Columbia Road Flower Market has been on my list of places to visit for a very long time. When Fay mentioned that she was paying the famous East London market a visit last weekend I just had to tag along and experience it for myself. the Market has been running on the site since 1869 so it’s a real piece of London history.
The market is located within walking distance of Bethnal Green and Liverpool Street underground stations and sits within a row of Victorian terraced houses and pretty independent shops.
When we arrived we were amazed by just how busy and crowded the market was. We arrived about 12pm and I’d recommend trying earlier, nearer to the 8 am opening as it was almost impossible to see everything in the crowds. It was actually pretty impossible to move in the crush!
We did manage to squeeze our way past the crowds to get to a rather beautiful stall with a plethora of stunning blooms in a huge array of colours.
I was pleased to see some peonies which are one of my favourite flowers, so took a bunch home with me. They haven’t opened up yet but I can’t wait to see them when they come out.
The selection of flowers on offer is incredible and there really is something for every taste. If you’re looking for something nice for the garden or kitchen there are also plenty of plants and trees as well as herbs on offer too.
I’ll definitely be popping back to Columbia Road soon to take a look in the vintage shops and get a slice of cake in one of the cake shops. The market runs on Sundays but I think a mid-week visit would be nice to see the shops on a less busy day too. It’s lovely to see a street housing so many small businesses, a rare sight in London today.
Here are a few more pictures I managed to snap in between the many people!
Although the crowds were a little off-putting I’m still so glad I ticked this great market off on my London bucket list, and I will definitely return for an early visit at some point.
The market is open every Sunday from 8am – 3pm.
Find out more about the market on the Columbia Road website.
5 Comments
withanee
April 14, 2015 at 10:34 pmWonderful. I’m flying into London (on my way to Melbourne airport now) and had planned on visiting the flower markets on Sunday. Will definitely take your advice and not hit the snooze button to make it an early visit. Yah holidays.
Jessica Cangiano
April 15, 2015 at 3:17 amHow fabulously lovely!!! I’ve never been to a flower market before anywhere. I bet they smell even more sublime than I’m imaging.
♥ Jessica
hottiesvintage
April 15, 2015 at 8:14 amI’ve not been to Columbia Road Market as a customer, but I did used to work in one of the shops along there on an occasional Sunday.
It’s such a lovely buzzy place and the traders are such characters too!
I’d recommend going early for the full experience, but heading along when the market is packing up is the best time to grab yourself huge bunches of flowers at bargain prices
Tricia
vintagefrills
April 15, 2015 at 8:20 amOooh great tip!!!
Fay
April 15, 2015 at 11:56 pmIt was such a great day. Can’t wait for our next trip!