Borough Market

Another market that we visited on our trip was the Borough Market, just south of London Bridge. I have read that there has been a market in this spot since the first century. Ponder that for a moment! The whole market is devoted to food, which makes it a food lover's paradise. We wandered and explored the many food stalls and bought and ate as we strolled about.

These photos don't begin to convey the wide variety of foods on offer. I would guess that whatever you have an urge for, you will be able to find it among these market stalls! Lots of samples to lure you over, including the amazing number of varities of powdered Turkish delight at one stall. We bought a small bag full of our favourites, so soft and fresh, with real flavours, no artificial flavourings. So good! But that wasn't all we sampled, there were the gigantic meringues (larger than your fist), German sausages on a bun, baguettes, beautifully designed cookies (like the elephant cinnamon cookies pictured here) and wonderful pastries.

Portobello Market

Portobello Market is hopping. Especially on a Saturday, which as it turned out was the day that fit into our itinerary. Getting off the tube at Notting Hill station, and surfacing at street level, we only had to follow the sea of humanity to find our way to the market. The crowds flowed down the road and there were so many people it was hard to see what was for sale in the market stalls. No one was getting anywhere fast. Patience was the order of the day! Fortunately, as we walked further down the road the crowds thinned a little and we were able to get to the market stalls and shops that line the street.

It's a bustling carnival atmosphere with lots to look at! Antiques galore, there are also no shortage of souvenirs, clothing and all sorts of interesting things. There are also food vendors so you needn't go hungry and entertainers, like this stylish headless couple who were happy to pose for a photo with you!