- Visit Columbia Road Flower Market to experience a quintessentially London attraction, boasting a cacophony of sights, smells, textures and delightful atmosphere for the perfect Sunday stroll.
- Check out the quaint little shops in the backstreets where you can eat, relax, shop and more.
- Don't miss out on the nearby London attractions, such as Brick Lane, Spitalfields, great parks and more, all just waiting to be discovered.
Take a trip to Bethnal Green to check out one of London's most iconic and visually stunning markets. Bursting with bucketfuls of vibrant colour, scent and texture, Columbia Road Flower Market buzzes with people, vendors and flowers every Sunday. One of the best London Flower Markets, you can get all your flowery goods, from pretty houseplants, to herbs for remedies, cooking and more, along with colourful bulbs, shrubs and an assortment of gorgeous flowers.
The history of Columbia Road Flower Market really screams flower power, as once a poor area of London, then becoming a food market in the 1860s, but then falling into decline during rationing of the 1940s wartime rationing. The 1960s saw a change as it became popular with flower stalls! There's no prettier sight than a flower market in London, combing the synergies of senses, you're met with strong community ties, stunning sights and the fresh smells of nature, coffee and authenticity that lines the streets awaiting you on Columbia road Sunday Flower Market. This is what Sundays are for and so quintessentially a London experience that everyone really just needs to try it, where else will you find the a marriage so perfect as the East End and flowers!
Prepare for a busy, bustling atmosphere, once the market starts, it the momentum of this plant market does not stop for anyone, so be ready to banter, barter and natter with the stall vendors, and people around you as you all take in the glorious sights of Columbia Road Flower Market. Columbia Road will be full of locals along with tourists as the midday rush commences, people eager to snag some great flower deals. Be sure to bring a tote bag, big enough for all the flowers you wish to get, maybe arrive earlier to avoid the rush.
What's great about Columbia Road Flower Market is how authentic it is, with nearly all the stalls being ran by independent traders, running still from their past generations, there's a real sense of community here, making for a wonderful atmosphere. For more fun days out in London with great vibes and great atmosphere, check out Shoreditch Park, home to sports pitches, two ping pong tables and beach volleyball courts. Children's play area and an adventure playground.
What flowers are you expecting to see? Be on the lookout with the kids and play I Spy! From stacks upon stacks of flowers, there is a range of hydrangeas in a variety of striking colours, along with gorgeous exotic lilies, some fascinating gerberas that the little ones love, plus some gypsophila, your classic roses and so much more. It's the most wonderful riot of fighting flowers, with fragrances filling the air, complimenting the sounds of traders, they'll be something sure to brighten up your day at Columbia Road Flower Market. Plus, there are also a handful of other stalls selling items like delicious, delicate cheeses and preserves such as different types of tasty jams and more.
After sampling the cacophony of flowers, why not head down to the quaint side streets? You'll be met with some delightful cafes, independent eateries such as great, authentic restaurants, along with delis, too so if you're after something fresh, you're sorted for the day. Plus, just a short way from Brick Lane, you could pop over there to grab a bagel and set off back to see what the antique shops have in store for you. Or you might want to amp up your wardrobe, sampling the vintage stalls. Maybe spice up your interiors by visiting the small galleries to see what is on offer to hang in your home. Be sure to make a trip to Jones Dairy Cafe where you'll find the best organic and local produce, so buy some quintessentially British baked goods at Treacle or feel refreshed drinking a locally brewed pint at the Nelson’s Head.
For more fun days out in Tower Hamlets, check out Victoria Park, one of the most visited London green spaces and the largest park in the borough, there is parkland to explore, lakes, cafes, tennis courts and more, just waiting to be discovered.
What to know before you go
- Columbia Road Flower Market opening times are every Sunday 8am to 3pm.
- When you're feeling peckish, there are a number of places to eat nearby from cafes, restaurants, plus you have a great range of markets nearby, including Broadway Market, Spitalfields market, Brick Lane (so get down there for an iconic, delicious bagel), the bakery Lily Vanilli's is only open on Sunday, serving up devilishly tempting treats, plus loads more.
- There are no toilets, accessible toilets and baby changing facilities actually in the market, however, there are these facilities in restaurants, cafes and shops which are all nearby, sometimes there are even portaloos available.
- The site can be hard to navigate for those in wheelchair and using pushchairs, especially at busy times and the streets are not always completely flat, although it is not completely unaccessible, it may just be harder to navigate at times.
- Head to Columbia Road Flower Market in early afternoon when it starts to wind down a little as this is when the traders lower their prices, although some of the best bits might be gone then!
Getting there
- If travelling by public transport, Columbia Road Flower Market is conveniently located in between both underground and overground trains. Near to Hoxton and Shoreditch High Street (overground), plus Old Street (Northern line), Bethnal Green (Central line) and Cambridge Heath (overground). The bus routes 8, 388, 26, 48, 55, 135, 149, 242, 35, 47, 67, and 78 pass nearby.
- If travelling via car, go via via Victoria Embankment or the A3211. Although, it is recommended that you take public transport.
- Parking is free for the first 2 hours at pay and display car parks in the market area, plus spaces in the areas surrounding Columbia Road Flower Market for diesel cars. Alternatively, look here for NCP parking nearby.
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