Alternative Sunday shopping in London

It’s no secret that London is one of the UK’s most popular shopping destinations, and the thousands of tourists that visit the likes of Oxford Street each year are strong testament to this. However, what exactly is it about the big city that entices people from all over the World to visit the shops and spend their money?

Perhaps one of the reasons why London is such a popular option when it comes to choosing where to shop is because of the vast array of designer boutiques that line Sloane Street in Knightsbridge. Whether it’s Gucci, Chanel or Prada that tickles your fancy, all can be found in this exclusive shopping area, near ‘Harvey Nicholls’ which is one of London’s most luxurious department stores stocking many high end brands and designers. Tourists, on the other hand, are often attracted to visit  the renowned ‘Harrods’ when in Knightsbridge, however, most of the locals would agree that it is overpriced and a little too commercialised, so would prefer to shop elsewhere for day to day essentials.

Another reason that people are often drawn to shop in London is because of the city atmosphere that it presents- towering buildings, bustling streets and multi storey shops, all add to the buzz that can be felt when partaking in a little retail therapy in the city.

If, however, commercialised high street shopping bores you senseless, then don’t despair, London also has plenty of vibrant and vivacious markets that help put a little mystique back into, what can often be a mundane task, shopping. Whether it’s shopping for trinkets for your home, fresh produce for your dinner, or even a new addition for your wardrobe, it can all be sourced locally from one of London’s market places.

Marylebone Farmer’s Market

If it’s ultra-fresh produce that you need to shop for, then look no further than this farmer’s market. Selling everything from variations of mushrooms, sea-food, fresh meat and organic vegetables, this is a goldmine for culinary kings and queens everywhere. If you are out to impress a special someone, or even just cooking for the family, then treat them to an array of locally grown vegetables and a beautifully roasted piece of British meat. The market takes place between 10am and 2pm, so you can nip out, get what you need and be back in time to pop that meat in the oven for a traditional British Sunday roast dinner. Alternatively, if you are a visitor to London, you could purchase some succulent fresh fruit to enjoy back at your room in one of the many choices of Paddington hotels London has to offer.

Brick Lane Market

If, however, you’re absolutely starving and are looking for a quick yet tasty food fix, then head over to Brick Lane market before 5pm on a Sunday to try out some of the amazing street food that the market boasts.  Let your nose be your guide as to whether you sniff out stalls offering authentic, spicy international cuisine, or those offering cupcakes or ice cream. Find your favourite, order something yummy and then grab a space on the kerb to enjoy your snack as you take in the sights and sounds of the market, there really is nowhere better to partake in a little ‘people watching’.

Columbia Road flower market

For avid gardeners, or those with green fingers, the market on Columbia Road is well worth a visit. Not only are there all of your favourite flowers and buds available in a rainbow of colours, but there are also rare and exquisite flowers to be found too, meaning that whether you’re after some traditional bedding plants, or an unusual bouquet for somebody special, you won’t leave disappointed.

Greenwich market

If you’d like to shop for something quirky for your home as a memento of your city trip, then this is the market for you. With around 120 stalls offering handcrafted items, pieces of art and much, much more, you could easily spend a few hours here hunting for the perfect piece. Even if you aren’t looking to purchase anything, this is a great place to get to know local designers and artists and learn more about their crafts and trade.

The Village Green market

Self-confessed foodies will adore the many different types of street food available at the Village Green market, whilst caffeine addicts will adore the freshly ground coffee available from Terrone Coffee Co. This bright and busy market place will tantalise your senses as you move from stall to stall, smelling all of the wonderful scents of freshly made to order food that’s fresh, good for you and vibrant to boot.

Getting to any of these thriving Sunday markets is made easy when you use the London underground system, as the stations are dotted all around the city for ease and speed. If you think you might have time to visit more than one of the markets then perhaps it would be worthwhile looking in to getting an Oyster travel card, which will enable you to hop on and off public transport around London without worrying about whether you have enough change on you to pay for your train/bus/tram fares. The card can be prepaid before travelling, so that it’s the only thing you’ll need to carry whilst you’re out and about exploring the big city. As an added bonus, the remaining balance of the card would also be protected in the unlikely event that it was stolen. It’s basically the London visitor’s best friend, and will assist you in getting from place to place quickly and stress-free.