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London’s flea markets

What a pleasure to wander through London’s old neighbourhoods, browsing through flea markets, strolling among the stalls, snacking at food stands, and finding some antique treasure or the perfect retro outfit! Here an old set of dishes, there some astonishing toys, elsewhere a clock movement – it’s a pack rat’s paradise. London’s markets are tucked away throughout the capital; here are some of the best.

Bermondsey Square Antiques Market

Long Lane/Bermondsey Street, South Bank, London Bridge tube station

Also known as the New Caledonian Market, the Bermondsey Square Antiques Market draws customers with its antiques and curiosities. The little treasures here, often buried under a mass of jumbled, dusty wares, include porcelain, silverware, copperware, glass, jewellery, and period engravings; there’s something for everyone, even serious collectors.

Brixton Market

Electric Avenue/Brixton Station Road/Pope’s Road, Brixton tube station

Brixton Market is at once a covered street market, a farmer’s market, and a collection of little shops. This hub of the Afro-Caribbean community has a little of everything: fish and meats, fruits and vegetables, clothing and fabric, flowers and music. It’s all surrounded by bars, cafés, pubs, hair and manicure salons, shoe shops, used bookshops, and record shops, all with a multicultural flavour.

Camden Markets

Camden High Street/Chalk Farm Road, Camden Town, Chalk Farm or Camden Town tube station

Home to London’s largest flea market, the Camden Markets draw the curious by the thousands. The complex includes the canalside Camden Lock Market, the original site of the market in 1975 before it began its outward spread; the Camden Stables market, a very popular centre for alternative fashion at good prices; and the Camden Lock Village and Electric Ballroom, for original fashion creations. A swarm of cheerful food stands refresh bargainers. This is the spot for something out of the ordinary.

Church Street Market

Church Street, Westminster, Edgware tube station

One of the oldest of London’s street markets, the Church Street Market assembles numerous kiosks selling a wide variety of products. It includes the renowned Marylebone antiques area, fruit and vegetable stands, and butchers’ and fishmongers’ shops. Other merchants sell fabric, jewellery, paintings, old books, and china.

Covent Garden Market

Covent Garden Piazza, Covent Garden, Covent Garden tube station

One of London’s most famous markets, the Covent Garden Market is made up of the Apple Market and the Jubilee Market. The Apple Market is the flea market, with merchants of every kind selling ceramics, glassware, leather goods, clothes, toys, and jewellery. Craftspeople also sell their own creations. The Jubilee Market is both an antiques market and a place to buy clothes and books at good prices. Small specialized shops sell fashions, toys, cigars, and much more.

Petticoat Lane Market

Wentworth Street/Middlesex Street, Whitechapel, Aldgate tube station

Located in a multicultural neighbourhood, Petticoat Lane Market offers inexpensive items such as irregular clothes and leather jackets, at prices open to bargaining.

Portobello Market

Portobello Road, Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove tube station

The world’s largest antiques market, Portobello Market also has a fruits and vegetables market and a flea market. Clothes, jewellery, records, objets d’art, and more in every price range.

 

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