The Sunday Markets in London have a long history and a very special place in the hearts of Londoners. These are the best places to experience the local vibe while enjoying fresh produce from local farmers around London, delicious street food, and great bargains from the many flea markets.
Wandering through a street market, listening to the vendors tout their wares is a very primal experience for many people; the sights smells and sounds really put you in touch with the goods and the people who supply them. London’s markets have evolved over hundreds of years from providing basic supplies to cover a range of areas like trendy street food and specialized antique markets.
Sunday markets empowering generations of Londoners
It is impossible, for example, to envisage Brick Lane, Covent Garden, Camden, or St James’s Church without their markets. The same applies to other, less well-known local markets. Markets have empowered generations of Londoners to engage in economic and social activity:
- Building businesses
- Engaging with local people
- Introducing Londoners to new products and services
- Providing a daily ‘beating heart’ within local streets and squares
Struggles have occurred as areas of London gentrify, land occupied by markets increase in value, and powerful economic interests seek to eject markets in favour of private housing or more settled shops and commercial activity. Some markets were eradicated, others shrunk or moved, but many survived and prospered.
By visiting the Sunday markets in London, you’ll experience a fusion of old and new in the city. Here is our list of the top Sunday markets to visit in London:
Sunday Markets in London by Area
Click to explore the best Sunday markets in London:
North London
Camden’s many markets carry an astonishing array of goods and are well known for their alternative fashion. The farmers’ market at Alexandra Palace is another gem in North London.
East London
You’re never far away from a Sunday market in East London. Plan your route and you’ll easily be able to cover a handful of markets. East London’s street markets truly offer something for everyone
South East London
Foodies have a lot to choose from going to South East London’s Sunday markets. Street food lovers should make sure to test out Maltby Street Market, Greenwich Market and Southbank Centre Food Market.
Sunday Markets in North London
You’ll find several great markets in North London, like in Camden which is perfect for lazy Sundays enjoying a late brunch and wandering around the many stalls. For a less touristy experience, try Chapel Market in Islington or Alexandra Palace Farmers’ Market.
Alexandra Palace Sunday Farmers’ Market
Great for: Sausage in a roll, fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits
Open: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Great local Sunday market with around 40 stalls
- Delicious sausage rolls and baps from The Giggly Pig
- Sourdough bread and tasty pastries
- Large selection of stalls selling seasonal vegetables and fruits
Things to do nearby: Alexandra Park playground, ice skating, Ally Pally gig venue.
Camden Lock Market
Great for: Arts and crafts, cool t-shirts, jewellery and street food
Open: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Idyllic view of Regent’s Canal and the narrow boats
- Huge selection of international street-food options
- T-shirts with unique designs
- Quality arts and crafts products
Things to do nearby: Regent’s Canal, London Zoo, the rest of Camden’s markets (see below)
Camden Passage Market
Great for: Antique dealers and aficionados, collectors and interior designers
Open: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Less busy with tourists than other London markets
- Vintage clothing and jewellery in abundance
- Antique and vintage English porcelain and french Quimper
- Specialized in Antique Chinese ceramics and works of art
Things to do nearby: CoraCoram’s Fields – A Sanctuary for Children since 1739 and London’s First Public Playgroundm’s Fields
Islington Farmers’ Market
Great for: Sourdough rye bread and fresh pasta
Open: 10 AM – 2 PM
- Located at the historical Chapel Market
- Nigels’ Lettuce and Lovage range of salads
- Seasonal seafood and fish
- Free range sausages, poultry and eggs
Things to do nearby: The Postal Museum, Regent’s Canal
Stables Market
Great for: Vintage fashion and second hand bargains
Open: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Shops are built into existing structure of real stables dating back to the early 1900s
- Home to Cyberdog, an iconic cybergoth/rave store
- Pick up some vinyl at one of the market’s music stalls
- Handmade jewellery and original gift ideas
Things to do nearby: Camden Lock Market, Regent’s Canal
Sunday Markets in East London
Like beads on a string, there are so many Sunday markets to enjoy in East London. By starting in the north at Columbia Road Flower Market, we make our way south through Brick Lane, Upmarket, Old Spitafields, ending up at Petticoat Lane market.
Brick Lane Market
Great for: People watching and second hand clothes
Open: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Beat the crowds and go early in the morning
- Shop for vintage clothes, antique furniture and organic produce
- Sample some Polish, Malaysian, Morroccan, Korean and Ethiopian cuisine at the Boiler House Market
- Beigel Bake for delishiously fresh bagels 24/7
Things to do nearby: Beigel Bake, Upmarket, Old Spitalfields Market
Chatsworth Road Market
Great for: Hackney designer clothes and international food
Open: 11 AM – 4 PM
- An eclectic mix of vintage clothing and accessories.
- Vietnamease street food
- Homemade vegan patisserie and bakery
- Smoked fish from a wooden draft smokehouse in Greenwich.
- Organic free range butcher and handmade pies
Things to do nearby: Lee Valley Farms, Olympic Park, Vicky Park
Columbia Road Sunday Flower Market
Great for: Flowers and plants at reasonable prices, old-school sales patter
Open: 8 AM – 2 PM
- Great street vibe
- Iconic East London flower market
- Cut flowers of the freshest and best quality
- Lavender, dill, and basil for your herb garden
- Rose bushes, olive trees, or lemon trees for your garden.
