Visiting Borough Market by Train: What You Need to Know

In the heart of central London, a stone’s throw from the Shard, Southwark Cathedral, and the HMS Belfast, Borough Market is easy to find and difficult to leave!

London Bridge has seating areas, step-free access to all platforms, and accessible toilets. To get from London Bridge to Borough Market will take only a few minutes, with excellent views along the view of Southwark Cathedral and other landmarks.

One of the oldest and best-known street food markets in the world, Borough Market is a popular lunch spot for locals and tourists alike.

Open to visitors six days a week, you can visit Borough Market at the following times:

• Tuesday–Saturday: 10am – 5pm

• Sunday: 10am – 4pm

Borough Market is closed on Monday, and opening hours may vary on other days, to account for public holidays. Individual traders may also keep to different hours. To check up-to-date opening times, visit the Borough Market website.

Entry to Borough Market is free, and you don’t need a ticket.

The obvious choice at a food market is to gorge on the many delightful food options available! But there is more than food at Borough Market. Here are our top recommendations:

Grab some food

When in one of the best street food markets in the world, it would be a crime not to tuck into some delicious food and drinks. Whether you’re in the market for British staples, Italian flavours, or Middle Eastern delicacies, your mouth will be watering as you walk around Borough Market. Enjoy ready-to-eat treats or stock up for the week at fruit and veg wholesalers Turnips or iconic Spanish specialist Brindisa.

Enjoy the hustle and bustle

As well as tasty food, Borough Market has a bustling atmosphere that becomes an experience in itself. Stroll along the halls and passageways, keeping an eye out for historical architecture and secrets hidden in every nook and cranny. Visitors can spend hours between the three sections, entranced by the variety and passion of market life.

Take a behind-the-scenes tour

To go deeper into Borough Market’s heritage, book a private tour behind the scenes of Borough Market. You’ll get the chance to learn about the market, and its food, history and cultural value. Your knowledgeable guide will bring the market’s hidden features to life, and you’ll also be able to enjoy talks and tastings from traders, plus a glass of English sparkling wine.

From a medieval market that frustrated the authorities to a bustling modern landmark, Borough Market has a long and fascinating past.

The start of Borough Market

In the early days of the market, when the only route into the City of London from south of the Thames was London Bridge, street traders were a constant challenge to the authorities. Shoppers developed the habit of heading south to buy their wares from London Bridge, leading to battles to regulate and tax the small traders.

Early Modern Heyday

In the 16th and 17th centuries, Southwark was immensely busy, with craftspeople and traders dominating the streets. Londoners crossed London Bridge to let off steam, and the markets did a roaring trade.

The end of Borough Market?

Authorities continued to crack down on the market as London expanded. In 1754, a bill went before parliament alleging that “the market obstructs much trade and commerce”, and declaring that “no person shall use any stall, trussel, block, or other stand, or expose to sale upon such stands peas, beans, herbs, victuals or other commodities.”

A new beginning

Thankfully, this was not the end of the story. Indeed, Southwark residents petitioned to create a new market, they acquired some land, and adverts for the first traders at Borough Market were sent out in February 1756. The market continues in the same location to this day!

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