Where to Discover London's Lesser Known Markets
London is a city teeming with markets, each with its own distinct charm and local character. While renowned markets like Camden and Borough Market draw crowds, there are undiscovered gems hidden across the city, offering a unique and authentic shopping experience.
These lesser-known markets are a haven for supporting local artisans, uncovering one-of-a-kind treasures, and immersing yourself in the vibrant tapestry of London's neighbourhoods.
Here's our insider's guide to the capital’s local community markets:
Canopy Market: King's Cross Creative Hub
Located near King's Cross St Pancras station, Canopy Market is a hub of creativity and craftsmanship. This market, open from Fridays to Sundays, showcases handmade crafts and artisanal food stalls. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the world of artistry and savor gourmet treats.
Dates: Fridays to Sundays.
Tips: Explore the market's handmade crafts and artisanal food stalls.
Getting There: A short walk from King's Cross St Pancras station.
Highlights: Craftsmanship, gourmet treats, and unique art pieces.
Website: https://canopymarket.co.uk
Maltby Street Market, Bermondsey: Subtitle: Culinary Adventure Awaits
Nestled under the railway arches in Bermondsey, Maltby Street Market is an illustrious food lover's paradise, celebrated for its gourmet offerings. From artisanal cheeses to delectable pastries, this market is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. It's the ideal place to savor new flavors and indulge in gastronomic delights.
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays.
Tips: Explore this hidden extension of Maltby Street Market for fewer crowds.
Getting There: Near Bermondsey Tube stati
Highlights: Artisanal food, unique crafts, and tucked-away charm.
Website: Maltby Street Market
Peckham Salvage Yard: Vintage Treasures Await
Peckham Salvage Yard is the go-to spot for vintage enthusiasts. Occasional weekends bring together vintage fashion, vinyl records, and quirky homeware. It's a treasure trove of retro finds, collectibles, and vinyl gems.
Dates: Occasional weekends (check the schedule).
Tips: Dive into vintage fashion, vinyl records, and quirky homeware.
Getting There: Close to Peckham Rye station.
Highlights: Retro treasures, collectibles, and vinyl gems.
Walthamstow Vegan Market: Eco-Friendly Delights
Walthamstow Vegan Market, on occasional Sundays, is a paradise for plant-based food lovers. It's where you can sample vegan delicacies and explore eco-friendly products. The market offers a taste of cruelty-free fashion and sustainable goods.
Dates: Occasional Sundays (check event listings).
Tips: Sample plant-based treats and discover eco-friendly products.
Getting There: Walthamstow Central station is within walking distance.
Highlights: Vegan delicacies, sustainable goods, and cruelty-free fashion.
Herne Hill Market: A Local Gem
Every Sunday, Herne Hill Market welcomes visitors with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Situated next to Herne Hill station, it features handmade crafts, gourmet street food, and local artwork. Live music and a family-friendly vibe add to the market's appeal.
Dates: Sundays.
Tips: Enjoy a leisurely stroll and explore artisanal products.
Getting There: Herne Hill station is right next to the market.
Highlights: Handmade crafts, gourmet street food, and local artwork.
Website: https://weareccfm.com/locations/herne-hill
Wapping Docklands Market: Riverside Shopping Experience
Wapping Market, held on Sundays, offers a unique shopping experience against the backdrop of the Thames. You can browse through arts and crafts, vintage clothing, and soak in the waterside ambiance while exploring this charming market.
Dates: Sundays.
Tips: Visit for scenic views of the Thames while shopping for unique items.
Getting There: Close to Wapping Overground station.
Highlights: Arts and crafts, vintage clothing, and waterside ambiance.
Brockley Market: Farm-to-Table Favourites
Brockley Market, open on Saturdays, is a celebration of local produce and artisanal goods. The market is a haven for farm-fresh produce, gourmet street food, and craft beverages, making it a must-visit for culinary explorers.
