My mom has had an antique store for as long as I can remember. It started as Gypsies Antiques. Today Deborah's Antiques has a prominent space inside the Antique Gallery of Round Rock, plus a shop on Etsy. I have been going antiquing with her my whole life. So when we land in England, the first question is never what to see. It is which market is open tomorrow.
Mom and me in Broadway, in the Cotswolds, outside The Lygon Arms.
Where it started for me
My first trip to London was as a young teen, visiting close family friends who were living there as expats. I went back as a high school graduation gift, with my English teacher and a handful of students. In 2007 I studied abroad at Imperial College London through Baylor in Great Britain. Since then I have gone back with my mom to treasure hunt, with Shawn and our family, and for work.
Our latest trip: July 26 to 30, 2025
I went back with my mom, my 85 year old aunt, my cousins, and Shawn. We got a behind the scenes tour of Wimbledon's Centre Court and a private look inside the state rooms at Windsor Castle, and we raised a glass at The Grenadier.
The London markets
Plan your days around these. Hours change with the seasons, so check before you go.
- Bermondsey Antique Market, Bermondsey Square. Fridays only, 7am to 2pm. Get there early. The serious dealers do.
- Portobello Road, Notting Hill. The antique stalls run between Portobello Road and Kensington Park Road. Saturday is the big day.
- Alfies Antique Market, Church Street in Marylebone. Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. It is all under one roof, so it is perfect for a rainy day.
- Grays Antique Market, Davies Street in Mayfair. Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm. This is where to look for jewelry and silver.
- Camden Passage, Islington. Antiques on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7am.
- Greenwich Market. Open daily, but go Tuesday, Thursday or Friday for antiques and collectibles.
The big country fairs
If you can get out of the city, this is where the dealers shop.
- Sunbury Antiques Market at Kempton Park Racecourse. The second and last Tuesday of most months, and free to get in.
- Ardingly Antiques and Collectors Fair, South of England Showground, West Sussex. Several times a year on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- Newark International Antiques and Collectors Fair, Nottinghamshire. Several times a year on Thursdays and Fridays.
What to bring to the big fairs
The big markets outside the city are mostly outdoors, and you will cover a lot of ground. Bring something with wheels so you can roll your finds from booth to booth instead of carrying them.
- Hulken Rolling Tote. My pick for most fairs. It rolls right behind you from stall to stall.
- A basket cart with bigger wheels. If the fair is on grass, gravel or mud and you are really off roading, go with a basket and larger wheels instead.
How to shop them
- Bring cash and a small bag.
- Ask for the best price, kindly.
- Measure before you fall in love. Know what fits in your suitcase, and what will need shipping.
You can see what I have been collecting for our Ohio farm on my Antiques shelf.
Cheers,
Hannah
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