London Hotels and Markets

Famous Markets and London Hotels:

London is renowned for its fabulous markets and many of them are close to some of the best London hotels and shopping districts. If you’re someone who enjoys a more quirky shopping experience than the larger high street stores offer, then you will enjoy exploring London’s numerous and often historical markets. The city is studded with interesting markets of all sizes and there is something to suit all tastes from unusual vintage and designer clothing to specialist antique markets. Wherever you decide to stay your choices will be vast if you’re a fan of markets as they are spread pretty evenly throughout the city.

Up West: London Hotels and Portobello Market:

Portobello Market is situated in Notting Hill in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Many wonderful London hotels are easily found in the area as it is a mostly well heeled and stylish district. If you are an antiques buff then a visit to the Portobello Road on a Saturday will thrill you, many shops and stalls here are piled high with everything from jewellery to pottery and even furniture. The streets are picturesque and it takes little effort to spot the famous faces in the throng as this area is popular with celebrities. If vintage clothing and home-wares are your thing then you won’t be disappointed as there are many other corners in this area which are home to numerous shops and stalls specialising in vintage collectables. Even if you’re not big on shopping it’s will worth spending a morning along this street as the atmosphere is wonderful, add this to a great selection of coffee shops and cosy pubs and you have the recipe for a great time!

London Hotels and the East End Markets:

It’s not just the West end which has some great markets; London Hotels in the East End have become more popular as this once typically working area has been gentrified and made fashionable by the artists and cultural movements which were initially attracted by cheap rental opportunities. East End markets which are popular include Spitalfields Market and Columbia Road flower market; both of these are wonderful places which typify the East End in some way. Staying in any of the trendy London hotels in the vicinity of Spitalfields will put you in a great position to walk along to the market and enjoy the wonderful goods on offer there, from one-off handmade jewellery and accessories to freshly brewed coffee and pastries the market has the makings of a perfect Saturday morning. If you’re a fan of all things green and leafy and don’t mind rising early, a visit to Columbia Road flower market is a must. This narrow street of terraced houses is an ordinary residential street during the week, but every Sunday a change takes place and the road is stuffed to the brim with high quality fresh flowers and plants. Cheap to buy and gorgeous to behold, this is a must-see event which all flower lovers should experience. Arrive early to bag the best bargains!

North London Markets:

North London has many markets but perhaps the most famous would be Camden Market which is actually at more than one location. The Stables contain many unusual and ethnic home-wares plus jewellery and clothing. Contained within old stables and arches, this is a great option if the weather is bad. There are many food outlets within and something to suit all tastes from falafels to fry-ups there is a huge array of food and snacks on offer. Further along Camden High Street lies another market area, this one is not under cover but sells wonderful, unusual clothing; many young designers sell their hand made garments here for far less than they re worth and you can often pick up a great one-off outfit at knock down prices.

South London and Greenwich:

Staying in London hotels south of the river is a unique London experience. It is in South London that you can find Greenwich, home of Greenwich market which is as picturesque as the rest of the area. Greenwich has a fascinating maritime history which is reflected in the shops and pubs locally, a visit to Greenwich and its quirky shopping centre gives a newcomer the impression that they’re miles away from London when in fact, Trafalgar Square is less than 30 minutes away by bus! Greenwich market is great for unusual gifts and home-wares. Finish off your trip with a walk through Greenwich Park with its stunning views of London and a visit to the Cutty Sark which is moored in the dry dock.