Flower power: five florid markets in London

Channel your inner flower power this spring at these London markets and shops, selling fresh bouquets that are, quite simply, the best of the bunch. Make these fab floral destinations a feature of your travel itinerary when you take a train to London Paddington station this season.

New Covent Garden Market

Nine Elms Lane, SW8
New Covent Garden Market is the largest wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market in the UK. It’s a whopper of a place and a must-visit for fans of all things floral. Set your alarm for ridiculous o’clock because this market is open from 4am–10am and you’re going to want to get there early to experience the hustle and bustle of wholesalers and visitors taking home the freshest blooms that money can buy. Weirdly, the market is not located in London’s Covent Garden, as its name would suggest, but is instead situated in Nine Elms, Battersea so make sure you head to the right place.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Columbia Road, E2
Columbia Road Flower Market is a London institution and a paradise for lovers of flowers, plants and greenery. Whether you’re looking to buy a big bunch of roses for a friend or a small succulent for your windowsill, you’ll definitely find it here. The atmosphere is hectic to say the least, but without doubt it represents London at its finest – loud, proud and as spectacular as you can imagine. Every inch of pavement is taken by a stall, plant, trader or visitor, so have your wits about you during a trip here, as you’ll be one of many people on the hunt for some awesome blooms.

Borough Market

8 Southwark Street, SE1
Best known for its food, Borough Market is one of London’s most famous attractions, inviting locals and tourists to fill their tummies with fresh produce and delicious street food. With a flower trader to boot, Borough market is worth a day trip. The Gated Gardener is a permanent stall that’s been in residence at the market since 2013 and sells freshly cut flowers as well as potted plants.

Mare Street Market

89-115 Mare Street, E8
Mare Street Market is a small indoor market that’s home to a deli, record store and flower shop called Rebel Rebel. An award-winning florist creating innovative floral designs for prestigious clients all over the world, Rebel Rebel buys its flowers and foliage from New Covent Garden flower market every morning, so you’ll be getting the best of the bunch on a shopping trip here.

Greenwich Market

Greenwich Market, SE10
From cactus plants to succulents, tulips to sunflowers, Wilde Jasmine in the busy Greenwich market has everything you need to create a beautiful oasis of flowers in your own home. You’ll smell the sweet floral fragrance that permeates from this stall before you see it.

Mare Street Market
Greenwich Market
Borough Market
Columbia Road Flower Market
New Covent Garden Market