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London
Antique Markets
PORTOBELLO
ROAD
Without doubts the most popular of the street markets for
tourists is the famous Portobello Road antiques market, located
in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Generally
food produce during the weekdays and memorabilia on Saturdays
with over 2000 stalls. Usually too many professionals to find a
bargain.
While
a few of the shops are open during the week, the majority of
activity takes place every Saturday with an estimated 1500
dealers filling the streets and buildings for several city
blocks.
On
the negative side, the market is very crowded and noted for
pick-pockets, so guard your purses and wallets. On the bright
side, many of the best antiques found in Britain eventually make
their way to Portobello Road.
Hours:
While some dealers are ready by 7 or 8 AM, primary activity
begins around 8:30 or 9 and runs until 4 or 5 in the afternoon,
although you will see some dealers packing by mid day.
How
to get there: Taxis are a great way to get around London, and
typically inexpensive. You can also reach the market by
Underground on the tube, exiting at Notting Hill Gate and follow
the crowds or signs.
CAMDEN
PASSAGE
A market that is less well known but equally fun to shop is
Camden Passage, held every Wednesday and Saturday. Here also are
dealers lining the narrow street and filling the adjacent
buildings for a few blocks. It is not as large as Portobello
Road market, but your chances of finding "a sleeper"
are probably better at Camden Passage.
Their
selection runs the gamut from Art Deco, Victorian treasures,
watercolours and much, much more. Activity starts mainly after 8
AM and runs until 4, with some dealers packing up by mid day.
Take the Underground Northern line to Angel station.
BERMONDSEY
MARKET
For this market, held every Friday, you have to get up early and
be there when the dealers are unpacking before dawn! Known as
the market where the dealers shop, it is at the corner of Long
Lane and Bermondsey street, and a torch (flashlight) might be
handy If you arrive early enough.
It's
a fun market to shop and chances of finding a bargain are best
here, but it is not easy to get to by underground. Take the tube
to London Bridge station, and from there it is a fair walk to
the market. At this hour of the morning you might be better
served to take a tax!.
Other
markets worth exploring include Camden Lock (Sundays),
Covent Garden
(Mondays), Alfies (daily, but primarily weekends) plus a
host of others for those who have the time. Information is
readily available at any tourist information centre or at your
hotel.
İLondraweb.com
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