Home > travel-blog > Columbia Road: London’s Hidden Floral Wonderland
Columbia Road: London’s Hidden Floral Wonderland
Katie Maloney
Columbia Road in London is an absolute must-see destination, bursting with vibrant flower markets and charming boutiques. Our London team has put together everything you need to know about this iconic spot, from the best times to visit to hidden gems you won’t want to miss.
Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to London? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to London for more planning resources, our best London tours for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in London.
Everything to Know About London’s Columbia Road
Forget the Tower Bridge selfies and Big Ben snapshots. If you want to experience London like a local, Columbia Road is where you need to be. This East End gem transforms every Sunday into a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances, hosting one of London’s most iconic flower markets. But FYI–Columbia Road’s magic isn’t just a one-day affair.
While tourists flock for the Sunday spectacle, savvy visitors know that the real treasures lie in the street’s permanent shops. From vintage vinyl to artisanal cheeses, Columbia Road offers a slice of London cool that most guidebooks miss.
Once a humble working-class neighborhood, Columbia Road has bloomed into one of the city’s trendiest spots. The flower market’s history stretches back to the 1860s, but don’t come expecting a museum piece. This place is all about the here and now, a living, breathing part of London’s ever-evolving story.
On market Sundays, from 8 am to 3 pm, the street bursts into life. Pro tip: Arrive around 2 pm for the best deals, but be prepared to choose from what’s left.
But Columbia Road isn’t just a one-day wonder. Here’s what you can find there seven days a week:
Even on non-market days, Columbia Road’s floral spirit lives on in shops like The Garden Shop and In Bloom & In Habit. These aren’t your typical garden centers—they offer rare and exotic plants that’ll give your home a touch of botanical chic.
From air plants to succulents, you’ll find greenery here that even your most plant-savvy friends will envy. Each shop boasts a carefully curated selection, with knowledgeable staff ready to help you choose the perfect plant for your space.
Plus, you can discover stylish pots and unique gardening accessories to elevate your indoor jungle. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your collection, these shops are a must-visit for any green thumb!
Fuel your shopping spree at Cafe Columbia or grab a bite at Pavilion. The coffee here is exceptional, easily putting your Starbucks to shame, with expertly crafted brews that are perfect for energizing your stroll down Columbia Road.
And those pastries? They’re so indulgent that you might just need to loosen your belt a notch!
From flaky croissants to rich cakes, every bite is a treat. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a leisurely coffee break, Pavilion is the perfect spot to recharge before continuing your adventure.
Forget Oxford Street. Columbia Road’s boutiques like Harry Brand and Glitterati offer up styles you won’t find in any mall. Your friends back home will be begging to know where you got those vintage earrings.
At Harry Brand, you’ll find a delightful mix of fashion and unique gifts, perfect for treating yourself or finding that special present. This small independent shop specializes in beautiful pure wool throws and charming Cornish scented candles, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s hard to resist. You’ll also discover an array of books, cuddly toys for kids, quirky socks, and baubles, along with a wide selection of greetings cards and gift wrap.
And Glitterati is a self-proclaimed “magpie’s paradise” that sells a range vintage items, gifts, books, glass, cufflinks & jewelry. Come and see. So, regardless of the type of souvenir you’re looking to take home, there’s something for everyone on Columbia Road.
Turn your house into an Instagram backdrop with finds from Norfolk Natural Living or Stoned and Plastered. These shops sell the kind of cool knick-knacks you didn’t know you needed until you saw them.
Norfolk Natural Living’s Perfumery & Wellbeing Pharmacy is a slow-luxury home care and wellbeing brand, dedicated to bringing beauty and pleasure to everyday rituals. Think fragrant candles, aromatherapy and lots of luxurious self care products.
Stoned & Plastered (can we just take a minute to appreciate the name?) is a little shop tucked into the hustle and bustle of shops, and it’s a must-see. The shops sells a variety of indoor and outdoor plaster and stone ornaments. They offer everything from tasteful garden decor to quirky wall decorations—the photo doesn’t do this place justice. You simply have to visit to truly appreciate everything Stoned & Plastered has to offer.
Places like Lupo’s and H.M. Jones offer artisanal goods that’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a cool, secret club. From handmade soaps to vintage vinyl, this is where you’ll find those “Oh my God, where did you get that?” items.
Weekday visits offer a more laid-back vibe, perfect for browsing without the Sunday crowds. But whenever you go, Columbia Road serves up a slice of London cool that’ll make you feel like a local in the know.
Getting there is half the fun. Hop off at Old Street or Liverpool Street station and take a stroll through some of London’s most character-filled streets.
So next time you’re in London, skip the tourist traps and head to Columbia Road. Whether you’re after armfuls of peonies or just want to soak up some East End cool, this street’s got you covered. It’s the London experience you never knew you needed – until now.
Deciding where to stay at a great hotel in London can take some effort since it’s a massive city. Make your decision easier with our list of the best neighborhoods and hotels in London.
Leave a Comment