What is the difference between Spitalfields and Borough Market?
Old Spitalfields Market (East London) and Borough Market (Southwark) are distinct London destinations; Spitalfields is a covered market primarily focused on fashion, art, and unique crafts, while Borough Market is a renowned historic venue dedicated to artisanal, gourmet food and fresh produce. Spitalfields offers trendy shopping, while Borough is a top foodie destination.
Borough Market is a wholesale and retail market hall in Southwark, London, England. It is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, with a market on the site dating back to at least the 12th century.
What is the difference between Spitalfields Market and Old Spitalfields Market?
Spitalfields Market and Old Spitalfields Market are essentially the same vibrant destination in London's East End, though sometimes considered slightly different sections – Old Spitalfields Market refers to the historic Victorian covered market hall (focusing on antiques, vintage, crafts on certain days), while "Spitalfields Market" often encompasses the broader area including modern shops, food stalls, and pop-ups around the original structure, with both offering diverse shopping, dining, and events, especially busy on weekends.
Evidence of the people and communities that have given the area it's unique character can still be seen – a Huguenot church, a Methodist chapel, a Jewish synagogue, and Muslim mosque stand among traditional and new shops, restaurants, markets and homes.
Yes, Borough Market was a key filming location for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, specifically for the scene where the Knight Bus squeezes through London and stops to let Harry off at the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron, which was located on nearby Stoney Street, Borough Market, just behind the market.
BEST markets to visit in London (BETTER than Borough)
How much cash should I bring to a London market?
It's wise to carry some cash for small purchases, tips, and transportation. A good rule of thumb is to have around £50 to £100 in cash. Remember, many places now accept cards, so you might not need as much cash as you think.
Borough Market has a history spanning over a millenium and is widely considered London's oldest retail and wholesale food market. It's been operating at its current site since 1756. With over 100 stalls covering about 4.5 acres, Borough Market is also one of the largest food markets in the capital.
Spitalfields Market is surrounded by offices, studios and retailers in East London's finance and creative hub, so if you want to avoid the busiest lunch and dinner hours come by in the morning 08:00-12:00 or after 15:00.
London blends safe and risky zones. Hackney, Tower Hamlets, and Croydon top the danger list. East and South London face more crime, and tourist hubs like Westminster add risk too. Stay sharp and use safety tips to stay secure.
Spitalfields offers a mix of independent boutiques, exciting retail pop-ups and well-known brands, perfect for gifting, fashion finds and beauty essentials. Whether you're after unique pieces, trend-led fashion or the latest in beauty, you'll find it in Spitalfields.
This is also a good idea if you want to see the crown jewels, as you'll have to line up again for them once you're inside. Although it's impossible to say for sure, on average the quickest times are mid-week mornings, when you may only have to queue for a few minutes.
Try the 3-3-3 Method. Choose 3 different protein sources, 3 fat sources, and 3 carb sources only (All veggies and fruit can count as 1 each). This may feel like too little variety but with endless options of spices and cooking techniques, you can make thousands of combinations.
CECIL COURT THE REAL DIAGON ALLEY. Cecil Court being "just off Charing Cross Road" and with its curious mix of bookshops and antique shops, is widely believed to be the real Diagon Alley, or at least the thoroughfare on which Diagon Alley was based.
Ever wondered 'where is the Harry Potter castle?' - well, you'll find answers right here at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland - one of the most iconic filming locations in the wizarding world, and an import Harry Potter castle location.
Bill and Fleur's home, Shell Cottage, from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was filmed on location at Freshwater West beach in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where the set was built directly on the sand dunes for filming in 2010 but was removed afterward. While the cottage isn't there anymore, fans still visit the beach to see the site and leave tributes at Dobby's Grave, a memorial built in the dunes nearby.
There are a great variety of shops in Bicester Village. Shop for fragrances by Molton Brown, and discover luxury fashion brands, such as Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.
1. Oxford Street. Oxford Street is one of the busiest andbest shopping streets in London which is packed with over 300 retailers, flagship stores, and iconic British department stores such as John Lewis and Selfridges.
