We’ve rounded up our top 5, favourite Sunday Markets for browsing, buying and socialising in London.
What better way to spend a Sunday morning that idly browsing a market with a cup of coffee? Whether it’s trendy pop-up food stalls you’re after or thrifty vintage and art or flowers to brighten your mood. We’ve got offerings from all over London, from the best farmers’ markets to the best bargains. Here are our top 5 markets for Sunday browsing or buying in London.
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road, London, E2 7RG
A Sunday market has graced Columbia Road since the 1860’s. When the flower market first evolved, the flowers all arrived by handcart from the nearby market gardens of Hackney and Islington, and market pitches were claimed on the day with a blow of the whistle. Surviving years of decline, it’s now a firm London favourite and nestled in one of London’s trendiest areas. Its international reputation is more than deserved, and even just browsing the market is a pleasure, with its beautiful flowers and incredible smell. Head down late in the afternoon, and you can grab a bargain bunch! The street is also now home to lovely cafes and pubs, so you can pop by for brunch or a cup of coffee too.
For more information, see the website, or just turn up at Columbia Road between 8 am and 2 pm. If you get lost, follow the smell of flowers or the happy shoppers coming in the other directions laden with blooms.
Sunday Up Market
91 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
Every Sunday, the Old Truman Brewery hosts the Sunday Up Market, a sprawling offering of street food from across the world, vintage clothes and accessories, homeware and arts and crafts. With over 140 traders, it’s an exciting and imaginative market in the middle of Brick Lane. It includes well-known stalls as well as some of the independent makers who make up the East London creative community. Pop down and while away your Sunday with great food and great browsing.
For more information, see the website or just turn up on Brick Lane between 10 am and 5 pm.
Queen’s Park Farmer’s Market
Salusbury Primary School, Salusbury Road, London, NW6 6RG
This award winning market brings fresh produce to the streets of West London. The organic offerings include fresh fish from the coast, Norfolk grown vegetables and free-range meat and poultry. It’s a community favourite with families, friends and neighbours, so head down and join the Sunday fun.
For more information, see the website; the market runs every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Ally Pally Farmer’s Market
Muswell Hill, London, N10 3TG
In leafy North London, Ally Pally Farmer’s market is an expanding and lively place with a strong street food presence as well as fresh produce straight from the source. It might seem wildly out of the way, but set in the beautiful parkland of Alexandra Palace, there’s plenty to explore on a Sunday afternoon. Settled between Muswell Hill, Wood Green and Crouch End, there’s lots of walks, cafes and pubs for brunch or Sunday lunch, and Alexandra Palace has spectacular views over London from the top of the hill. If you’ve got kids with you, you can also try out the Ice Skating Rink or the boating lake, depending on the weather.
For more information, see the website; the market runs every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.
Bayswater Road Artists Market
Bayswater Road, London W2 4RQ
Every Sunday for over 50 years, Bayswater Road in West London has been transformed into an open-air art show, as local artists hang their work for display and sale along the railings of Kensington Gardens. Over 150 artists and craftsmen display their word, with thousands of exhibits. The artists range from unknowns to established names, and it’s a great opportunity to meet the artists for a chat. Everything is for sale direct from them, and everything can be carefully packed up so you can take it home. From there, you can explore Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, the Septentine, the Peter Pan statue and more.
For more information, see the website, or head to Bayswater Road between 10 am and 6 pm on a Sunday, come rain or shine.
Borough Market
London SE1 9AL
Borough Market, a London gem with a history stretching back a millennium, beckons as the ultimate Sunday market. Near London Bridge and the Shard, it offers a treasure trove of fresh ingredients for home-cooked delights, from Sardinian cheese to delectable sausages. But this market isn't just about groceries; it's a haven for street food aficionados, surrounded by charming cafes, bars, and restaurants. Roast, at the heart of the covered market, serves up British and vegan delicacies. Embrace the hustle and bustle as you navigate the market's vibrant lanes, whether you're splurging on oysters or enjoying budget-friendly £1 bread and sweet treats.
Southbank Centre Food Market
London SE1 8XX
A Southbank Sunday is incomplete without a visit to the Southbank Centre Food Market. It's a Sunday market that has its finger on the pulse of what London's food scene is all about. Open from 12 noon to 6pm on Sundays (and 11am to 8pm on bank holiday weekends), this market is a culinary treasure trove. Stroll along the South Bank, savoring diverse street food delights. From the irresistible meats at Spit & Roast to refreshing fruit smoothies by Elephant Juices, you'll find your appetite even if you didn't know it was missing. And if you're in the mood for something literary, head under Waterloo Bridge to explore the book market. Whether you're a certified foodie or just looking for a tasty bite, this market is where you want to be.
Greenwich Market
5B Greenwich Market, London SE10 9HZ
Greenwich Market, open from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm serves up history and eclectic treasures, making it an unmissable spot for Sunday market aficionados. As you amble through this historical hub in south-east London, you'll find over 100 stalls brimming with everything from jewelry and clothing to arts and crafts. Not just limited to Sundays, it opens its bustling doors every day, even on bank holidays. And let's not forget the 40 or so food and drink stalls dishing out delectable street bites, sweet treats, and artisan sandwiches.
Maltby Street Market
Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby St, London SE1 3PA
Open from 11 am to 4 pm, you'll find Maltby Street Market beneath Bermondsey's charming railway arches. It might be small, but it packs a gourmet punch that'll make you forget all about your usual Sunday roasts. From melt-in-your-mouth cheese toasties courtesy of The Cheese Truck to delectable sweet treats from Waffle On, it's like Borough Market's lesser-known, cooler cousin. With around 30 artisan food and drink traders offering everything from craft beer to mouthwatering Mozambique-style peri-peri meats, you're in for a treat. Plus, if you're a fan of gourmet chocolate brownies, Bad Brownie is a must-visit. And if you prefer to sit down and savor, St John Maltby offers classy comfort food.
Marylebone Farmers Market
Aybrook St, London W1U 4DF
Open from 10 am to 2 pm, Marylebone Farmers Market caters to food-savvy mums and Waitrose aficionados who aim to bag their weekly shopping haul before indulging in coffee and croissants on the nearby high street. Stalls here are all about the seasonal and organic, with a regularly changing lineup. From classic French bites at Madame Gautier to Downland Produce's heavenly whole hog roast, you'll discover an ever-rotating selection of seasonal fruits, veggies, and herbs. In fact, you can practically restock your entire kitchen, as long as you're ready for a spontaneous shopping spree! Sustainability is the name of the game here, making it an ideal destination for eco-conscious shoppers. So remember to bring your reusable bags and an open mind – you never know what delightful surprise awaits you at Marylebone Farmers' Market, where the seasons dictate the menu.