Dates: Saturdays.
Tips: Visit early for the best selection of local produce and artisanal goods.
Getting There: A short walk from Brockley station.
Highlights: Farm-fresh produce, gourmet street food, and craft beverages.
Website: https://www.brockleymarket.com
North End Road Market: A Multicultural Culinary Journey
North End Road Market is a diverse daily market where you can sample international cuisines and explore eclectic offerings. Located close to Fulham Broadway Tube station, it boasts global street food, eclectic stalls, and a vibrant multicultural vibe.
Dates: Open daily.
Tips: Sample international cuisines and explore the market's diverse offerings.
Getting There: Close to Fulham Broadway Tube station.
Highlights: Global street food, eclectic stalls, and a vibrant multicultural vibe.
Website: https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/business/markets/north-end-road-market
Netil Market, Hackney: Emerging Artistry
Tucked away in Hackney, Netil Market is a hub for emerging artists, designers, and makers. From vintage clothing to handmade crafts, you'll discover a diverse range of goods. This market's emphasis on creativity and community makes it a must-visit for those seeking something distinctive.
Dates: Open all week, with Fridays being the liveliest market day.
Tips: Visit early in the morning for the freshest produce and a taste of East End charm.
Getting There: Close to All Saints DLR station.
Highlights: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and international street food.
Website: https://eatworkart.com/netil-market
Lower Marsh Market, Waterloo: Bohemian Bazaar
Located near Waterloo Station, Lower Marsh Market is a charming spot lined with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to vintage clothing. The market's bohemian atmosphere and selection of global street food make it a delightful place to explore.
Dates: Open daily.
Tips: Sample international cuisines and explore the market's diverse offerings.
Getting There: Close to Waterloo Station.
Highlights: Global street food, eclectic stalls, and a vibrant multicultural vibe.
Website: https://www.lowermarshmarket.com/
Columbia Road Flower Market, Bethnal Green: Blooms in the City
Admittedly the Columbia Road Flower Market can no longer be described as unknown but if you're a fan of blooms, then it really is a market must-visit. Every Sunday, this quaint street transforms into a floral wonderland, offering a stunning variety of plants and flowers. It's a visual and aromatic feast for the senses.
Dates: Sundays.
Tips: Explore the market's diverse selection of flowers and plants.
Getting There: Close to Bethnal Green Tube station.
Highlights: A wide variety of flowers and plants, vibrant atmosphere.
Website: https://www.columbiaroad.info
Broadway Market, Hackney: East London's Creative Hub
Broadway Market captures the essence of East London's creative spirit. On Saturdays, it comes alive with stalls selling handmade crafts, vintage clothes, and delicious street food. The market's diverse range of offerings reflects the neighborhood's eclectic vibe.
Dates: Saturdays.
Tips: Visit early for the best selection of handmade crafts and vintage finds.
Getting There: A short walk from London Fields station.
Highlights: Handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and diverse street food.
Website: https://broadwaymarket.co.uk
Chatsworth Road Market, Clapton: Community-Focused Finds
Chatsworth Road Market is a community-focused market that offers a mix of fresh produce, vintage finds, and handmade crafts. Its welcoming atmosphere and local charm make it a favorite among Clapton residents.
Dates: Sundays.
Tips: Enjoy a leisurely stroll and explore the market's diverse offerings.
Getting There: Close to Homerton Overground station.
Highlights: Fresh produce, vintage treasures, and a friendly community vibe.
So Last Century, various locations: Vintage Treasures Unearthed.
For vintage aficionados, So Last Century is a treasure trove. With various pop-up events across London, this market features a curated selection of vintage clothing, furniture, and collectibles.
Dates: Occasional pop-up events (check listings).
Tips: Explore unique vintage finds and retro treasures.
Getting There: Locations vary; check event details.
Highlights: Vintage clothing, retro furniture, and collectible items.
Website: https://solastcenturyfair.co.uk
