Roaming with Red

As a foodie and fashion hub, London is filled with markets. From flea markets to foodie havens, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by choice of which market to visit. While the most well known places like Camden Market and Borough Market are definitely worth a visit, there are plenty of other markets that are worth exploring. Slightly off the beaten track and better known to locals than tourists, the below five markets are well worth considering in your London itinerary if you want to explore places beyond Central London.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Ok, so maybe number one isn’t entirely off the beaten track but it’s definitely still worth mentioning. Open every Sunday in the Eastern suburbs of London, this street market comes to life as stall holders bring all types of flora and fauna to Columbia Road. With so much variety to choose from, it’s not unusual to see people walking back from the market with flowers or plants in hand, having arrived early to secure the best pick of the bunch. The best thing about this market… it is so much more than just a flower market. While the flowers are the star attraction, the shops that line the street sell all sorts of different things, from baked goods to vintage clothing and beyond. The area also has a whole heap of different food stalls, cafes and restaurants to enjoy so you don’t have to go hungry or thirsty while you spend your time walking around.

Broadway Market

I’ve mentioned this market before on a food and drink blog but it definitely warrants another mention here. A short walk from Columbia Road and in the heart of the London Fields area, Broadway Market is the perfect food market if you’re looking for a cheap and delicious lunchtime option. Appearing as you cross Regent’s Canal, Broadway Market comes to life on a Sunday as all sorts of different stalls, predominately selling food and produce, take over the street. Bustling with people and filled with the aromas of a good meal, this inner-London market is the perfect place to pick up some nibbles for dinner while grabbing a delicious on the go lunch.

Greenwich Market

Of all the markets I’ve visited in London, Greenwich Market is the one that has surprised me the most (in a good way obviously). Located on the Southern side of the Thames, this market and its surrounds genuinely makes you feel like you’ve ventured outside of London city, despite being only 20 mins from Central London. The market itself is an under-cover space selling a mixture of clothing, antiques, art and other goods alongside beautiful food stuffs and sweet treats. Move slightly to the right of the under-cover area and you’ll find an outdoor compilation of food stalls that makes this market that much more appealing. Choosing what to eat was a genuine difficulty here, with each stall looking as delicious as the next.

One tip if you decide to visit this market – make sure you carve out some time to visit the Old Royal Naval College and Greenwich Park (something I didn’t realise existed until I visited Greenwich Market). This riverside complex has played home to some of the most famous British Monarchs, being the birth place of King Henry VIII, Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I to name a few of its famous inhabitants, and is a genuinely breathtaking building. It’s hard not to marvel at the complex’s sheer size and its location on the banks of the River Thames makes it all that more memorable. Walk off all the delicious treats you’ve consumed at Greenwich market by wandering up the hill at Greenwich Park and enjoying the view over London.  

Tooting Market

While I only spent a small amount of time at Tooting Market when I visited, it is a place I would love to go back to again. Another covered market, during the day it comes to life with a raft of different traders selling all types of wares. At night, the food and bars shine. Potentially one of my favourite things about Tooting Market is how different it can look during the daytime versus during the evening, with both sides of this place being lively and enticing for different reasons. While a little bit further out of London than most other markets, it’s well worth taking some time to visit and experience a different suburb within the Great London sphere.

Herne Hill and Brixton Village Market

These are two separate market within very close proximity to each other. Brixton Village market is an undercover market, predominately filled with cafes and restaurants that offer dine-in and take-away services. While there are a few clothing and vintage shops within the market itself, I would suggest you come here for the food more so than the physical goods. A clear favourite with the locals, the market is always bustling with people as Londoners gather over coffee or a good meal to discuss last night’s adventures.

Walk 20 minutes further South and you’ll find yourself at Herne Hill Market. This Sunday market is another food-focussed space however in a very different atmosphere to Brixton Village. While Brixton Village is lively with people sitting down for longer meals, Herne Hill focusses on locally produced goods and feels more like a small town market. Wander through the one street market space and enjoy the varied produce available on show. If the weather is nice, grab a few nibbles and set yourself up in Brockwell park for a lovely picnic filled with fresh market fare.