The Best Antique Markets in London: An Insider’s Guide (2023)
Looking for the best antique markets in London? Don’t look any further. From delicate jewels to quirky furniture, old school cameras and all kinds of bric-a-brac, here’s where to explore the very best of London antiques, like a local.
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Antiquing in London has always fascinated me (living in a city over 2,000 years old tends to do that to you). And so I’ve slowly been on the hunt for the best antique markets in London ever since.
Not to mention my grandma is a world-class collector of bric-a-bras, so let’s just say hunting for cool stuff in questionably dusty places is in my DNA.
Whether you’re a seasoned London antique hunter or just in the mood to pick up London flea market shopping for a weekend, here’s the best antique markets in London.
But first…
I know saying you’re in the very best city for antique shopping is a big statement — but it’s true! Here’s the proof in the pudding.
With thousands of years of history behind it (and colonization along the way) London has troves of treasures that were brought to the city over time.
Between the 14th and 17th century, this formed a new hobby for collecting other people’s stuff and sticking it in your house, or should I say ‘antiquing’. Of course, this was only the pasttime of a privileged few — but fast-forward to now and collecting vintage and antique goods is entirely accessible to all. Told you it’d be quick!
There’s nothing in London quite like Portobello Road Market.
For one, not many antique markets in London could say they have one of the most iconic areas of London as a backdrop (hello Notting Hill) and two, there’s about 1,500 stalls filled with knick-knacks, bric-a-bracs, jewellery, furniture and everything in between to choose from—talk about options.
But before the Notting Hill movie gave it its claim to fame, Portobello Road Market was sitting pretty in the west end since the 19th century. Each stall is also manned by an expert in their antiques, so be prepared for a good conversation too.
The best day to go is inarguably on Saturdays, but it’s also the busiest, so come early.
Opening Times: Monday – Wednesday: 9:00 – 18:00 | Thursday: 9:00 – 13:00 | Friday – Saturday: 09:00 – 19:00
Website: www.portobelloroad.co.uk/the-market/
Read More: 17 Best Things to do in Notting Hill (like a local)
Over the years East London has gone through gentrification galore. With a ‘new this-and-that’ popping up every two seconds, it’s nice to see some things have stood the test of time. Welcome to Old Spitalfields Market.
An East London gem Old Spitalfields Market is bustling with local creatives, independent shopkeepers and solopreneur crafters eagerly waiting to show off their goods to the world. If you can believe it, Old Spitalfields Market started as nothing more than an unassuming farmers market in the 17th century. But it’s quickly become the best place to get your hands on some antique goods any day of the week.
P.S – There’s also tons of events on year-round from vinyl record fairs to craft beer festivals!
Opening Times: Sunday to Friday 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday 11 am – 5 pm
Website: oldspitalfieldsmarket.com
There’s not much you can’t find in Camden, including antiques apparently!
Camden Passage is where you go when you want to find something new, and more than likely, a bit unusual. Revelling in jewellery that’s stood the test of time, old school collector’s items and memorabilia that may as well be labelled nostalgia overload, it’s a perfect pit stop if you’re ever pottering about Camden, or looking for a gift for your eccentric friend (I’m the latter).
Opening Times: Saturday 7:30am – 6pm | Sunday 8am – 6pm | Wednesday 7:30am – 6pm
Website: camdenpassageislington.co.uk
Read More: The Best Things to do in Camden (for day and night!)
There’s little not to love about Greenwich Market. First off, Greenwich is beautiful and that beauty translates seamlessly into the charming stalls antique stalls waiting for you at Greenwich Market.
The indoor market mainly sells vintage clothes, jewellery and books. But Greenwich Market is also home to dozens of independent shops, delicious food stalls and cozy pubs—so you could easily make it an all-day affair. If you come for the last Friday of the month you’ll also find the Moonlight Market, an evening vintage fair accompanied by live music and a pop-up bar.
P.S Each day also holds a different theme (check the latest on their website) so it’s a new experience every time you visit.
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 10am – 5:30pm
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Website: www.greenwichmarket.london/
Read More: How to Spend a Lovely Day in Greenwich
There’s not too many countries with a long-standing history quite like Britain, and you can buy it all at Bermondsey Square Antiques.
A day here is a bit like stepping in Georgian…or Victorian…or Edwardian times really (your pick). Lined with traders selling the best silvers, china and paintings London has to offer (and drawing in collector crowds from across the world).
Because of the quality of the antique goods here, you’ll want to get here before mid-day to get your hands on the best stuff, but I promise it’s worth the trip.
Opening Times: Friday 6am – 2pm
Website: bermondseysquare.net/bermondsey-antiques-market/
P.S – Be sure to check out the London Bridge area after your antique shopping!
If you like your antique shopping to be more of an intimate affair, you may want to spend the day at Hackney Flea Market. After starting off as a pop-up for vintage traders in 2013 they realized people really like supporting creative independents in Stoke Newington Churches…and so it stuck.
There’s about every and anything here so you’ll be well-stocked with buckets of East London treasures that’ll make your partner ask “Wait…why did you buy that again?” (just me? okay…).
Opening Times: Sat & Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm | Once a month (check calendar for event updates)
Website: hackneyfleamarket.com
Deptford has slowly been transforming to a Shoreditch over time, but Deptford Market seems to have no intention on changing, and boy is that a good thing.
