Who could ever imagine that what a farm was once originally, could be one of the most popular antique arcades in the world. Yes! Portobello market was a farm that was names after Puerto Bello in the Caribbean in the memory of Admiral Vernon who captured the town in 1739. In present day, the market stretches for about 2 miles, and on a crowded Sunday, it could take you the entire afternoon to walk till the end! The antiques are what this market is most famous for.
If you intend to come here to shop, we suggest you come slightly early or else you’d just get stuck in the crowd. You can find up market shops to small specialists who share a market stall or a table. The market has a lot of character, with respect to its architecture, people, culture and spirit. The roads meander along the length into its late-Victorian terrace houses and shops selling antiques, to fresh-food. It’s a constant cycle of shop-eat-shop and eat a little more. Don’t forget to carry a little patience along with you—as you can get some of the best bargains out here!
The Portobello Road market opens from Monday to Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8am to 630pm. Thursdays is a half day and the market is open till 1pm. The easiest way to come to Portobello Market is by the tube. Go to the Notting Hill station and just follow the crowd—it’d get you here. Other underground stations are at Ladbroke Grove (5 min away) and Westbourne Park Tube (9 minutes away). The closest railway stations are Paddington Railway station and Kensington Olympia Railway station. You could park your vehicle at Bayswater Road (19 min away) or Arthur Court (19 min away). We suggest you to avoid getting cars as parking is limited—but after 130, parking restrictions are lifted and you can park on single yellow lines.
