There is nothing better than whiling away an afternoon at one of London’s historical markets. From the foodie epicentre of Borough Market to the fashion-forward Old Spitalfields Market in Shoreditch, there is something for everyone in the capital. The city’s flower markets are no exception, and while some are more serious than others – night owls and early morning traders will be found haggling at New Spitalfields Market and New Covent Garden Market – other horticultural gems in Dalston, Soho and Chiswick promise both style and substance in their offerings. Discover brilliant blooms, bunches and bouquets at the best flower markets in London.

Columbia Road Flower Market, Dalston

The clue is in the title. Flower fanatics can visit this stretch of East London, home to more than 60 businesses, every Sunday from 8am-3pm to shop an array of fresh and seasonal shrubs, flowers, plants and trees – suitable for Londoners with and without gardens – as well as Christmas trees in the winter. Many of the multi-generational market traders have worked here all their lives, and don’t be surprised to hear traders shouting out offers the closer it gets to 3pm. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, we bet you’ll have a great time (especially if you tag on a Sunday roast at one of the local pubs). 

Columbia Road, E2 7RG, visit columbiaroad.info

Chiswick Flower Market, Chiswick

One of the newest markets on the block, Chiswick Flower Market only launched in 2020 – making it the first flower trading spot to open in the capital in 150 years – but you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s been around a lot longer. Convening on the first Sunday of every month, it’s home to a wide selection of more than 35 traders, including RHS Chelsea Gold-winning nurseries and some of the best flower growers in the UK. Arrive early to be the first among the blooms – it does tend to get busy before closing time at 3.30pm. 

Old Market Place, Chiswick High Road, W4 2DR, visit chiswickflowermarket.com

Broadway Market, Hackney

Open every weekend, come rain or shine, Hackney’s Broadway Market is one of the oldest in London. Flower traders such as Jack Locke Flowers, Infinite Green, Flower Warehouse and Deterra all pitch up here, offering a variety of fresh blooms and bouquets. It’s a more relaxed vibe than its aforementioned East London neighbour, Columbia Road Flower Market, and while you’re there, it would be remiss not to browse the plethora of vintage clothes, street food and homemade craft stalls. 

Broadway Market, E8, visit broadwaymarket.co.uk

New Spitalfields Market, Leyton

Wondering where the keenest green-thumbed Londoners get their floral fix? At New Spitalfields Market, of course. The UK’s highest turnover horticultural market, it’s actually situated in Leyton (Old Spitalfields Market can be found in Shoreditch) and has been trading since 1991. One for the night owls, this is more of an industry-led wholesale experience, but if members of the public do want to visit, stop by after the busier hours between midnight and 3am. Sellers stock an abundance of freshly cut flowers in bulk, which is perfect if you’re planning an event or celebration that needs a floral touch. 

23 Sherrin Road, E10 5SQ, visit newspitalfieldsmarket.co.uk

New Covent Garden Market, Nine Elms

Similarly to New Spitalfields Market, which isn’t in Spitalfields, New Covent Garden Market is also not in Covent Garden. It relocated from the West End to Nine Elms in 1975 after trading in central London for decades and now spans a whopping 53 acres. The Flower Market sits separately from the neighbouring fruit and veg stalls, and its 20 flower wholesalers are visited by 75 per cent of florists in London, with many placing morning orders before returning later in the day to restock. Open from 4am-10am Monday to Saturday, anyone who is anyone in the flower business will be there, from royal florists to wedding designers, and contract florists to retailers – and be prepared to pay a £5 entry fee. 

Nine Elms Lane, SW8 5BH, visit newcoventgardenmarket.com

Berwick Street Market, Soho

If you're after a fun day out on the town rather than a wholesale experience, Berwick Street in Soho promises plenty of florals and fun. The market made its name as the go-to destination for vinyl collectors in the 1980s, earning its moniker ‘The Golden Mile of Vinyl’, but is now home to a number of small-scale florists. Its most famous trader, however, is Ronnie’s Flowers: London’s oldest florist stall, which has been selling freshly-cut stems here since 1964. The 18^th century market is a stone’s throw from Oxford Street and is open from 8am-6pm Monday to Saturday; we suggest going hungry as there’s plenty of fresh fruit and veg, baked goods and street food available too. 

Berwick Street, W1F 0PH, visit thisissoho.co.uk

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