We have four favourite flower markets in the capital. So if you’re stocking up on reasonably priced fresh ranunculus, planning for a party or just want to see what the fuss is all about, see our flower market edit.
One For Insta-snapping: Columbia Road Flower Market
Sundays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., E2 7RG
@columbiaroad
One of the best things to do on a lazy Sunday morning is visit this quaint picture-perfect street which transforms into a botanical extravaganza. Arguably, this is the capital’s most famous flower market. Get there first thing, nab a flat white and soak up the East End’s vibrant and eccentric atmosphere. Alongside abundant fresh flower stalls are independent shops selling everything from pottery and perfume to glassware and art prints. Columbia Road gets busier as the day goes on. Many of the flower sellers grow their own plants or import from around the world. You’ll find cheap, fresh houseplants among exotic amaryllis and bosomy hydrangeas. For the best quality, arrive pronto but for the biggest bargains, wait for later in the day and be ready to haggle. As the market winds down around 3pm, take advantage of traders slashing prices and rushing deals to shift stock.
One For Low-Key Locals: Chiswick Flower Market
First Sunday of every month, 9 a.m. – 3.30 p.m., W4 2DR
@chiswickflowermkt
Behold, the cheering sight of this well-known community-led flower market which is dubbed ‘the Columbia Road Flower Market of the west’. Run by a group of local volunteers, the not-for-profit market opened in 2020 to revitalise the economy of Chiswick High Road. Now, on the first Sunday of every month, over forty green-fingered traders descend upon Chiswick’s old marketplace. Alongside the bucketloads of freshly cut stems, traders also tout dried arrangements, herbs, pot plants, flowering perennials, bulbs and pots. Buskers playing live music, street entertainers and bright bunting flags boost the buzzing atmosphere.
One For 4 a.m. Early Birds: New Covent Garden Flower
MarketMonday to Saturdays, 4 a.m. -10 a.m., SW8 5BH
@marketflowers
Rise and shine… to witness the wonders of the UK’s biggest wholesale flower market, get up with the sparrows and be prepared to buy in bulk. The New Covent Garden Flower Market, which opens at 4a.m., recently gained mass popularity after going viral on TikTok. This mostly pre-dawn operation typically sells most its flowers by 8a.m. and traders shut up shop around 10 a.m. Rather than the general public, this market is mostly frequented by florists, garden centres and wedding planners buying wholesale in large quantities. Seventy-five per cent of London florists buy their flowers here. If it seems overwhelming, opt for a ticketed guided tour to better navigate the hustle and bustle of the market. Take note: despite the name, New Covent Garden Flower Market is actually near Battersea Power Station, quite some way from the old Covent Garden Market in Central London.
One For Insomniacs: New Spitalfields Market
12 a.m.-9 a.m., E10 5SQ
@newspitalfieldsmarket
Consider yourself a night owl? This is the flower market for you. New Spitalfields Market opens at midnight and goes on trading fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables right through the night, until the early hours of the morning. Not to be confused with the Old Spitalfields Market, this newer mass scale, wholesale giant is based across a footprint of 32 acres in east London. While open to both the general public and trade, it is more a practical kind of market than an Instagram contender. It targets those on a mission to buy in bulk and offers more choice than you could ever imagine.
