Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road Flower Market, as the name suggests, is a market dedicated to flowers and all things horticultural. The market originally evolved to service the expanding local Jewish community, many of whom had homes with small gardens nearby. It has since grown in popularity, with thousands of visitors descending onto the market each week, and has won international awards.

Every Sunday over 50 stalls line the streets, selling everything from fruit trees to bamboo, herbs to shrubs, bedding plants to pot plants and pretty much every other flower or plant you can imagine.

Gardening related tools and equipment are also on offer.

Some of the stalls holders have been trading here for over 50 years, and as you walk the length of the street, the cheery cockney banter from the traders will fill your ears, and can't fail to put a smile on your face.
Many of the traders are also the growers of the plants and flowers, with much of the produce grown locally.

The street that the market is situated on is also home to sixty independent, quirky shops - absolutely no large corporations in sight! The shops blend perfectly into the atmosphere of the market - which is all about having fun and not taking life too seriously - and they provide additional shopping opportunities and entertainment once you have stocked up on flowers and plants!

In these shops, you will find everything from hand thrown pottery, artwork, trinkets, furniture and traditional perfumeries, to edible delights, such as traditional sweets, cup cake shops and fishmongers. 

There are also an excellent choice of bars, restaurants and cafes to rest your weary legs after all the bargain hunting.

The market is open every Sunday from 8am-3pm and is usually so packed by noon, to the point where you will be moving along at a shuffle, so if you are not a fan of crowds, then it is best to arrive as early as possible.
On the flip side, many stall holders start reducing their prices mid-afternoon to get rid of any remaining stock, so if its a real bargain your after, then later in the day is better.

Getting there: Both Old Street Tube Station and Bethnall Green Tube Station are around five minutes walk from the market. There are also some free car parking spaces and cheap car parks nearby, although you will need to be there early to be in with a chance of grabbing a spot.

If you have any problems finding the market - just follow your nose - you'll smell it before you'll see it!