5 Lovely London Flower Markets to Visit
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 became 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 you’re 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 favorites.
1) Columbia Road Flower Market
About:
Columbia Road Flower Market is a Sunday-only affair offering a great range of flowers and plants accompanied by booming East-End vernacular roaring out from each merchant you stroll past. This is an authentic 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 the 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.
2) 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 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.
3) 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 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
The nearest tube stations include Charing Cross, The Strand with the underground line: Bakerloo, City Thameslink Station, and Blackfriars Railway Station.
4) Broadway Market
About:
Resurrected in the 2000s, this hipster-friendly Saturday-only affair is a sweet mix of foodies, crafts, and blooms. Pitched as a Victoria Street market with the slogan “quality, specialty, variety,” it now holds a special place in the local community and is ever-popular amongst visitors alike. More than 70 stores, restaurants, bars, and cafes adorn the market, so there is 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.
5) 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. The nearest tube stations include Tottenham Court Road Station, Oxford Circus Station, and Piccadilly Circus Station.
London Flower Markets – Wrapping Up
London’s flower markets reflect the city’s rich heritage, diverse culture, and love for nature. Each market, from the bustling lanes of Columbia Road Flower Market to the vast trading floors of New Covent Garden Market, tells a unique story of London’s evolving relationship with nature and commerce.
For more, see our in-depth guide to the best London flower delivery services.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.