Our tour will visit Leadenhall Market, Spitalfields, and Borough Market, one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in the City of London. Established in 1014, Borough Market is a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. You can buy and try a wide variety of fresh produce, from homemade breads and cheeses to olives, fruit and vegetables, and even lobster. There are street food stalls selling everything from traditional British fare to international cuisine.
Discovering London's Markets: Spitalfields, Leadenhall & Borough
Hunt for vintage treasures, savour artisan eats, and marvel at architectural wonders on a bespoke London market odyssey! Explore Spitalfields, Leadenhall, & Borough with your local guide. Foodies, fashionistas, & history buffs welcome! Craft your tour-hidden alleys, secret pubs, or a meet with Henry VIII await!
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Itinerary so far...
Our historic London Markets have so much to offer! They are vibrant, diverse and creative areas of our capital that we can discover and experience together. Try some of the wonderful goods they have to offer and soak up their unique atmosphere.
I’ll meet you at an agreed start point—either Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, or London Bridge station (Borough entrance)—whatever’s best for you.
We will visit the heart and soul of London's markets (I have a personal connection to Spitalfields, as I worked there as a ‘Beadle’—an old-fashioned word for a market constable). I can share first-hand accounts of the markets' history and significance, as they have been an integral part of London life for centuries.
Spitalfields Market, named after the 12th-century hospital and priory, St Mary’s Spittel, has a unique focus. Here, you can find everything from vintage clothing to handmade hats, coats, jewellery, and scarves. There are also many artworks to see and public spaces to relax in and enjoy.
We'll start our journey in the 17th century, in the heart of Weavers Town, where Huguenot silk weavers built their homes. These elegant Georgian streets are a time capsule, offering a glimpse into London's past. After exploring the historic streets, we'll head to a public roof garden for stunning views of the City's modern skyline. In recent years, London's skyline has changed dramatically with the construction of iconic skyscrapers, such as The Can of Ham, Shard, and Walkie-Talkie.
Step back in time to the 14th century and explore the splendid Victorian architecture of Leadenhall Market, the prettiest market in the City. With its painted walls, cobbled streets, and unique selection of boutiques, shops, restaurants, and bars, Leadenhall Market is a feast for the senses.
The tour ends near several cafés and pubs, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere after a day of exploring London's markets. I can either escort you to your next destination or you can continue exploring the local area at your own pace.
This tour can be customized to fit your preferences, whether you want to change the entire route or just add a few stops. For example, you could visit Dirty Dicks pub, home to London's oldest Georgian shopfront, or Artillery Lane, the site of King Henry VIII's weapons practice ground. I can even incorporate parts of other tours to create a truly unique experience. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to customize your tour.
Actual tour destinations may vary depending on weather and where you wish to finish your tour.
Type: Walking Tour
Exclusives: Walking tour with Lee Cooper—an experienced, qualified London Black Cab Driver
Price: £240 total (up to 12 guests). Prices do not include attraction tickets.
Languages: English
- Start point: Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate or London Bridge station (Borough entrance)
- Truman Brewery
- Weaver's Town
- Spitalfields
- 18 Folgate Street—Dennis Severs' House
- Leadenhall Market
- One New Change or Fen Court viewing areas: See the City's skyscrapers such as The Cheesegrater, Gherkin and Shard
- Monument to the Great Fire of London
- Borough Market