Is there a more pleasant way to while away the day than perusing the fine, freshest blooms at a London flower market. Flower markets have a long and storied history in the city. First emerging during Roman times and sweeping through the centuries as floral bouquets become a quintessential symbol of celebration and sorrow adorned to birthdays, celebrations, weddings and funerals.
Today, London has a wealth of floral hotspots to check out whether your a local with an hour to kill or an intrepid flower tourist intent on uncovering the best of London’s historic markets. Below you’ll find 5 of our favourites.
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Columbia Road Flower Market
About:
Columbia Road Flower Market is a Sunday only affair offering an abundant range of both flowers and plants accompanied by booming East-End vernacular roaring out from each merchant you stroll past. This is a true East London experience.
Come rain or shine, summer or winter the market (which in essence is street traders running the length of Columbia Road) is usually a busy and boisterous experience. Top marks for arriving early 8-9:30 am to beat the crush or stroll in at last call (circa 3:30 – 4 pm) where a bargain is known to be had on remaining wares.
Opening Hours:
8 am to 3 pm (ish) – Sundays only.
Location:
Columbia Road, London E2 7RG
The nearest tube stations are Hoxton, Shoreditch High Street and Bethnal Green which are approximately 15 minutes walk away.
Borough Market
About:
Serving Southwark for over 1,000 years, Borough Market at its core is London’s oldest food market. Today it’s rich with small scale artisan producers and farmers selling a wide range of produce. There are blooms to be found in amongst this epicenter of produce from small traders to established onsite stalls such as The Gated Garden offering an extensive range of plants and flowers.
Wednesday and Thursday mornings are great times to visit when the market is fully open (Monday and Tuesday is a limited market) but without the crowds common on Fridays and Saturdays.
Opening Hours:
- Monday: 10:00 – 17:00 Limited produce market
- Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00 Limited produce market
- Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00 Full produce market
- Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00 Full produce market
- Friday 10:00 – 18:00 Full produce market
- Saturday 08:00 – 17:00 Full produce market
- Sunday – Market Closed
Location:
8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1 TL
The nearest stations are London Bridge, Borough and Southwark.
New Covent Garden Flower Market
About:
The original market site was relocated back in 1974. Having relocated near Vauxhall, New Covent Garden Flower Market today is larger than ever before. Every sunrise brings along a new batch of flowers, plants, and foliage from every corner of the earth.
Being a wholesale market – most trading occurs in the very wee hours so you’ll need to be sprightly to catch the best blooms. Cash still reigns supreme in these parts so worth topping up before making the trip and reminder most stems and bouquets are sold in quantity so you’ll need to have a good plan or occasion in play if you’re intent on purchasing something! Having a stroll around is a delightful thing to do either way.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday: 04:00 – 10:00 / 12:00
Saturday: 04:00 – 10:00
Location:
New Covent Garden Market, London, SW8 5BH
Nearest tube stations include Charing Cross, The Strand with the underground line: Bakerloo, City Thameslink Station and Blackfriars Railway Station.
Broadway Market
About:
Resurrected in the 2000s, this hipster-friendly Saturday only affair is a sweet mix of foodies, craft and blooms. Pitched as a Victoria street market with the slogan “quality, speciality, variety” it now holds a special place in the local community and ever-popular amongst visitors alike. More than 70 stores, restaurants, bars, and cafes adorn the market so plenty to explore.
Opening Hours:
The Market operates 51 weeks a year from 09:00 – 17:00 on Saturdays.
Location:
Broadway Market, London Fields, London, E8 4PH.
Berwick Street Market
One of London’s oldest markets dating back to 1778, Berwick Street Market is a buzzing destination packed with global food culture interspersed with traditional fruit, veg, and florist stalls. Here you’ll find Ronnie’s Flowers – London’s oldest flower market stall still showcasing some of the finest roses, tulips and wrapped bouquets.
Lunchtimes can get super busy as the world emerges for lunch so if you’re after a more relaxed stroll head here earlier in the morning or mid-afternoon to explore at your leisure.
Opening Times:
Monday to Saturday from 8 am until 6 pm
Location:
Berwick Street, Soho, London W1F 0PH. Nearest tube stations include Tottenham Court Road Station, Oxford Circus Station, and Piccadilly Circus Station.
We are a floristry, plant, and lifestyle city resource curated by a passionate team of horticulturists, floral & plant enthusiasts, budding designers, and intrepid urban gardeners. We're committed to showcasing the best in floral and plant design, sharing our experience and recommendations on the best blooms and greenery for every occasion, season, and living environment, and spreading our love of the enchanting world of flowers and plants.
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