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Hotel quality ratings in Britain have been simplified.
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All major ratings groups have agreed to use a 1 to 5 star system
to evaluate accommodations. A single star means
"simple, practical, no frills", while 5 stars indicates
"exceptional with a degree of luxury" |
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You can walk to the Camden Markets from Regent's Park along the path
following Regent's Canal. In addition, you can take a
waterbus from Little Venice
or the London Zoo. |
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London's Best Street Markets for
Gift Shopping
 Notting
Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove
The Portobello Road Market,
one of London’s famous outdoor flea markets, has become fairly
commercialized and real bargains are hard to find. On weekends, it has
the feel of 70’s “head shop” with boodles of things you would never buy on
any other occasion. Wander both the outdoor stands and the permanent
indoor arcades and you will find something you just demands to be purchased
and taken home with you. You will find fascinating , custom
jewelry and unique crafts. In reality, most of us the Portobello
Market because it is just plain good fun. Mix with the crowds, scan the
amazing diversity of goods and strike up some conversations. You will
be glad you did.
Fans of the movie "Notting
Hill" may notice that many of the storefronts seen on a visit to
Portobello Road were captured in various scenes of the movie.
If you are interested in
the Portobello Road Antiques Market, snoop around the web site of the
Portobello Antiques Dealers Association. Other information is
available from the official website of the
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea which describes the
markets, opening hours and how to get there.
Top of Page
Camden Town, Chalk Farm
There are six
markets including: the Camden Stables, Camden Lock, Camden Canal, Camden
Buck Street, Inverness Street and the main street itself (along Camden High
Street and Chalk Farm Road). The focus varies by market but most of
what you will find can be categorized as antiques, clothes, furniture,
collectables, jewelry and accessories. You will find numerous snack
shops, several pubs and a number of restaurants in the area.
One of the major Camden Markets (specifically the Camden Canal Market) was
seriously damaged by fire on February 9, 2008. The Camden Canal Market will
remain closed for an undetermined length of time. We will update you
when with news of its reopening. Note, however, that the other markets
were not damaged and are open on their normal schedule
Camden town, which
hosts the Camden Markets, is an interesting stop by itself, but the area has
been overwhelmed by the success of its flea markets. The best (and
most crowded) time to visit is on Saturday when all of the markets are at
their peaks. Many but not all of the markets are open during the week and
numerous shops are now open seven days a week. The crowds peak on the weekend
and build up to the weekend crescendo starting on Thursday.
People watching is
probably the greatest sport here, but if you like to search for bargains,
this is the place. The market's neighborhood is "edgy" and not for the tame
of heart. You will see an amazing cross section of society and some
segments of civilization that you may have not yet seen! Many feel that the
"mix" is part of the attraction of these markets.
Visit
http://www.camdenlock.net/markets.html for more detail on the various
markets and for helpful information on transportation to the Camden Markets
In London, spending Sunday at the street markets has become a pleasant
pastime. Many travelers get an early start, visit one market, have
brunch and head for another. Each market has something unique to offer
in addition to the goods for sale. Their neighborhoods are interesting
and you might find the cuisine a little less expensive than in central
London.
Street market shopping is not for everyone, but if it's for you, these
markets are a great place to snag something to brag about back home.
Spitalfields
=
Aldgate East or Liverpool Street
Spitalfields Market has a variety of specializations, but is most often
classified as a good old "flea-market". Sunday (0900 to 1400) is
the most active day and also the most fun. See these two sites for
more detail.
http://www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/or
http://www.spitalfields.co.uk/traders.php
Petticoat Lane
= Aldgate East, Aldgate
Although the street Petticoat Lane has not survived, its market continues to
exist along Wentworth, Middlesex and Goulston. Known for fashion for the
whole family it is open limited hours during the week and on Sunday (its
biggest day) from 09AM until 2PM.
Borough
= London Bridge
Primarily a food market, the Borough Market spreads over several blocks.
We find it enjoyable and even more so when we have a flat with a kitchen.
Open only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Hours vary but the
market is always open between 1100 to 1600 . See this site for more detail
http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/
,
Brick Lane
= Liverpool Street, Aldgate East
The Brick Lane Market is focused along the north end of Brick Lane
extending along Cheshire Street and others, so you may have to do a bit of
wandering to see it all. This is a classic flea market and runs on
Sunday from 0800 to 1400. You will find a lot of junk, some fashion and a
few attractive trinkets. Remember, this is the East End, so if you are
in the mood for Indian food, you may have found a new home. A smaller
market runs during the week.
Columbia Road Flower Market
= Liverpool Street
Columbia road is primarily a "garden" market selling cut-flowers, plants,
bulbs and shrubs. Also, you can find all sorts of gardening
accessories and gifts for the gardeners on your list. It runs Sunday
only, from 0800 to 1400. This
site offers
more information
Bermondsey
= not very close to any Tube station but
Bermondsey, Elephant & Castle and Borough are the nearest.
Known for antiques and silver, the Bermondsey is a market in flux. The
area around it is being redeveloped and the markets status is unclear.
The market is open on Friday from dawn to 1400. One piece of advice -
get there early if you hope to find a bargain.
If you need information about another travel destination, try Googling our site or the Web
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Colorful houses in the Portobello Road area
Best Places to Visit in the United Kingdom |
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