From a plant-lovers’ paradise in Shoreditch to a foodie favourite in Borough, London’s markets are back open for business – and here are five of the best.
Columbia Road Flower Market in Shoreditch, east London
Every Sunday from 8am until 2pm, Shoreditch’s Columbia Road transforms into a colourful oasis, brimming with all kinds of flowers and houseplants.
Even if you’re not buying, it’s a visual treat and the perfect way to kick off a Sunday spent exploring east London: the road and its surroundings are full of independent shops, cafés and galleries.
Even better, it’s only around 30 minutes on foot from our Mile End and Whitechapel campuses.
Over in north-west London, several adjoining markets make up one of the city’s most eclectic shopping destinations.
Among them is the arty Camden Lock Market, next to the Regent’s Canal, where you can find everything from custom Converse to Fairtrade jewellery. Just behind it is the Stables Market, which was once a horse hospital (hence the name).
Here you’ll find unique furniture, quirky gifts and a huge selection of goth and punk clothing – Camden might feel more mainstream than it did in the 90s, but it’s still home to one of London’s liveliest alternative scenes.
Bustling Broadway Market is another east London favourite. Every Saturday from 9am to 5pm, you’ll find traders selling a huge array of street food, vintage clothes, and handmade gifts.
The market takes place on the street of the same name, which runs between London Fields and the Regent’s Canal – making for an easy waterside stroll from our Mile End campus.
Although there are no stalls during the week, Broadway Market is still well worth a visit for its cosy coffee shops and vibrant nightlife.
Foodies from all over the world flock to Borough Market, and with good reason: it’s home to top-quality fresh produce, meat, seafood and artisanal goods, as well as delicious street food. Many vendors offer free samples, so visit on an empty stomach!
Tucked away next to London Bridge, the iconic market is fully open from Thursday to Saturday, with a smaller selection of stalls from Monday to Wednesday.
Once you’ve picked up your gourmet goodies, wander down to Bankside for a picnic by the Thames.
Portobello Road Market occupies a picturesque part of Notting Hill, flanked by colourful terraced houses.
It’s actually five markets fused into one, and while you can find everything from fruit and vegetables to second-hand clothing there, it’s best known for its world-famous antiques market.
Stretching for half a mile, it’s a treasure trove of jewellery, books and collectibles which date from the 1600s to the 1960s. The antiques market is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7am to 7pm, but other parts of the market run every day except Sunday.