London has a treasure trove of antique markets, each with its own quirks, specialities, and stories. Whether you’re on the hunt for a rare Victorian brooch, a quirky piece of mid-century furniture, or just a whiff of nostalgia, London’s antique markets will deliver in spades. Here’s a guide to the ten best places to dig for vintage gold in the capital.
1. Portobello Road Market
- Where: Notting Hill
- When: Saturdays (main antique day), some stalls open Fridays and Sundays
- Opening Times:
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Friday and Sunday (for fewer antiques): 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- What: Portobello is iconic and offers antiques from various eras, mainly along the first stretch of the market.
2. Alfies Antique Market
- Where: Marylebone
- When: Tuesday to Saturday
- Opening Times:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- What: Housed in a vast indoor space, Alfies is known for mid-century furniture, art deco pieces, and more. Perfect for a relaxed browse.
3. Camden Passage Antiques Market
- Where: Islington
- When: Wednesdays, Saturdays, with some stalls on Thursdays
- Opening Times:
- Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Thursday: Limited stalls from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- What: Small but mighty, Camden Passage is a cozy antique alleyway filled with treasures.
4. Old Spitalfields Market
- Where: Shoreditch
- When: Thursdays for antiques, other stalls open daily
- Opening Times:
- Thursday Antique Market: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Other days: Various stalls open from 10 a.m.
- What: Thursdays are best for antiques here, with militaria, vintage fashion, and more in this trendy market setting.
5. Greenwich Market
- Where: Greenwich
- When: Daily, with antique stalls focused on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
- Opening Times:
- Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (Antiques days): 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Other days: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., with more arts and crafts
- What: A beautiful market full of unique finds, right near Greenwich’s historical sites.
6. Bermondsey Antique Market
- Where: Bermondsey Square
- When: Fridays
- Opening Times:
- Friday: 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- What: This early-morning market is for the serious collectors, with rare coins, artifacts, and antique oddities.
7. Covent Garden Antiques Market
- Where: Jubilee Hall, Covent Garden
- When: Mondays
- Opening Times:
- Monday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- What: A lovely Monday market with vintage fashion, memorabilia, and an eclectic selection of antiques right in the heart of Covent Garden.
8. Grays Antique Centre
- Where: Mayfair
- When: Monday to Saturday
- Opening Times:
- Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- What: Known for its high-end antiques, Grays has specialized dealers with treasures ranging from ancient artifacts to fine jewelry.
9. Church Street Market
- Where: Marylebone
- When: Daily, with antiques best on Saturdays
- Opening Times:
- Saturday (for best antique selection): 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., general market stalls
- What: A low-key market for bargain-hunters and those looking for unexpected finds.
10. Crystal Palace Antiques & Modern
- Where: Crystal Palace
- When: Open daily
- Opening Times:
- Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- What: A large, warehouse-style venue with vintage furniture and home décor, great for those looking to furnish with character.
Final Tips for Antiques Market-Goers
- Arrive early: Markets like Bermondsey open with the dawn and attract collectors who get the best items by sunrise.
- Bargaining: Friendly haggling is the name of the game, especially if you’re buying multiple items.
- Check weather conditions: While many markets are covered or indoor, some (like Portobello Road) are outside, so dressing for the weather helps you focus on your finds!
Whether you’re an experienced collector or just browsing for fun, London’s antique markets have something for everyone. Each one reflects a slice of the city’s history and a bit of its ever-evolving character.
