Portobello Market Full-Day with Fashion Tours London
Difficulty
easy
Duration
7–9 hours
Fitness Level
Basic stamina for walking and standing throughout the day is necessary; no specialized fitness required.
Overview
Spend a day through Portobello Market’s vibrant streets with Fashion Tours London. Discover vintage finds, meet local traders, and enjoy authentic meals in the heart of Notting Hill’s culture.
Portobello, Notting Hill Full-Day Experience
£200 per person • 7-9 hours • Mix up the history with the visits to shops.
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating full-day adventure through Portobello Market, where history meets vibrant culture. Explore vintage clothing treasures and unique independent shops nestled in picturesque pastel buildings. Engage with local traders and uncover fascinating stories while enjoying a delightful lunch or light dinner, making this experience both memorable and enriching.
Duration: 7-9 hours
Rates
- Adults: £200
About
Portobello is where the whole business of shopping for antiques began in the early 20th century, but long before that it served as a food and vegetable market frequented by servants shopping for the wealthy residents nearby. In the mid-20th century, it became a home for the West Indian community, and now, with traces of its past everywhere to be found, it remains one of the best places in London to shop for vintage clothing and accessories. With its winding street of pastel-coloured buildings, it is also one of the most picturesque.
Portobello and the surrounding Notting Hill area also contains some fantastic independent shops, many of which offer contemporary items from multiple designers. We help you seek out the best quality for the most reasonable prices, and we seek to engage market traders and shop staff in stories of the area and stories about the clothes. All days on Portobello are good, and on Fridays the outstanding vintage clothes market takes place.
On a Full-Day Experience, we can go on for eight or nine hours, and typically we’d include lunch or afternoon tea, and probably finish with drinks and canapes or a light dinner. If you’d rather not stop for long meals, we can keep the breaks short and simple, which gives us more time to explore the area.
What to bring
- Wear very comfortable shoes
- Consider bringing a water bottle
- Check the weather and wear waterproofs in case of rain
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The full-day experience involves a lot of walking on uneven cobblestone streets—sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential.
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Carry water to stay hydrated as you explore the bustling market and shops over several hours.
Check the Weather Forecast
London weather can be unpredictable; pack waterproofs or an umbrella to stay comfortable outdoors.
Budget Cash for Market Purchases
While many vendors accept cards, some antique and vintage traders prefer cash, so bring some just in case.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban foxes roaming the neighborhood at dusk
- Street birds including sparrows and pigeons common around market stalls
History
Portobello Market began in the early 20th century as London’s foremost antiques market and evolved from a food market catering to wealthy households.
Conservation
Vendors and visitors are encouraged to reduce waste by using reusable bags and minimizing plastic, supporting a greener, more sustainable market culture.
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Adventure Hotspots in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supports long periods on your feet and navigating uneven surfaces.
Light Rain Jacket
Protects against sudden showers and keeps you dry while moving between market stalls.
spring|fall|winter specific
Reusable Water Bottle
Keeps you hydrated during extended outdoor activity.
summer|spring|fall specific
Small Backpack or Tote
Helpful for carrying purchases, snacks, and extra layers comfortably.