You’ll find the traditional market ready and waiting at the end of Deptford High Street (Douglas Way to be specific), with just about every secondhand good you can imagine yourself rummaging through. Oh, and serious buyers only, haggling here is a big no-no.
Opening Times: Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9am-5:30pm
Website: lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/markets/street-markets/deptford-markets
If you like to keep your antique shopping in London on the fancier side, this is your place.
Attracting celebrities and stylish locals alike for decades Alfie’s Antiques is London’s largest antique market — housing a pleasant explosion of mid-century interiors, antique jewels and vintage fashion.
I’ll admit, if you’re just in the mood for a random scrappy bric-a-brac (no shame), you’ll probably be disappointed here. But, if you’re up for a day in North London scouring pretty antiques (and a possible celebrity sighting) don’t give it a miss.
Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday | 10am – 6pm
Website: alfiesantiques.com
Oh, Brick Lane. It’s hard to think about what this street’s not famous for, but while we’re at it, let’s throw ‘awesome antique market’ into the mix.
In the ultimate cool flex, Shoreditch’s beating heart has not one but five markets all intertwined with unique vintage goods (The Backyard Market, Sunday UpMarket, the Vintage Market, the Tea Rooms and the Boiler House Food Hall by the way).
Because of this, shopping here can be a bit overwhelming if I’m honest, so try to make a day of it if you can (not hard to do in Shoreditch).
Opening Times: Saturday 11am-6pm | Sunday 10am-5pm
Website: visitbricklane.org/brick-lane-market/
True to reputation Grays Antique Centre is the kind of place that’ll make you say “Wait, how did they find that??”.
Home to one of the world’s most diverse collections of antique goods it’ll be hard not to have a mosey around here and instantly want everything (but do try, unless you’re ready to splash the cash).
Opening Times: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm
Website:graysantiques.com
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A flea market of perfection Chatsworth Road Market is 200 stalls of London’s best antique market finds.
They’ve been doing their thing here since the 1930’s, so it’s no wonder there’s so much goodness to choose from. Chat it up with the neighborhood locals and pass a few lazy hours indulging in everything from eclectic hats to retro toys and homeware goods.
Opening Times: Sunday 11am-4pm
Website: chatsworthroade5.co.uk/market/
When you think of Covent Garden, the last word that comes to mind is ‘antique’ but outside of the high street shops and Main Piazza there’s tons of antique gems to be found if you skip over to Jubilee Market.
The independent craft stalls boast British heritage goods, so it’s a great place to get a London gift. And although Covent Garden’s Apple Market and Piazza usually takes centre stage, this is the original. Plus the sellers here have quite the personalities, so it’s no-brainer pit stop for a day in Covent Garden.
Opening Times: Sunday 10am-6pm | Monday 5am-5pm | Tuesday-Friday 10:30am-7pm | Saturday 10am-6pm
Website: jubileemarket.co.uk
For the weird and the curious Wood Street Indoor Market might just be your hallejuah.
What started as a 1950’s cinema was soon transformed into London’s quirkiest indoor market with 30+ collectors selling the kind of stuff you thought only existed in movies.
From shiny cabaret costumes to eccentric furniture (and a resident dog) there’s nothing niche you can’t find here. And given Walthamstow prices, you could easily leave with droves of antique finds for under a tenner.
Opening Times: Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5:30pm
Website: woodstreetindoormarket.co.uk
Imagine you walked smack-dab on the set of Alice in Wonderland, add some antique goods, and you’ve landed at Northcote Road Antiques Market.
Outside of the pristinely kept ninetieth century memorabilia and prime jewelry, costumes and vintages clothing — I’ve never seen so many passionate people under one roof. The friendly dealers are super knowledge on their goods, with hundreds of years of expertise between them. So be sure to start up a conversation while you’re there.
Opening Times: Sunday 12pm-5pm | Monday 10am-5:30pm
Website: northcoteroadantiques.co.uk
I’ve been shouting the praises of Flea at Vinegar Yard since I moved to London…and I’m gonna do it again.
Going against the grain Flea doesn’t believe in spending hours upon hours at antique markets trying to find the best vintage goods. So, they did the hard work and only sell the best curated goods from around the globe.
But lucky for you this gives you extra time to enjoy their epic food and maybe have a pint (or two) at their conveniently on-site bar and food stalls.
Opening Times: Saturday – Sunday 12pm-5pm
Website: flealondon.com
Okay, so it’s not exactly the most Central London affair, but if you’re willing to travel to the outskirts of the city in search of the best antique markets, you won’t be disappointed.
The bi-monthly antique market has been going strong for four decades, with 700 (yes…700) sellers coming from across the country to sell their best vintage goods. Here, you’ll find everything from small collectibles to major antique treasures. But since it’s so far out you’ll definitely want to plan to spend the day at the market.
Opening Times: Every second and last Tuesday of the month 6:30am-2pm (check for event updates)
Website: sunburyantiques.com
• For the forseeable future opening times may change for markets around London last minute, so make sure to double-check each website before your visit
• Bring your own reusable bags!
• Consider driving (renting a car or booking an uber) if you’re buying furniture — because that will not be a fun tube journey
Happy antiquing,
Source: https://antiquewolrd.com
Categories: Antique News
This post was last modified on 30/09/2023 8:28 am
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