The best Sunday markets in London

10am-3pm
Good for: food

On a sunny day, the fortyish-stall Alexandra Palace market is one of the most enjoyable in London. There’s everything from barbecues grilling juicy sausages courtesy of The Giggly Pig to sourdough loaves by Brick House Bakery. When things are in full swing, you’ll find much of the neighbourhood congregating there. No need to get up too early, just come when you’re hungry.

(Occassionally held at nearby Campsbourne School)

10am-2pm
Good for: food and local produce

On Sundays, a car park in Blackheath turns into a community hub, bustling with produce that you’ll want to fill your cupboards with. It’s a smallish market, so regulars will find themselves on first-name terms with the farmers pretty quickly. Many stalls focus on seasonal goods – think plums in August and asparagus in May – and if you take a stroll down in the morning, you’re guaranteed to have some great stuff to nibble on for lunch.

10am-5pm
Good for: clothing and accessories

The eclectic Brick Lane Market is an entity (and attraction) in itself. Although the market banner has grown to encompass a motley array of markets in and around the East End hotspot, it’s Brick Lane Market proper that has the best goods. Head there for tools, household goods and bargain fruit and veg sold by the bowl. Get there early to find the best items - this market gets very busy.

10am-6pm
Good for: food and gifts

If you’re after a picturesque shopping experience amid Camden’s sprawling collection of markets, head straight to the pleasant waterside of Camden Lock. Here you’ll find everything from corsets and children’s clothes to Japanese tableware and multicultural food stalls. Plus there’s a lovely view of the barges travelling along the canal.

11am-4pm
Good for: food, vintage stuff and clothing

After two decades of closure, this bustling market was brought back to life in 2010, with the aid of volunteers. Now, Chatsworth Road Market has more than 50 stalls selling gourmet foods, vintage bric-a-brac, crafts, cakes and preserves, clothing, and jewellery. Stalls here change from week to week, so it’s a good place to wander. Since it’s Clapton, it’s pretty trendy too (hello hipsters). 

8am-3pm
Good for: flowers

One of London’s most vibrant and visually appealing markets, Columbia Road overflows with bucketfuls of flowers every Sunday. You can find bulbs, herbs, shrubs and bedding plants too. Alongside the Sunday market, you’ll see a host of independent galleries and shops selling items such as pottery and perfume. Get there early for the best, freshest blooms, and surprise someone with them the very same day.

10am-5.30pm
Good for: gifts, arts and crafts

If you can’t hear this bold and busy hotspot in the centre of historical Greenwich, then you’ll definitely see the huge metal sign. More than 100 stalls sell food, clothes, jewellery and gifts here. For prospective Picassos, there’s a pretty big collection of arts and crafts stalls too. It’s an ace way to spend a lazy Sunday, but Greenwich Market is open at the same time every day too (even on bank holidays).

10am-2pm
Good for: food

This one’s a proper local market with fruit, veg and tat. If the bellowing, clattering traders aren’t Albert Square enough for you, then the frequent presence of a real-life ‘EastEnders’ actor on the street might be – it’s not unusual to see locals Martin Fowler or Cindy Beale here picking their way through the apples and pears. Tip: stick around until later on for deals on fresh items.

11am-4pm
Good for: food

Based in busy Bermondsey, Maltby Street Market is dedicated to serving up seriously gourmet street food on Saturdays and Sundays. It opened in 2010 beneath the area’s striking railway arches. Due to the nature of its space, Maltby Street Market is rather small, but it still manages to fit in mouthwatering favourites such as melted cheese toasties from The Cheese Truck and glorious sweet treats from Waffle On. So long Sunday roasts.

10am-2pm
Good for: food

Marylebone Farmers’ Market has been running in a car park since June 2003. On a Sunday morning, you’ll see Marylebone mums and dads aiming to get their weekly shop done before diving into a coffee and croissant on the nearby high street. A lot of the items here are seasonal and organic and stalls change on a regular basis. Since this market only runs for a few hours, get there early to have a proper look around.

12pm-5pm
Good for: vintage and antique goods

Throughout the week, Northcote Road is a pretty decent fruit and veg market that also features flowers, ceramics, and vintage clothes. On Sundays though, it’s the antique market that takes centre stage. With lots of bits and bobs everywhere, be prepared to sift – and don't be afraid to barter. Bonus: there’s no need to get here early on a Sunday – the noon start means you get to hit snooze. 

10am-5pm
Good for: food, crafts, clothing

Although not everyone is a fan of the recent redevelopment of Spitalfields (particularly those pushed out by the rising rents), the market has been afforded a new lease of life. The East End stalwart now comprises the refurbished 1887 covered market and the adjacent modern shopping precinct.

Noon-6pm
Good for: books and food

Wandering along the South Bank is a pretty sweet way to while away a Sunday, especially if you make a pitstop at the Southbank Centre’s food and book markets. Expect a huge variety of colourful street food stalls: with meat from Spit & Roast and reviving fruit smoothies from Elephant Juices, you’ll soon find your appetite, even if you didn’t think you were hungry. When you’ve had your fill of food, head under Waterloo Bridge to the book market, where bargain-hunting bibliophiles can pick up their next read.

10am-6pm
Good for: clothing, gifts

Another part of the infamous Camden Market, Stables Market has undergone a serious transformation over the past decade. In a previous life, this location served as a horses stables and hospital, but now you’re far more likely to find alternative apparel than animals. Past the Amy Winehouse statue, expect to find a sprawling array of vintage threads, antiques and crafts.

10am-6pm
Good for: fashion, lifestyle and crafts

The Old Truman Brewery’s buzzing Upmarket boasts some 140 stalls on Saturdays and Sundays. First opened in 2004, the stalls tote edgy fashion from young designers (many fresh from fashion college), vintage gear, arts and crafts, gifts and well-priced jewellery. There’s an exciting range of food too, from vegan treats to international cuisine. If you want to nab the coolest stuff, get here before lunch and have a real rummage.

10am-4pm
Good for: food

Victoria Park Market is an east London special, bringing you the very best bites to eat. Unlike some of the busier city markets, there’s space to have a proper look around and work out what delicious delights take your fancy. Peruse the likes of fresh farm produce, ice creams, cakes, charcuterie, natural wines and lots more. Don’t worry about waking up too early, just wander down when your belly starts to rumble.