overall name for a series of adjoining markets. As you enter you come straight into the first section of food stalls offering menus from around the world. It really felt to me like I was being transported to a totally unique place. In other words...treasure hunt friendly!
Three sizeable barges take turns to be moored near the food stalls and are aimed at the excited tourists. The names of the barges are interesting and make for good treasure hunt clues. 
You can continue to an undercover section of market that has a delightful selection of semi-precious stones and intriguing posters. However, if you head left, you will access the real nitty gritty of this treasure hunt venue. The main bonus for me is that there are so many question options here you can include this area in every type of treasure hunt. Apart from the birthday treasure hunt and team building treasure hunt I have also directed a hen party treasure hunt and a friends meeting up after lockdown treasure hunt around here too. Let`s face it where else is Lara Croft, Camden Market`s very own Amy Winehouse, Hansel and Gretel and then over 300 colourful, suspended umbrellas going to feature so close together?!
More food outlets than you know what to do with, eye-catching market stalls none of which have any chain related names and collectors' items for so many things you can spend a lot of time here, it really is time for the treasure hunt writer to move you on!

4. Camden Lock Bridge.
As you exit right from one end of the market you soon pass under the iconic Camden Lock Bridge. Yes...it is just a bridge and yes other places have more beautiful `must sees`, but there is something gratifying about seeing it and yes...I always ensure I include a question about it whatever the style of treasure hunt I am writing for.

5. Street Art/Colourful Shops.
Outside the market, and I am including at certain points along the canal too, there is some amazing street art and incredibly decorated/painted shops too. Black Cat treasure Hunts main base is in Brighton which has superb street art and I am always blown away in London by Shoreditch`s street art. However, it would be remiss not to mention the artwork here in Camden too, especially either side of the High St.

6. Hawley Wharf.
I have only included this section of Camden once, but it was on my most recent treasure hunt for a team building treasure hunt that incorporated Camden and Stratford. Hawley Wharf helpfully leads you towards the train station, but more importantly for the area maybe, it seems to be being developed strongly with canal front bars/food outlets and clothes shops. 
It had some nice views along the river, and also another working lock which I admit I find quite fascinating to watch in action. The lock next to the market is probably a bit more impressive, but even so this adds a little to a route.

I hope I have convinced you by now to ask about Camden as a backdrop for your treasure hunt. Whether you are from London or travelling to the capital I can re-assure you, you will not be disappointed.
Contact me, Tim (or Black Cat if you prefer!) at info@blackcattreasurehunts.co.uk  or call (01323) 655346 to discuss your booking.