If you’re looking for a great place to sample delicious and inventive culinary flavours, look no further. Borough Market, just by the Thames in Southwark, has been wooing and satisfying buyers and diners for hundreds of years.
London, are you ready for Christmas?
The original market goes back at least to the 13th century, and perhaps further, but it has had several incarnations during this lengthy period, having moved, been abolished, reinvented itself and reopened.
The market on its present site was opened in 1756, and it quickly became one of the capital’s most important food markets due to its central location near the Thames and the Port of London.
The buildings date from the mid-19th century, with Art Deco additions dating from the early 20th century and early-21st-century refurbishments.
Though it started as a general fruit and vegetable market and existed in this form for several centuries, today the market also acts as a fine food retail market and has numerous cafes and eateries. There is a wide range of fresh and delicious food from all over the UK.
Borough Market is a magnet for visitors to the capital and has featured in several films, such as Bridget Jones Diary and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It has won awards including the Evening Standard London’s Best Market and London’s Best Shopping Experience and regularly features kitchen demonstrations, pop-up shops and other special events.
So what are you waiting for? Get on down to the Borough and sample some of the capital’s finest food.
What is your favourite Christmas market in Europe?
41 thoughts on “Free Things To Do In London: Borough Market”
I love Borough market, easily one of the best places in London! :-)
Great to hear that!
I went to London so many times but never this time of the year, I’ve never been to this market which admittedly looks pretty good like that poppy-seed cake, yummy! This year I discovered many Germans and Swiss Christmas Markets and loved them, I think the one in Munich was my favorite!
Never been to Munich :(, but I gotta catch up with Germany this summer. Love Berlin Christmas market last year! Hope you and Dale are having a great time in Germany! Merry Christmas!
Touring the markets can be a blast and a great way to discover neighborhoods you might otherwise miss. Will Google this for a map and underground stops.
That’s so true Maria! It’s cheap and you can find a lot of great food and souvenirs! :D
My favourite Christmas market is Winchester (which is just a hour on the train from London) although Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland is right up there too. They’re both far better than other European markets I’ve been to.
Thank you my dear for sharing. Never been there. As for me, I also loved Berlin Christmas market. So atmospheric!
Borough Market is really amazing! It is actually my local market and one of the first places I take any visitors from overseas. Nice to see everyone is in a Christmas mood! :-)
Hey Pedro! Great to hear that. Loved this place! Merry Christmas mate!
I will definitely have to check out this market the next time I’m in London. But oh, those poor geese!
You gotta do it in the future! I’m also so sorry about the geese :(.
You always share the best stuff, Not sure about the ducks LOL
Sorry about the ducks!! :(
I’ve lived in London for 3 years but I’ve never been interested in the markets out there. Good, because the duck thing….probably not the biggest place of interest for a vegetarian.
My favorite market has to be the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, it makes all your 5 senses wake up at the same time! The colors the fragrances….
The little market which left a lot of nice memories around Christmas time, was the Christmas street market at Bydgoszcz.
Are you a vegetarian? So great to hear that. I’m trying to eat clean and healthy, but could not give up the salmon which is my favourite food in the world!
I’ve never been to the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, but I can only imagine how great it must smell!! All of these herbs and spices…..!!!
I have to make it to Bydgoszcz one day!
Oh my gosh how could those geese be so distraught in their lives to take such drastic measures! I’m sure there is Geese Anonymous, isn’t there? Just a little macabre humor :) Phoenix just slapped me upside the forehead, “You’re a dork, Daddy!” That is amazing that the Borough Market has been opened for some 250 years now. Wow! Umm…could you please send me one of those pretzels and a poppy seed cake, Agness?? Thank you! Loved the post as always, our friend :)
I know, my heart was bleeding when I saw those geese :(.
I’m afraid it’s too late Mike… I have already eaten those pretzels and poppy seed cakes… maybe next time! When you come to Poland, I’ll welcome you with a cheesecake and traditional croissant cookies filled with jam!
This market looks so atmospheric! I love it! It’s a far cry from the Walled City of Lahore which we were discussing earlier this week, but it looks equally exciting!!
It is indeed so atmospheric!
Great recommendation! I am hoping to get to London next year so will have to try it! After seeing your photos, I would love to coordinate it to be at Christmastime!
You will love this place at Christmas time. Get your stomach ready for some nice local delicacies!
Hi Agness, I’ve been to London twice but have not made it to Borough Market. I’d definitely like to viist when I return. The food offering looks amazing .
Merry Christmas to you, Agness and Cez!
Yes, the food was so yummy! Hope you can make it there next time. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
This might be a dumb questions but is this also a Christmas market? Didn’t see any mention of it.
Yes, it does turn into a Christmas market in December. It actually looks so lovely and the food is great!
Wah, you’ve just made me miss my London home! I actually live round the corner from Borough Market. :)
Do you? That must be great to visit the Market every day :).
Oh, those pretzels… they get me every time.
I have to say, one of my favourite European Christmas markets has to be in Edinburgh!
I’ve never made it to Edinburgh, but I guess the pretzels were sold there as well :).
Now I’ve been craving some beer… :-)
I don’t drink beer, but coffee would be fine :).
I used to live in London for a while and loved visited borough market :)
I was there as well, great place!
These are some really lovely photos. What kind of camera do you use Agness?
I use Sony Alfa Nex-5 :) and thank you!
I don’t live too far away from this market so come here quite often and you have photographed it so beautifully!! My favourites here include the ostrich burger, chocolate brownies and Comte cheese – not exactly healthy eating!!
Awwww I’m getting hungry right now!
I’m just so excited to see this market when I visit London on April. Thanks for sharing the free things ideas. :D