If you like antique or flea markets, a trip to Portobello Road Market is a must if you’re visiting London. Portobello Road Market is a series of shops and stalls that run for almost two miles on Portobello Road in London’s fashionable Notting Hill area. At Portobello, you’ll find not just antiques and collectables but also vintage and new clothing, furniture, household goods, bric-a-brac, fruits and vegetables, restaurants and pubs.
I went to Portobello Road Market in August on my last full day in London. Since Fridays and Saturdays are the Market’s busiest days, I decided to go during the week to avoid the crowds. I took the train from Paddington Station to Notting Hill Gate (you can also use the Ladbroke Grove station), and followed the signs – about a 10 minute walk – to the market.
Even though it was a Tuesday, the Market was abuzz with activity and people and delivery trucks rumbling down the narrow street. I didn’t plan to shop but I knew if I saw something I liked, I’d buy it. An antique silver stall was my first stop. Several items caught my eye but I couldn’t decide and ended up buying souvenirs and gifts for family and friends at another stall.
I don’t remember where I saw this sign but its quirkiness drew my attention. I was surprised when I researched the name to discover that there really had been a Sir Edwin Saunders, who was Queen Victoria’s personal dentist. He was knighted in 1883.
Seeing these teapots, cups and saucers made me wish for a pot of tea.
If you go to Portobello Road Market, give yourself time – there’s quite a lot to see.
Before You Go:
Portobello Road has five main markets: Antiques (Chepstow Villas to Elgin Crescent), Fruit & Vegetable (Elgin Crescent – Talbot Road), New Goods (Talbot Road to Westway), fashion (Westway), and second hand (Westway to Golbourne Road).
Opening Hours:
Monday to Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days at the market.
Linking with Travel Photo Thursday with hosts Nancie of Budget Travelers Sandbox, Ruth at Tanama Tales, Jan at Budget Travel Talk and Rachel at Rachel’s Ruminations.
I like when markets are open every day. I have heard a lot about this particular one, and since I love markets, I would not think twice before visiting. That dentist sign is hilarious. Well, maybe not that hilarious. I do not want to think what were the dental techniques during the Victorian period (I am sure there was a lot of pain involved).
Hello Marcia, that’s good to know as we will be going to London. I thought first it’s a market in Italy because of the name Portobello Road Market 😉 #TPThursday
Oh, this was definitely a walk down memory lane! ???? ???? Growing up in London, I spent quite a bit of time on Portobello Rd hanging out and shopping for finds. Back then, Notting Hill Gate was not the gentrified, high brow hood it is now; those were the days … sigh! ???? ????
This could be a very dangerous place for me. I’d be tempted to buy so many things. I really like that dentist sign, too. However, my London trip will be with the family, so it’s doubtful that I’ll be dragging the kids here. Sounds like an excuse for me to take a solo trip, ha ha.
I enjoy flea markets although I don’t tend to buy much of anything. We are headed to London again probably in a couple of weeks so maybe we’ll head here if we run out of other things to do during our stay.
Hope you get to go, Jessica, there’s really a lot to see. I’d love to hear what you think.
Haha, I know what you mean, Michele, but your kids might like it.
Hi Elizabeth, can only imagine what Notting Hill Gate was like then. Speaking of gentrification, Brixton is going the same way.
Interestingly, it was named after Porto Bello in Panama. Hope you find time to visit. I really think you’ll like it.
Hi Ruth, speaking of dental techniques – I am sure by our standards, they were quite primitive. Things have advanced a lot, even in the last 15-20 years.
You’d love Portobello!
All the saucers, teapots and cups look so cute!! What a find 🙂
Thanks, Cat. Beautiful, aren’t they?
Love the tea pots! We’ve been looking and looking as we travel, but have yet to find just the right set. I think I know where to look next! 😉 We love looking through markets – they tell you so much about the place and people we visit. Fun post – thanks for sharing! #TheWeeklyPostcard
I fear that if I visited the market I would come back with a whole load of stuff that I don’t need and very little money. I am such a sucker for trinkets, my favourite spots to shop in were charity shops they never failed me.
I know exactly what you mean, Rachel. This is exactly the place for lovers of trinkets!
London is the perfect place to find teapots. I know you’ll find some lovely ones when you visit, Rob!
I really enjoyed your story because it reminded me of a visit I made to Portobello Road years ago. I’ll admit to having been more than a little overwhelmed by it all. However, now that you’ve explained that it’s divided into sections, I’m encouraged to revisit it and explore.
Thanks for sharing this on #TheWeeklyPostcard. Hope to see you again. 🙂
I sorta (in the back of my mind) remember that I once went to the Portobello Market (many, many years ago) – and was sheer overwhelmed! So your advice that people take their time is certainly spot on. I would plan on an almost full day with an extended lunch break in between…
It’s a huge place so I’m not surprised. Best to make a list, take it in stages and have fun!
I want those teapots.. 🙂