Some of my
favorite days out in London
are spent browsing through one of the many well-known street markets. Many of my favorite treasures have been found
at these market stalls. They are a
London tradition and their origin dates back to the Middle Ages. Today’s markets offer everything from jewelry
and clothing to knickknacks and antiques.
I’ve listed a few of the markets that top my list of favorites.
Camden
Market
Located in
North London near the Regent’s Canal, Camden market has an eclectic, quirky
vibe providing an experience all its own.
It is listed as the fourth most popular visitor attraction in London and
attracts over 100,000 visitors each weekend.
Their stalls offer a wide variety of
bohemian and goth/punk style
clothing, hand-made jewelry, interesting crafts and a variety of ethnic
foods. It has both an open air market as
well as a bustling indoor market known as Stable Market. This indoor market is where one of my
favorite vendors can be found selling beautiful Italian leather purses and
handbags. Since Camden Market is one of
the larger of the London markets you’ll need to allow at least 1/2 a day to
browse the stalls, grab lunch and do some interesting people watching.
Portobello
Market
Considered
by many as London’s best known market, Portobello Market is located in London’s
trendy Notting Hill section made famous by the Julie Robert’s movie. The famous street market is open Monday
through Saturday selling mainly fashion, accessories, household goods and
bric-a-brac. The best days to visit the
market are Fridays and Saturdays where you’ll find the streets filled with
antique stalls in addition to their regular vendors. Get there early to get the best finds and to
avoid the crowds.
Located just
a short walk from the Liverpool Street tube station, Old Spitalfields Market is
open 7 days a week and offers something different each day. The main market days are Thursday through
Sunday. The Thursday Antique Market
offers shoppers a chance to find that one-of-a-kind antique. Friday is the best day to shop for clothing
and art. Twice a month on Fridays you’ll
find a Record Fair offering rare and collectible vinyl. Saturday offers a different themed market each
week and Sunday has a mix of vendors offering something for everyone. Another one of my favorite handbag vendors
can be found at this market selling bespoke handbags and accessories made from
up-cycled leather. You can never own too
many handbags, am I right?
These are
just a few of the many street markets scattered about the city. London is also known for some amazing food
markets and fresh flower markets that you’ll be sure to enjoy as well. International Vacation Home
Exchange has properties all around the globe with several
charming properties located in London. Plan your next luxury home exchange in one
of the world’s most exciting cities and be sure to hit a few of their famous
street markets along the way.
Thank you to travel writer Lisa Medeiros @LisaMedeiros_
Great idea for a blog entry, Lisa! I have only spent time at London airports--makes me actually want to stay and visit.
ReplyDelete