| If you’re
tired of the same old shopping experiences and are looking
for something truly unique you’ll find a range of
excellent markets in London.
One of the locals’ favourite pastimes in North West
London is taking a weekend stroll around Camden’s
markets [map]. You’ll find all sorts in this
collection of markets including discount designer fashions,
antiques, handmade crafts, music and much more.
As the capital’s fourth most visited attraction
you’ll find this a busy area but with several markets
to choose from there’s no shortage of bargains to
be had, however if you’d rather not shop then many
people go to enjoy the bustling atmosphere and the street
performers.
Camden’s collection of outdoor markets include – Camden Market, Camden Lock Market, Stables Market, Camden Canal
Market and Electric Market.
All the markets are open on Sunday between 10:00am and 5:00pm
and most are open at the same time on Saturday. Camden
Town is probably the most convenient station but on market
days you can only exit from this station so visitors usually
use the Mornington Crescent or Chalk Farm tube station
on leaving.
North London offers shoppers the chance to experience
the vibrant Chapel Market close to Angel
tube station. Expect to find fresh fish and vegetables
including some African foods, clothing and plants on the
stalls as well as some bargains in the stores and junk
shops around. The market is open Tuesday – Sunday
from 9:00am.
If you want trendy chic from your market experience then Spitalfields [map] in East London is the place to go. Located in a glass
topped Victorian building on Commercial Street, Spitalfields
market hosts a multitude of stalls where up-and-coming
fashion designers sell their creations, beautifully handcrafted
merchandise is on offer, and, on a Sunday, fresh organic
food is available to buy.
Close to Spitalfields is Petticoat Lane market [map] but don’t look for the street name as it doesn’t
really exist. This market is more than 100 years old and
developed from a pig market to an area where second-hand
petticoats were sold – hence the name. These days
the market goes ahead every day (except Saturdays) in
Middlesex Street, Wentworth Street and the surrounding
offshoots, however Sunday is considered to be the best
day. On Sundays the market bustles with more than 1,000
stalls selling discounted clothes, Asian fabrics, household
items and leather goods.
Locals love Brick Lane market [map] because on a Sunday morning it’s a one stop
shop for all your needs from food to furniture, and when
the shopping is done you can get a bite to eat with the
money you have left at one of the curry houses or the
at legendary 24 hour bagel bakery. If you want to go,
head to Liverpool Street or Whitechapel tube station on
a Sunday, the market opens at around 8:00am and finishes
at 2:00pm.
Just because you don’t follow fashion or enjoy clothes
shopping doesn’t mean you have to be left at home
or in your hotel room, because South East London offers
some really good markets for searching out unusual gifts
and antiques. One of the most popular markets amongst
locals is Borough Market [map] situated between Borough High Street, Bedale Street,
Stoney Street and Winchester Walk, SE1. This weekend only
market serves food from across the world and includes
a great mix of traditional London produce as well as exotically
influenced fruit, vegetables, and baked goods from across
the globe. This is the place for getting your organic
and natural ingredients as well as being a must for a
Christmas shopping visit.
If you’re hoping to bag a bargain try one of West
London’s renowned markets. Portobello Market [map],
Portobello Road and Portobello Green, W11, is the perfect
place to pick up some unique jewellery or vintage and
retro clothing. The market is open Fridays and Saturdays,
although some stalls remain there throughout the week.
Alternatively, head to Shepherd’s Bush [map] for its historic market that has been at the same place
– Uxbridge Road and Goldhawk Road, W12 – since
1914. Owing much to its African and Irish communities
this is the ideal place to try some new culinary treats
and choose from a selection of exotic fish, meats and
fresh and organic fruit and vegetables. There are also
some excellent music stalls here offering everything from
Irish folk to reggae and everything in between.
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