Covent Garden Market

One of the first things I like to do when I arrive in a new city is visit the local markets. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a food market, fruit and vegetable market, craft market, antique market or something else entirely. I simply enjoy browsing the stands, taking in the atmosphere and observing the local interactions.

Vendor cart in Covent Garden Market

If you enjoy markets as much as I do, you’ll want to check out London’s Covent Garden district. Situated on the eastern edge of London’s West End, Covent Garden is one of the city’s hippest shopping and entertainment districts. Located throughout the district are a variety of theaters, restaurants, open-air cafes, bars, pubs, Covent Garden hotels and some of the city’s most interesting markets.

Several of London’s historic landmarks including the Theatre Royal, London Transport Museum and the church of St Paul’s are located in Covent Garden. The Royal Opera House is the district’s major performing arts venue. Often referred to simply as Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House is home to the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet.

The Covent Garden Market first opened as a small open-air fruit and vegetable market in the 17th century. In 1974 the fruit and vegetable market – now the largest wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market in the United Kingdom – relocated to the nearby New Covent Garden Market. The original Covent Garden continues its market tradition with a variety of unique offerings at its well-known Jubilee Hall and Apple markets.

At Jubilee Hall you’ll actually find several different markets depending on the day of the week that you visit. On Mondays it operates as London’s longest running antique market offering the city’s broadest selection of antiques and collectibles (open 5am-4pm). Tuesdays through Fridays the Jubilee Hall general market features a wide selection of products to serve the local community including new and used clothing, books and household items (open 9:30am-6:30pm). On weekends Jubilee Hall transforms into a craft market welcoming some of the region’s best artisans (open 9:30am-5:30pm).

Apple Market at Covent Garden

Covent Garden’s Apple Market features an array of items including antiques, artwork, jewelry, accessories, clothing, household items and designer goods. Here you’ll find collectibles, glassware, ceramics, leather goods, crafts, and more. Much of the merchandise is one of a kind and many of the items are handmade. The Apple Market is open daily. Many of the stalls open and close according to their own schedules.

The indoor market area in the main building at Covent Garden houses mostly specialty shops and chain stores.

Interestingly, the Covent Garden district is the only part of London that is licensed for street performances, many of which take place near the markets in the Covent Garden Piazza. Dating back to the early 17th century, the Covent Garden Piazza was the first modern “piazza” style square in London. Today, it continues to be a popular local gathering spot and tourist attraction.

Morning is the best time to visit the markets, especially the antique markets which open early and are already wrapping up by mid-afternoon. Hotel Direct can help to place you right in the middle of all the action.

Photos: covent garden market by wolfsavard on Flickr; Apple Market at Covent Garden by Thomas Euler on Flickr

NOTE:  This post was sponsored by Hotel Direct; the opinions expressed are solely those of the author.