Today, the market draws thousands of shoppers, who buy speciality foods–ranging from black-bean-chili to cheese to fruit and vegetables–but it wasn’t always that way. In fact, in the 20th century, the majority of produce supplied was to greengrocers. Feeling hungry? Then sample some of the culinery delights served up by street food vendors from around the world.
DIRECTORY
Borough Market
Borough Market is one of the oldest food markets in London. It dates back to the 12th century, however, the market’s present buildings were built in the 1850s. The market has been popular throughout its entire existence. In 1550, Edward VI passed a royal charter which called for London to control all the markets in Southwark. 200 years later, however, the congestion caused at Borough Market by the charter resulted in it being abolished by an Act of Parliament. Think Black Friday but for fruit and vegetables.
Film location
But shoppers aren’t the only thing Borough Market attracts–and I’m not talking about rats. Due to its popularity, it’s no surprise the market has featured in many famous films. Two which stand out are the romcom film Bridget Jones’s Diary, and the fantastical Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
Harry Potter
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Borough Market provided one of the two settings for the Leaky Cauldron, the magical wizarding pub that wouldn't have looked out of place at any point in the market's distant past. In the first film a shop in Leadenhall Market was used—another must-see location for Harry Potter fans. And don't stop there—nearby are other Harry Potter sites including No. 7 Stoney Street under the bridge at a flower shop called Chez Michele. This is the real-life location of the Leaky Cauldron.
Fans of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets might recognize the shopfront at No. 8 Stoney Street—The Market Porter Pub. This was the location of the Third Hand Book Emporium where Harry first met the ill-fated Gilderoy Lockhart. It was also here that the Knight Bus set off on its perillous journey with a anxious Harry aboard.
Address and Contact Details
Address: Borough Market, 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
Telephone: 020 7407 1002
Email: Send email
Website: Borough Market (opens in new window).
Travel Connections
Borough Market is located in Southwark, just south of the River Thames, and is easily accessible.
Underground (Tube)
- London Bridge Station (Jubilee and Northern lines): Approximately a 1-2 minute walk. This station is directly adjacent to the market.
- Borough Station (Northern line): Approximately an 8-minute walk.
- Monument Station (District and Circle lines): Approximately a 9-minute walk (cross London Bridge).
- Cannon Street Station (District and Circle lines): Approximately a 12-minute walk (cross Cannon Street Bridge).
- Mansion House Station (District and Circle lines): Approximately a 12-minute walk.
- Bank Station (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City lines, DLR): Approximately a 13-minute walk.
Train
- London Bridge Station: Directly beside the market, offering mainline rail services from various parts of London and the South East.
Bus
Numerous bus routes serve the area around Borough Market. Key bus stops include:
- Southwark Street: Buses 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 149, 343, 344, 381, N21, N35, N133, N343, N381.
- Borough High Street: Buses 4, 8, 25, 42, 141, 149, 153, 205, N8, N25, N44, N133, N153, N205.
- London Bridge: Buses 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 149, 343, 344, 381, N21, N35, N133, N343, N381.
- London Bridge Station: Buses 17, 21, 35, 40, 43, 47, 48, 133, 149, 343, 344, 381, N21, N35, N133, N343, N381.
River Boat
- Bankside Pier: Approximately a 15-20 minute walk from Borough Market. Services run by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
- London Bridge City Pier: Approximately a 5-10 minute walk from Borough Market. Services also run by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
Car
- Parking is not available directly at Borough Market.
- Several public car parks are within a short walking distance, including Union Car Parks and Snowsfields NCP. Due to its central location and heavy foot traffic, public transport is highly recommended.
Cycling
- There are several bike racks within the market, specifically in the Green Market and on Stoney Street near the Black & Blue restaurant.
- Cycle hire docks are available on Southwark Street and Park Street. Bikes, scooters, and roller skates are not permitted to be ridden through the market.
Facilities
- Toilets: Fully accessible toilets are available in various locations, including Jubilee Place, Market Hall, and Borough Market Kitchen during trading hours. No radar key is required.
- Seating Areas: Limited seating is available, primarily for street food consumption.
- Information Point: For assistance or further information on accessibility, visitors can go to the Borough Market store near the main entrance.
Access
- The market's public spaces are largely laid out on a single ground-floor level, meaning there are no lifts or stairs in the main market areas.
- Due to its historic nature, the estate contains several different surfaces, including some cobbles, which might make some areas harder to access for those with mobility issues.
- Passageways vary in width, from 1.5 metres to 4 metres. The market can get extremely busy, especially on Saturday afternoons.
- Trained assistance and medical alert dogs are welcome.
- Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the market.
Entry Fees
Entry to Borough Market is free of charge.
Opening Times
Borough Market is generally open six days a week, with variations during the festive season and public holidays. It is closed on Mondays.
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Not all traders are present on all days, but there is always a wide selection available.
Articles
Harry Potter London Film Locations: Discover iconic Harry Potter film locations in London, from the bustling Diagon Alley to the mysterious Hogwarts Express platform.
Other Places of Interest Within 15 Minute's Walk
Southwark Cathedral (1-2 minutes): A stunning medieval church with beautiful Gothic architecture, rich history, and a peaceful churchyard, located directly adjacent to Borough Market.
The Shard (5 minutes): As Western Europe's tallest building, The Shard offers impressive 360-degree views of London's skyline from its observation decks.
The Golden Hinde (7-8 minutes): A full-sized replica of Sir Francis Drake's 16th-century galleon, offering a fascinating glimpse into Elizabethan maritime exploration and life on board.
Shakespeare's Globe (8 minutes): A faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare's open-air playhouse, where visitors can experience plays as they might have been performed in Elizabethan times, or take a guided tour of the historic theatre.
HMS Belfast (8-10 minutes): A historic Royal Navy warship, now a floating museum, offering an immersive look at naval life and its role in World War II, moored on the River Thames.
London Bridge Experience and Tombs (10 minutes): An immersive and often scary attraction that takes visitors on a journey through London's dark and gruesome history with live actors and special effects.
Sky Garden (12 minutes): London's highest public garden, offering panoramic views of the city from its lush landscaped spaces, restaurants, and bars. Free to visit but booking well in advance is essential.
Tate Modern (13 minutes): A leading modern and contemporary art gallery, housed in a former power station, featuring works by renowned artists such as Picasso and Matisse. Entry to the permanent collection is free.
Tower Bridge (14 minutes): An iconic London landmark, this Victorian-era bascule and suspension bridge offers a museum experience inside its towers, including glass walkways and engine rooms.
Leadenhall Market (15 minutes): A beautiful, ornate Victorian covered market with stunning architecture, known for its selection of shops, pubs, and restaurants, and used as a filming location for Harry Potter.
