Greenwich Market is a vibrant and colourful market located in Greenwich town centre selling a variety of wares. Here’s a guide to visiting.
How To Get to Greenwich Market
By Train:
The quickest option is the Southeastern train service to Greenwich Station.
It takes roughly 17 minutes from Charring Cross station and 8 minutes from London Bridge.
The walk from Greenwich Station into Greenwich town centre takes under 10 minutes.
By DLR:
Greenwich also has two DLR stations within its town. Greenwich Station and Cutty Sark.
They are both around a 20 minute direct journey from Bank station.
You can catch any DLR train heading to Lewisham, or you can join the DLR at Tower Gateway, Lewisham, Stratford and Limehouse stations.
By Bus:
Buses 129, 177, 180, 199, 286 and 386 go to Greenwich town centre.
By River Boat:
Thames Clipper Uber Boats run every 20 minutes and stop at Greenwich Pier.
Thames River Services run from Westminster and St Katharine Piers to Greenwich.
So if you fancy travelled London by river you can book a River Thames: Uber Boat Hop-On Hop-Off Pass for the day.
By Cable Car:
If you have a good head for heights, you can travel from Royal Docks to North Greenwich by Emirates Air Line cable car and then take the bus (188) to Greenwich town centre.
For those short on time, or those that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
Greenwich Market Entrance Fee:
Admission to Greenwich Market is free.
Greenwich Market Opening Times
Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5.30pm
Although it’s nearer to midday on Sundays.
Greenwich Market is also open on bank holiday Mondays.
Best Time To Visit Greenwich Market + Tips
If you like things a little quieter and you want to browse all the stalls in the market without the crowds, it’s best to go early in the day and on a weekday.
Greenwich is a popular tourist destination and the market can get busy, especially at lunchtimes and weekends.
Antiques and Collectables are sold at the market Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Arts, crafts, fashion and handmade jewellery are the mainstay on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends.
There are usually more stalls open at the weekend than in the week.
No need to worry about the weather as the market is undercover.
Finally, there is not a lot of seating so be prepared to stand whilst enjoying the street food on offer.
What To Pack:
Greenwich Market History
Though its origins date back to the 14th century, it wasn’t until 1737 that Greenwich Market officially opened its doors.
Originally located near the Old Royal Naval College, in the 1800’s it moved to where it is today and a roof was constructed.
Back then traders gathered to sell meat, fruit and vegetables, while pedlars offered pottery and other wares outside on the street. There would have been slaughter houses and stables within the market.
In those days, Greenwich Hospital managed the market and collected the rents and it was only held on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
During renovations in 1908 a steel and glass roof replaced the rotten wooden one.
On an arch above the north entrance there’s an inscription that is a quote from the Bible which reads, ‘A false balance is an abomination to the Lord but a just weight is his delight.’
After World War II the market served wholesalers trading meat, fish, fruit and vegetables but the market was in decline.
Then in the 1980’s Camden Lock Market in North London realised that there was money to be made selling arts and crafts and this paved the way for Greenwich Market to do the same.
Since then the market has not looked back and has also become one of the most popular things to do in Greenwich!
What To Expect At Greenwich Market
Walk through the entrance of this vibrant and colourful undercover market and you’ll be greeted with an eclectic mix of closely packed stalls selling handmade jewellery, vintage clothes, artwork and collectables and much, much more.
Furthermore you will find some of the best British designer makers showcased in Greenwich Market and if you are looking for something unusual and unique you won’t be disappointed.
One such stall holder, Laura Lees Morgan, sells beautiful personalised silver jewellery at super reasonable prices, and her stall is well worth a look. She is also very friendly and happy to chat.
The market is renowned for its street food, with over 40 food stalls selling foods from around the world.
You will find South African biltong, Thai green curry, freshly steamed dim sum, South American empanadas, Sicilian cannoli as well as Brazilian churros – to name but a few!
The Churros stall is highly recommended along with ‘Da Fish Ting’ which offers an unusual black burger. Consisting of a cod/crab burger in charcoaled bread, it tastes really good and doesn’t taste burnt!
If you’re looking for a proper sit down meal and something more traditional, you can also taste a local favourite, pie and mash, in Goddards of Greenwich restaurant, just on the edge of the market on King William Walk.
Also, look out for the wooden ceiling clock created by Les Grayson, a stall holder who sells timepieces. This clock was installed to mark the 25th anniversary of the craft market.
Where To Stay In London
Luxury – The London EDITION
The London EDITION is located in central London’s Fitzrovia district, with Oxford Street, Theatreland and Piccadilly Circus all within a 10-minute walk.
Inside, there is a Michelin star restaurant, 2 cocktail bars, a 24-hour front desk, free WiFi and free use of the on-site fitness centre for all guests.
With a view of the vibrant city, each en suite room come with a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning. An iPod docking station, bathrobes and a mini-bar are also provided.
Each evening, the restaurant offers a contemporary British menu using fresh, British produce.
Mid-Budget – Corus Hotel Hyde Park
Set within a 20-minute walk from Royal Albert Hall and boasting a stylish, spacious piano lounge , Corus Hotel Hyde Park features modern rooms with free WiFi.
The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Paddington Station, offering a direct train link to Heathrow Airport.
The cosy, air-conditioned bedrooms at Corus Hotel have private en-suite bathrooms and satellite TVs with on-demand movies. Rooms also feature work desks, tea/coffee facilities, iron and ironing boards.
The conservatory brasserie serves a modern European menu using seasonal produce.
Olio Bar offers light snacks and beverages, and overlooks Hyde Park.
Budget – The Queens Hostel
Featuring free WiFi, The Queens Hostel offers accommodation in London, just a 2-minute walk to Queens Park Rangers football stadium.
Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Rooms come with a shared bathroom.
You can play tennis at this hostel, and the area is popular for golfing.
For more places to stay in London, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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