London Shopping: A Guide to London flea markets
London is indeed a city of markets. Whether food (try Borough Market or Maltby Street Markets) or flowers (Columbia Road), markets are great places to visit if you’re on a budget.
And, while the description “flea market” isn’t really used in the United Kingdom, London does have plenty of places that do that job — selling secondhand clothes and goods at cheap prices to reward those who are prepared to rummage!
Brushing up on London market lingo
Knowing a little bit of the language used in London markets will come in handy to treasure hunters. Bits of British vocabulary secondhand hunters should swot up on include “Car boot sales,” “jumble sales” and “bring and buys.” They’re all slightly different versions of the same thing, and, putting technicalities aside, they all indicate there are bargains to be found. It’s always worth trying for a bit of a haggle if you’re buying secondhand at a market. However, it doesn’t tend to result in such drastic reductions as it can do elsewhere in the world!
Market information
Because there’s so much choice across London, we’ve narrowed our cheapo flea market selections down to those found within Transport For London zones 1 and 2 and divided the guide into regions: West, East, North and South London.
West London
Portobello Market
Address: Portobello Rd & Golborne Rd
Train: Notting Hill Gate or Ladbroke Grove
When: Fridays & Saturdays
One of London’s most famous street markets, Portobello Market is also one of the biggest, stretching for about two miles down Portobello Road. Along the road, you’ll find around five different areas of the market — head to the northern end (near Ladbroke Grove tube) for secondhand clothes, while you’ll find the more expensive antique offerings closer to Notting Hill Gate. The market takes place every Friday and Saturday.
Local Tip: Visit on Friday to avoid some of the crowds and increase your chance of finding a bargain.
East London
Brick Lane Market
Address: Brick Lane
Train: Shoreditch High Street overground; Liverpool Street or Aldgate East tube
When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Head to Brick Lane Market on a Sunday and you’ll actually find a whole host of different markets. Along Brick Lane and surrounding streets, you’ll find the more flea market-style offerings, a range of secondhand clothes and goods. Head inside the Truman Brewery for more offerings — a dedicated vintage market takes place here on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while the much-loved Sunday (Up)Market is the place to look for up and coming designers while they’re still selling at affordable prices. Add to this great street food options and the whole visual spectacle of the area, and you have a great afternoon that won’t bust your wallet.
Old Spitafields Market. Photo: Craig Nelson
Old Spitalfields Market
Address: 109 Commercial St
Train: Shoreditch High Street overground or Liverpool Street tube
When: Everyday
Just under ten or so years ago, Old Spitalfields Market went under a serious redevelopment. It wasn’t without its controversy, as chain shops moved into spaces previously held by independent retailers. However, there are still some bargains to be found amongst the stalls of the market itself. It’s open 7 days a week with a different focus each day — vintage on a Thursday, for example, and record fairs every other Friday. Visit their website to find out what’s happening when.
Walking near Camden Lock Market. Photo: Craig Nelson
North London
Camden Market
Address: Camden High St
When: Everyday
Tube: Camden Town
With 100,000 visitors each weekend, Camden Market is the fourth most popular tourist attraction in London. It’s an undeniably fun place to visit, but you’ll find that most Londoners are sniffy about the quality of goods on offer — souvenir T-shirts tend to rule the day.
However, those after more flea market finds would be foolish to miss out on exploring the Stables Market section. Housed in and around a former stable and the railway viaducts, there are around 700 vintage traders here every weekend, selling everything from second-hand clocks to coats. And, despite its popularity, the prices are reasonable as well.
Camden Passage
Address: Camden Passage
Tube: Angel
When: Wednesday & Saturday (Main Market days)
Ignore its name – Camden Passage has nothing to do with Camden Market. It’s actually a very cute cobbled street, lined with independent sellers near the Angel tube stop. It’s a fun place to explore any day of the week. On Wednesday and Saturday, it gets even cuter with stalls selling affordable collectables.
Vintage jewelry at Bermondsey Antiques Market. Photo: Ungry Young Man
South London
Bermondsey Antiques Market
Address: Bermondsey Square
Train: London Bridge or Bermondsey Tube
When: Friday, 6 am to 2 pm
This long-running antiques and silver market is clustered on Bermondsey Square, but it’s worth having a wander down nearby streets for other secondhand shops. It’s not as high end as the name might suggest and the dealers are very knowledgeable, so it’s a good place to learn, even if you’re not going to buy. Bermondsey Antiques Market is open every Friday from an early bird 6 am until 2 pm, we recommend heading straight over to nearby Borough Market afterwards to reward yourself with some tasty (and equally good value) food.
Greenwich Market
Address: Greenwich Market
Train: Cutty Sark on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) or Greenwich (DLR or overground rail)
When: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Greenwich’s charming covered market was established in 1787. You’ll need to visit Greenwich Market on a Tuesday, Thursday or Friday if you’re after second-hand collectables — independent makers and designers sell their wares at the weekend.
A booth at the Greenwich Clocktower Market. Photo: Ben Sutherland
Greenwich Clocktower Market
Address: Greenwich High Rd
Train: Cutty Sark on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) or Greenwich (DLR or overground rail)
When: Saturday & Sunday
For more vintage and retro finds, head to the Clocktower Market that runs every Saturday and Sunday.
Deptford Market
Address: Deptford High St
Train: New Cross Overground or Deptford Bridge rail
When: Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
Probably the least touched by tourists on this list, Deptford Market is also the place to go for real bargains. It takes place on Deptford High Street every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, with a real mix of household goods, clothes and food. Douglas Way is where you’ll find the main second-hand section — you’ll need to get there early (it opens at 9 am each morning) and be prepared to work hard to find any real gems.
Battersea Car Boot
Address: Battersea Park Rd
Train: Battersea Park or Queenstown Road rail stations
When: Sunday
What’s a “Car boot”? Basically, it’s a kind of sale where goods are sold from the trunk of a car — the sellers are more likely to be regular people having a clear out than professional sellers and that makes for cheaper prices and more haggling opportunities. Battersea Car Boot, which takes place every Sunday afternoon, has an excellent reputation. It’ll cost you 50p to get in, but it’s known for the good quality items on offer — that could be anything that could fit inside a car!
Capital Carboot
Address: Lupus St
Tube: Pimlico
When: Sunday
Looking to pick up clothes on the cheap? The Capital Carboot is where to head. It was started by a fashion stylist, which perhaps accounts for the quality of the fashion on offer. It takes place in Pimlico every Sunday from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm and will cost you only £1 to get in.
About the author
I didn’t realize London was filled with all different types of flea markets! Given that London is a very expensive city, finding ways to mitigate a high budget is a great way to reduce how much money you spend!