Greenwich Market History
There has long been a strong royal connection to Greenwich, going back to the old Royal Palace of Placentia, which was the monarch's main palace from about 1450 to the middle of the 15th century to about 1700. Greenwich is the birthplace of Henry VIII, Elizabeth I and Mary I.
There is also a strong shopping connection, with a Royal Charter Market being originally assigned to the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital in 1700 for 1,000 years.
In the main shopping area around the high road, there are lots of places to eat – many good for children – and lots of cute little shops – most not so good for children.
Getting to Greenwich Market
Selection of olives and Mediterranean foods for sale at Greenwich Market, London.
© visitlondonimages/ britainonviewSee Getting to Greenwich information.
Greenwich Market is in the center of Greenwich, in the covered area surrounded by College Approach, King William Walk, Greenwich Church Street, and Nelson Road.
Each road has one entrance to the market:
- from the North via College Approach
- from the East via Turnpin Lane
- from the South via the alley between Marcet Books the Morris Ledlay
- from the West Via Turnpin Lane and Durnford Street.
Use Journey Planner to plan your route on public transport.
Greenwich Market Opening Times
Friday to Sunday: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Most shops, cafes, bars, pubs, and restaurants are open 7 days a week.
- Thursday and Friday: antiques & collectables and arts & crafts.
- Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays: arts & crafts and food court.
Greenwich Market
© Laura Porter, licensed to About.com, Inc.Thursdays and Fridays
On Thursdays and Fridays there are still a number of arts and crafts stalls (especially on Fridays) but the focus is on antiques, collectables, and vintage.
Avoid the weekend if you want to visit with children in buggies as Thursdays and Fridays are quieter and you'll more likely to be able to fit in the local cafes and restaurants. The Coach and Horses is a locals favorite; its seating area actually forms part of the market.
Fridays are a smaller scale version of the weekend markets with traders mostly selling vintage clothing, arts and crafts, together with a number of antiques traders.
Saturdays and Sundays
Weekends are busier and you can expect to find up to 150 arts and crafts stalls and up to 25 food stalls.
Greenwich Market management gives priority to traders who design and make their own products, as well as specialist ethical importers. Some stalls are there every week but there are a lot of casual traders so every visit to the market is different. It also means, if you see something you really want to buy, don't rely on going back next week to get it. The market management work hard to keep a good mix of products on sale so the market always feels fresh and exciting.
Look out for the Arts Collective exhibition space at Greenwich Market every weekend.
In Greenwich
Useful External Resources
- Official Greenwich Market Website
- Greenwich Market Online - showcase for market traders, artists and crafts people
