London is home to a wealth of covered, outdoor and street markets. Many specialise in a particular type of goods or sell different things on different days. Most open very early in the morning and close early or late afternoon.
City of London Covered Markets
These markets have ancient origins and connections with the City of London. Some have moved from their original locations within the city boundaries but continue to be operated by the Corporation of London:
Billingsate Market (Fish), relocated in 1982 to Billingsgate Market, Poplar. The original river facing building is used as a hospitality and events venue called Old Billingsgate Market.
Leadenhall Market (Food), continues to operate with many of the market spaces converted to retail outlets.
Smithfield Market (Meat) is still in use for the same purpose. It was originally a live cattle market.
Spitalfields Market (Food), relocated in 1991 to New Spitalfields Market, Leyton. The original market site is still used as a market selling food and general goods and is part of a revival of the surrounding area.
Principal and Famous Markets outside the City
These are other wholesale markets and those popular with tourists, mainly in Central London:
Bermondsey Market (Antiques), located on Tower Bridge Road in Bermondsey, South London.
Borough Market (Food), located in The Borough, just south of London Bridge.
Brick Lane Market (General & Junk), known locally as "The Lane", located at the northern end of Brick Lane and along Cheshire Street in East London.
Camden Lock Market (General & Clothing), usually referred to simply as "Camden Market", is located beside Regent's Canal in Camden Town, North West London.
Columbia Road market (Flowers), located between Bethnal Green and Hackney in East London.
Covent Garden Market (Flowers, Fruit & Vegetable) lies between The City and the West End, now relocated to New Covent Garden Market, Vauxhall. The original building is now a shopping and tourist area.
Greenwich Market (Antiques, Arts & Crafts), located in Greenwich, South East London.
Petticoat Lane Market (Clothing) is located on Wentworth Street and Middlesex Street in East London.
Portobello Road Market (Antiques), located in the Notting Hill area of West London.
Other Markets
These markets tend to be less visited by tourists but used regularly by local residents. Some are on a comparable scale to the more renowned markets:
Berwick Street Market (General) is a small market in the heart of Soho.
Chapel Market (Food & General) is located in Islington, North London.
Chrisp Street Market (General), located in Poplar, East London.
Deptford Market (Food & Antique) is located in Deptford, South East London.
East Street Market (Food & General), located in Walworth, South London.
Lower Marsh Market (General) is located adjacent to Waterloo Station.
Romford Market (General), located in Romford, East London.
Ridley Road Market (Food & General), located in Dalston, East London
There are several London farmers' markets throughout London.
External links
Last updated: 05-16-2005 14:36:43
