One of the best things to do on a Sunday morning in London is pay a visit to the Columbia Road Flower Market. London has so many different markets to visit throughout the week but this one is a firm favourite amongst locals and visitors to the city alike. Once per week Columbia Road is closed to cars and the street set up in a vast array of colours and smells as the flower sellers call out their wares. It’s a great place to soak up a slice of the East End’s vibrant atmosphere, purchase some blooms to brighten your home for the week and catch up with friends over a tasty pastry and a coffee. If you plan on visiting then there are a few things you should know, particularly if this is your first time so read on 💐
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1. Where Columbia Road Flower Market is located
Helpfully, the name of the street that the Flower Market is situated on is in its title. Columbia Road Flower Market stretches roughly from Barnet Grove down to Chambered Street and you can find Columbia Road in London’s East End, in the borough of Tower Hamlets.
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2. How to get to Columbia Road
There are a number of options to get to Columbia Road Flower Market depending on where you’re staying in London. Unless you live locally and already pay for driving then would recommend not taking your car because it will be very difficult to find somewhere to park and likely quite a high fee to do so. Remember the market traders get there very early so the closest parking spots to the market will already be filled with their cars.
If you’re using the Tube then you have a few different route choices depending on where you’re coming from. On the Overground you can exit at Bethnal Green (20 min walk), Hoxton (10 min walk) or Shoreditch High Street (10 min walk). If you’re taking the Underground then you can use the Northern Line to Old Street Station (20 min walk) or the Central Line to Bethnal Green Station (20 min walk). The best bus numbers are 26, 55 or 8.
3. What day of the week it happens
The market is only open on a Sunday. Every other day of the week the road is open again to traffic and you’ll only find the permanent traders in their buildings. The Flower Market is an all weather market so it will go ahead regardless of rain, wind or hail!
4. What time it’s open
Although the flower market is on an open street, it doesn’t technically open to the public until 8am even though traders might begin their setup as early as 5am. The market closes around 3pm although this may vary depending on weather and if the market has been busy with stalls selling out.
5. When is the best time to visit
The best time to visit depends on what you’re after. Since the market is held on a weekend it is popular with both tourists and Londoners alike and it can get very busy. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds then get there when it opens at 8am to have a less frantic morning. You’ll also have the best choice of flowers at this time. From 10am until 1pm the market is at its busiest so if you would like to have the most authentic experience and hear the cries of the stall holders shouting for your attention and you’d like to include lunch or brunch in your itinerary then this is the time for you.
Arrive later in the day for the best bargains. From around 2pm, stall holders will begin to reduce the price of their flowers as they’re trying to get rid of everything they don’t want to take away. However, bargains come at another price which is less choice and potentially not the best quality you would have had at the beginning of the market.
6. You can buy more than just flowers
Of course the most obvious answer is flowers but that’s not all you can find here. Columbia Road is home to a stretch of permanent shops which sell a variety of lovely things. You can find everything from jewellery (WeAreArrow Jewellery) to cheese (Funk), from children’s clothes (Bob & Blossom) to clothing and accessories for dogs (Dog Walk Style). At Harry Brand there are plenty of charming gifts whilst at Hackney Essentials you can find essentials for the home.
Columbia Road has also got a number of antiques shops if you’re looking for a vintage gem. Check out Vintage Heaven, Columbia Antiques, JH Lee & HM Jones.
7. Where to eat and drink
You don’t need to browse for flowers on an empty stomach as you have lots of choice along Columbia Road for coffee, pastry, brunch and lunch options. If you arrive early then you’ll probably be looking for some caffeine fuel and there are some really great coffee stops here. On my visit I bought a coffee from Pavilion which was perfect. Pavilion also has delicious looking pastries but I chose to opt for a cinnamon roll from Jack Garcia’s (another coffee option as well). Whilst I’ve not had coffee from the branch of Hermanos Columbian Coffee Roasters here, I have had one of their coffees in London before and it’s a good option. Cafe Columbia is another cafe you can stop for a coffee and also does sandwiches which are perfect for a lighter lunch option. Lupo’s similarly has sandwiches. The Lily Vanilli Bakery is just off Columbia Road and famous for their cakes. Treat yourself to one whilst you’re browsing or take one home to enjoy later. For a quirky setting then stop at The Cake Hole Cafe which is located inside Vintage Heaven. Your food and drinks are served on ditsy vintage crockery.
There are also more substantial lunch offerings at the pubs and restaurants in the area. Campania has become a popular Italian eatery with a rustic interior. For a Sunday roast lunch then make a booking at Birdhouse or Royal Oak.
8. Take some cash
Whilst many of the flower vendors (and the majority of the permanent Columbia Road shops) take card, there are still some that will only accept cash. Make sure to bring some to avoid disappointment just in case your favourite blooms are from a cash only stall!
9. Bring your camera!
Don’t forget your camera! Columbia Road Flower Market and the area round about is a photographer’s dream! Whether you prefer to capture details, street scenes, plants or facades there is something for everyone here. Of course the flowers and plants take centre stage on a Sunday, whether it’s the bouquets of delicate roses or vivacious green houseplants there is colour everywhere you look. Many of the shops and cafes along Columbia Road have quaint and quirky shop fronts with funky typography and lovely window displays. Check out the streets around Columbia Road where you’ll find The Lily Vanilli Bakery, Campania & Jones and the street art on Wellington Row.
If you’re visiting London then make sure to check out some of my other London posts to inspire your trip ❤️
Cat x