Things to do nearby: Hackney City Farm, Brick Lane Market
Old Spitalfields Market
Great for: High quality and unique fashion and arts products
Open: 10 AM – 5 PM
- A wide selection of vintage and designer clothes
- Hand-carved furniture, beautiful hand-painted china sets
- Trendy pubs or cultural food stalls (e.g. Ethiopian, Caribbean, Sri Lankan
- Several art galleries featuring original artwork and photography,
Things to do nearby: Spitalfields Farm, Petticoat Lane Market
Petticoat Lane Sunday Market
Great for: Cheap and cheerful clothing market with incredible deals
Open: 8 AM – 6 PM
- Incredible bargains, but not always the highest quality
- End-of-season sales from dealers buying in bulk
- Both new and secondhand clothing is available, as well as linens and household goods
- Watches and junk jewellery
- Hardware, Toys & Electronics
Things to do nearby: Spitalfields Market, Spitalfields City Farm
Victoria Park Sunday Market
Great for: Locally sourced ingredients, lovingly crafted cakes, insta-perfect treats
Open: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Seasonal fruit and veg from local farmers around London
- Organic farm butchers and fresh fish
- Locally baked bread and small batch cakes and biscuits
- Cheeses and farm made pies
Things to do nearby: Victoria Park Playground, Olympic Park
Upmarket
Great for: East London’s best food-hall with 40 street-food traders
Open: 10 AM – 6 PM
- A wide range of delicious dishes from Ethiopian Injera bread to Korean ‘Dak-kkochi’ skewers
- Artisanal food traders offering freshly created and selected produce ranging from natural preserves to sourdough breads
- Insta perfect and indulgent selection of sweet pastries and desserts
Things to do nearby: Brick Lane Market, Old Spitalfields Market
South East London Sunday Markets
From fancy street-food and artisan pastries to everyday groceries and bric-a-brac, you’ll find a hugely diverse range of Sunday markets across South East London.
Blackheath Farmers’ Market
Blackheath Station, South East London
Great for: Organic meat, fruit and veg, fresh pastries
Open: 10 AM – 2 PM
- Popular local farmers’ market in Blackheat village
- Locally produced honey
- Norfolk caught brown shrimps
- Kentish asparagus in spring and cherries in July
- Big selection of fruit and veg
Things to do nearby: Greenwich Park, Royal Observatory
Greenwich Market
Great for: Unique hand made gifts and delicious food options
Open: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
- Original and high quality London-themed gifts
- Independent arts and crafts shops
- International street-food area
- Go early to beat the crowds during the weekend
- Relax on the grass in the park nearby
Things to do nearby: Greenwich Park, National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark
East Street Sunday Market in London
Great for: All you need from an everyday market, good value for money,
Open: 8 AM – 4 PM
- Non-gentrified local market
- Great selection of African and Asian vegetables
- Household budget apparel
- A diverse and lively community meeting place
Things to do nearby: The Postal Museum, Regent’s Canal
Horniman Museum and Gardens Farmers Market
Forest Hill, South East London
Great for: Day out with the kids, getting a treat at the market after visiting the musem
Open: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Located right next to the museum
- High quality hand-made design and crafts
- Fresh fruit and vegetables from farmers near London
- A decent selection of street-food stalls
Things to do nearby: Horniman Museum, Crystal Palace Playground
Maltby Street Market
Great for: Sourdough rye bread and fresh pasta
Open: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Enjoy classic sausage and mash from Bangers
- Chicken, rice, lentils and spinach from Amen Ethiopian
- Vietnamese pork bao from Banh Minen
- Locally produced beer and gin
Things to do nearby: Southwark Park Playground
Southbank Centre Food Market
Great for: Hand crafted cakes and honest street-food
Open: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Portuguese custard tarts at Galeta
- BBQ-smoked sausages at The Polish Deli
- Authentic cannoli from Bello Gnocco
- Korean-BBQ-in-a-burrito shack, Korrito
- Draught beer bars, cocktail stands
Things to do nearby: Southbank Water Play
Why London’s markets are so important
For generations, local markets have been a vital part of Londoners’ daily lives. These markets are manifestations of London’s openness towards the rest of the world through the variety of goods they sell, the traders they employ, and their communities. They are a great way to build a sense of community. In addition, they are a great source of healthy and fresh food and essential places to meet people from all backgrounds.
London’s markets are changing. Many of these markets are historic and located in the heart of local neighbourhoods. Some, such as Borough, Portobello Road, and Columbia Road, could be called iconic destinations and draw customers to local shops, restaurants, and businesses. However, new types of markets are also evolving like the new breed of markets specializing in street food and private farmers’ markets.
Markets offer variety, diversity, history, and character. They provide a wide range of goods and services that residents need and depend upon. They are a reflection of the community and help to build a sense of identity. Markets are an important place for people to meet and share food and other social activities. They are the first business incubators. Because they provide an open, accessible workspace for people to explore business ideas and gain new skills, they can be a great place to start a business.
FAQ Sunday Markets in London
What markets are open on Sunday in London?
Alexandra Palace Sunday Farmers’ Market
Camden Lock Market
Islington Farmers’ Market
Stables Market
Brick Lane Market
Chatsworth Road Market
Columbia Road Sunday Flower Market
Old Spitalfields Market
Petticoat Lane Sunday Market
Victoria Park Sunday Market
Upmarket
Blackheath Farmers’ Market
Greenwich Market
East Street Sunday Market in London
Horniman Museum and Gardens Farmers Market
Maltby Street Market
Southbank Centre Food Market
Is there a Sunday flower market in London?
The largest Sunday flower market in London is called Columbia Road Flower Market and is located in Bethnal Green, East London
Is there a Sunday antique market in London?
Camden Passage Market, Brick Lane Market and Old Spitalfields Market are all great options to look for antiques on a Sunday in London.
Where in London do I find the best markets?
3 areas in London with great markets: 1) East London’s famous markets like Brick Lane and Old Spitalfields Market. 2) Notting Hill’s Portobello Road in West London and 3) The markets around Camden in North London