Columbia Road Flower Market is probably the most photogenic of all London’s markets.
Each Sunday this small London street, lined by Victorian houses and shops, is transformed into a spectacular flower market selling everything from tulips and orchids to huge bamboo plants and orange trees. It is a fantastic riot of colour, and the plants and flowers on offer are probably the cheapest in the whole of London.
The surrounding area is full of cafes and galleries and a wide range of unusual shops, turning the whole area into one of the most interesting shopping experiences to be had in London and a lovely place to spend a Sunday morning.
History: Columbia Road began its life as a pathway along which sheep were driven to the slaughterhouses at Smithfield. Columbia Market was established in 1869 as a covered food market, by the philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts. The Flower market began as a Saturday trading market, but as the Jewish population grew a Sunday market was established. The Saturday market lapsed, but the Flower market evolved. Initially this serviced the local population many of whose houses have small gardens. Plants were brought by handcart from nearby market gardens. The whole area went into a decline in the 1970’s. and the market almost closed. But since the 1980’s the market has grown into one of international repute. And with the rise of trendy Shoreditch is more popular than ever.
Opening Hours: Columbia Road flower market and shops are open on Sundays from 8am – 3pm
Nearest underground stations: Shoreditch High Street or Hoxton (East London Line)
Buses: It can be reached by bus routes 26, 48 and 55.
Location Columbia Road is in the East End sitting on the edge of the city with Shoreditch to the west and Brick Lane and Spitalfields nearby.