Portobello Road Market | Kidadl

Portobello Road Market

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  • Visit Portobello Road Market to get the full London experience, immersing yourself in a lively, vibrant atmosphere for a great day out
  • Check out the items on sale from vintage knick knacks, vinyls, collectables, local food and more.
  • Don't miss out on the great London attractions nearby for your dose of culture, sightseeing and travel while in west London.

Check out this world-famous London attraction and see what all the fuss is about. Portobello Road Market is a must-see attraction where you ca experience the hustle and bustle of London life, experiencing the vibrant stalls, buying some one of a kind goods and soaking up the lively atmosphere that makes this street so wonderful.

You'll be spoilt for choice, with second hand antiques, plus vintage clothes, unique items, some classic books and CDs and vinyls , making Portobello Road Market a notch market to visit. Your little ones will be sure to find something delightful to take back home, as there are lots of unique knick knacks dotted around. Look out for many hidden gems that populate the market, even if you just watch one of the street performers, this makes for a great day out in London.

Portobello Road Marker has a history going back all the way to the 19th century, actually being one of the oldest London market's. At its beginnings, Portobello Road Market just focused on fruit, veg and food like most other markets. This changed during the 1940s, though, where antiques, wares and other little bits and bobs started to be sold by vendors. This transformed Portobello Road into the iconic market it is today, becoming known for its antiques, jewellery and vintage items.

Famous as the filming location of Notting Hill, starring the likes of Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, Portobello Market is a favourite for visitors from all over the world. Even coming here to soak up this history, and immerse yourself in this famous location. Plus, there are plenty of celebrities that frequent Portobello Road Market, so be on the lookout for your favourite musicians, actors and sports people. Notting Hill Market has attracted your celeb faves such as Meghan Markle,  Elton John and more over the years, along with a range of unique idiosyncratic people from all walks of life that you can meet.

If your little ones are passionate about art, they can check out the street art work and independent works that artists sell here every week for their chance to nab something unique, while being inspired by the artists of Portobello Road market. Along with art work is unique jewellery that you won't find anywhere else, plus the best second hand clothes.

For architecture enthusiasts and those looking to snap some beautiful pictures, check out the absolutely beautiful architecture that graces and overlooks the market. You'll find stunning Georgian buildings in an array of colours, from pastel pinks and blues, to yellow and the iconic, but timeless, white. As you listen to some street artists and watch performers on their guitars, and while you grab a tasty bite to eat, admire your surroundings and the vivacity that populates the area, filling with an atmosphere like no other.

Get down to Portobello Road Market early on a Saturday, as it is its main trading day, it's brimming with people, stall vendors and tourists, so get there by 9am to nab the most sought after items. The street market is open from Monday to Wednesday too, from 9am to 6pm, and this is where you'll find your selection of food produce, from fruit and veg, alongside some house interior knick knacks. Plus, on Thursdays the market is open for half the day until one, so they'll be a time you can check out this iconic market. On Fridays you can find the best vintage fashion items, along with CDs, vinyls and shoes and accessories, so it makes sense that this is the second most popular day, be sure to get down to west London early on Friday, too. When you're done sampling the items at Portobello Road, you're likely to feel a little hungry and in need of a recharge, so check out Acklam Village Marketfor the best street eateries, located just under the Westway with music, food and good vibes.

If you're up for a walk, head north of Portobello road till you reach Golborne Road as there is more shopping to be done! Home to the best furniture, upholstery and vintage items, along with deli's, patisserie's and cafes, you could spend hours here if you aren't ready for the day to finish. For more great London markets, check out Columbia Road Flower Market for the most vibrant and colourful of days out, must-see attraction, and the best way to soak up the atmosphere of the best markets in London.

Don't miss out on Portobello Road Market events such as festivities like when they turn on the Christmas lights and more like festive events, and activities nearby that the little ones love doing, like a cinema trip to the Electric Cinema on Portobello road, plus witj art galleries nearby and an array of great parks, you're in for a treat near this flea market.

For more great London days out, check out Broadway Market to complete your London street market tour, this time in East London, you get food, knick knacks and a great atmosphere, with many great London attractions nearby.

What to know before you go

  • Portobello Road Market opening times are Monday to Wednesday 9am to 6pm, Thursdays 9am to 1pm, Fridays and Saturdays 9am to 7pm.
  • When you're feeling peckish, among the pubs and restaurants nearby, there are also food vans and market stalls  in the Elgin Court area for street food, plus vans dotted about selling coffees and snacks. For pubs, check out the Earl of Lonsdale for some great pub grub. Plus, check out the Mediterranean Kitchen for something a little different, too, just off of Portobello Road.
  • There are toilets available, and places in pubs, restaurants and shops where there are accessible toilets and baby changing facilities.
  • The road is largely accessible for wheelchair and pushchair users, although there are some harder to navigate roads/pavements as it is an old street, plus when it is busy it can be harder to navigate, so be sure to take care when moving around.

Getting there

  • If travelling via public transport, Portobello Road is very accessible, within reach from many underground stations and buses, you can get to the market via Ladbroke Grove (Circle and Hammersmith & City line), Notting Hill Gate (Circle, District and Central line) and Holland Park (Central line), For bus routes, these stop near or by the market: 7,12, 23, 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 94, 328 & 452.
  • If travelling via car, go via A402 from Central London. Although it is recommended that you take public transport.
  • Look here for NCP parking nearby.

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