Street markets in London

Portobello Road Markets

 Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove

The Portobello Road Market, one of London’s famous outdoor flea markets, has become fairly commercialized and real bargains are hard to find.  On weekends, it has the feel of 70’s “head shop” with boodles of things you would never buy on any other occasion.  Wander both the outdoor stands and the permanent indoor arcades and you will find something you just demands to be purchased and taken home with you.   You will find fascinating , custom jewelry and unique crafts.   In reality, most of us the Portobello Market because it is just plain good fun. Mix with the crowds, scan the amazing diversity of goods and strike up some conversations.  You will be glad you did. 

Fans of the movie "Notting Hill" may notice  that many of the storefronts seen on a visit to Portobello Road were captured in various scenes of  the movie.

If you are interested in the Portobello Road Antiques Market, snoop around the web site of the Portobello Antiques Dealers Association.  Other information is available from the official website of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea  which describes the markets, opening hours and how to get there

The Camden Markets 

 There are six markets including: the Camden Stables, Camden Lock, Camden Canal, Camden Buck Street, Inverness Street and the main street itself (along Camden High Street and Chalk Farm Road).  The focus varies by market but most of what you will find can be categorized as antiques, clothes, furniture, collectables, jewelry and accessories.  You will find numerous snack shops, several pubs and a number of restaurants in the area.
  
One of the major Camden Markets (specifically the Camden Canal Market) was seriously damaged by fire on February 9, 2008. The Camden Canal Market will remain closed for an undetermined length of time.  We will update you when with news of its reopening.  Note, however, that the other markets were not damaged and are open on their normal schedule
Camden town, which hosts the Camden Markets, is an interesting stop by itself, but the area has been overwhelmed by the success of its flea markets.  The best (and most crowded) time to visit is on Saturday when all of the markets are at their peaks. Many but not all of the markets are open during the week and numerous shops are now open seven days a week.  The crowds peak on the weekend and build up to the weekend crescendo starting on Thursday.

People watching is probably the greatest sport here, but if you like to search for bargains, this is the place. The market's neighborhood is "edgy" and not for the tame of heart.  You will see an amazing cross section of society and some segments of civilization that you may have not yet seen! Many feel that the "mix" is part of the attraction of these markets.

Visit http://www.camdenlock.net/markets.html for more detail on the various markets and for helpful information on transportation to the Camden Markets

spitalfields market

 Spitalfields Market has a variety of specializations, but is most often classified as a good old "flea-market".   Sunday (0900 to 1400) is the most active day and also the most fun.  See these two sites for more detail.  http://www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/or http://www.spitalfields.co.uk/traders.php