DIY North

Take a DIY tour of central north London with our handy guide and downloadable maps.

Beyond the West End you can find a variety of cultural and social offerings only a few bus stops away from Oxford Street. There's no shortage of great shopping, thriving live music, theatre venues and hidden lanes and passage ways to explore.

Next time you're about to throw yourself into a busy day out in W1 why not hop on the bus and venture five minutes' journey north of central London and do something a bit different!

Download DIY North guide and maps [PDF 1.1MB]

North London: Hidden Drama and Fascinating Displays

For a more unique or affordable alternative to West End theatre, the London fringe theatre scene has loads to offer. North London practically invented fringe theatre and is littered with hidden theatre spaces tucked above pubs and down side streets.

For more permanent displays, it's be hard to choose between the area's many museums and galleries. There's something for everyone, from giggles at the Cartoon Museum to gore at the Hunterian Museum!

Walk on Water in North London

Snaking through London from Limehouse in the East to Little Venice in the North West, you can stroll along one of the most picturesque stretches of Regent's Canal between Islington and Camden. Your DIY North guide gives you some helpful hints and tips about what to look out for along the way.

Music, Dance and Festivals

Camden is seen as the ultimate destination for rock gigs for up-and-coming artists and the place for bigger bands to stage small, fan-club-only gigs.

On a Sunday, the place to be is the Lock Tavern with its BBQs and DJ sets upstairs. The fire that destroyed so many shops and the iconic Hawley Arms failed to deter people and much has reopened in the area.

In Islington, the Hope and Anchor at one end of Upper Street and The O2 Academy Islington at the other are great new music venues. And look out for the pubs that line Essex Road or stores that can be found in Camden Passage.