Londoners love a market—from fruit and veg to street food, we’re pretty spoilt for choice. It’s also a great city for wandering around a flea market. So whether you want to go crate digging for vinyl, peruse racks of vintage clothes, or browse stalls for thrifted homeware and antiques, we’ve picked some of our favourite London flea markets.
Tip: if you like rummaging for bargains, don’t forget to check out some of London’s car boot sales too.
Camden Passage Market, Islington
Just behind the bustle of the Angel end of Upper Street is Camden Passage, a quiet, pedestrian walkway lined with independent shops and eateries (including the most excellent Pistachio & Pickle cheese shop). It’s also home to Camden Passage Market, which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, selling vintage clothing, retro luggage, bric-a-brac and pictures.
Camden Passage is also home to Annie’s Antique and Vintage Market; Charlton Place Market (also Wednesdays and Saturdays), which specialises in antiques and collectibles; and the Pierrepont Arcade Market, which is open all week long, with antiques, costume jewellery and books on Thursdays and Fridays.
Brick Lane Market (various markets)
Head on over to Brick Lane on Sundays for five different flea markets in the area. One of the biggest is found at the Old Truman Brewery, home to the Sunday Upmarket, a large market filled with vintage stalls, a big street food hall, and independent makers selling ceramics, illustrations, homewares and jewellery.
You can also make your way around the Vintage Market, the Backyard Market, the Tea Rooms and the Boiler House Food Hall. Brick Lane is also very close to Old Spitalfields Market, which is a bit more commercial and less of a flea market than it used to be, but it’s a nice place to wander, buy gifts and shop for records.
Portobello Road, West London
West London’s world-famous market is also probably the only London flea market to have been immortalised in a classic musical film. But while it might not look much like the scenes in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, it’s still a bustling market haven for vintage and antique lovers. Like some of the other London markets, Portobello Road is actually several different markets in one. There are over 1000 traders across the market, which stretches over half a mile.
Stalls are open daily, but it’s worth planning your trip around what you’re looking for. The big antique market day is Saturday. Thursday is the day for fashion. If you’re after fresh produce, then remember Friday is for fruit and veg. There is no main street market on Sundays, but if you fancy heading over for a more chilled wander, there are vintage stalls and bric-a-brac on Portobello Green on Sunday.
Flea @ Vinegar Yard, London Bridge
One of the newer London flea markets, Flea @ Vinegar Yard is a colourful market just a short walk from London Bridge station. Flea is inspired by European markets and runs every weekend with stalls from sustainable vendors including vintage and independent makers.
It’s more curated than some flea markets (although the rummage factor is part of market charm and we love a bit of variety!), and a great place to pick up gifts and support independent arts and crafts at the same time. Vinegar Yard also has a great food market with plenty of outdoor seating with lots of street food and drinks options.
Chatsworth Road Market, Clapton
Hackney’s residential street market goes back to the 1930s when it had around 200 stalls. It shut for a decade in 1990 but has been back since 2010 when locals campaigned to get it back. It’s on every Sunday, where you can peruse over 20 stalls selling all kinds of goods from fabrics to vintage and original design.
Hackney Flea Market, Stoke Newington
From classical to kitch, this monthly market has a well-rounded selection of stalls. It’s one of the smaller flea markets in London, which makes for a more intimate and friendly experience. Very handy if you’re based in East London, but plenty of less crowded spots to stop off for lunch or coffee nearby if you’re coming from further afield and want to make it a mini outing.
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