Leadenhall Market

The Basics

Whether you’re a history buff, fitness fan, or Harry Potter enthusiast, you’ll enjoy a visit to Leadenhall Market. Historical tours usually include other ancient London landmarks as well as the market. Active sightseers can zip through the city on a bike tour. Harry Potter lovers can search for the entrance to Diagon Alley on foot, or cruise by in an iconic black cab.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Unlike nearby Smithfield Market, Leadenhall is no longer a wholesale market, and as of 2018, there are few independent stalls.

• The market isn’t very big, so it’s worth combining your visit with other local landmarks.

• Leadenhall Market’s main draw is its impressive architecture, so don’t forget your camera.

• All public areas of the market are wheelchair accessible, though the main thoroughfare is gently cobbled.

How to Get There

Located in the historic center of London, the market is just a short walk from Bank and Monument underground stations, and about 10 minutes from Moorgate or Liverpool Street mainline stations.

When to Get There

Unlike the rest of the lively metropolis, the City of London itself goes very quiet during the weekend. If you’re looking for atmosphere, arrive on a weekday around lunchtime, when the market will be bustling with city workers.

Who was Sir Horace?

English architect Sir Horace Jones is best known for his design of Tower Bridge, as well as several City of London markets, including Smithfield. Jones’ architectural designs can still be explored today, providing unique insight into the city’s Victorian heritage.

Ways to explore

The market space is open 24/7 for people to pass through, although the retail outlets and eateries inside it have varying opening hours. Given its fame as a Harry Potter filming location, there is no shortage of Potter-themed tours that stop by for photo opportunities in front of Diagon Alley and the blue-fronted door, which starred as the Leaky Cauldron. Leadenhall also has literary links, and there are Charles Dickens walking tours that visit the market, giving insight into its Victorian history.

Accessibility

Leadenhall Market is mostly accessible to wheelchair users. A disability access map is available directly from the site.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Credit cards, a camera

What to wear

Comfortable, flat shoes to conquer the cobblestones

Not allowed

Cigarettes; while Leadenhall Market has outdoor areas, the site is non-smoking

Amenities

Shopping, food stores, restaurants, bars, traditional pubs, and public restrooms at Ship Tavern Passage and on nearby Gracechurch Street

Address

Leadenhall Market sits in the central City of London financial district (the Square Mile), on the north bank of the River Thames. It’s walkable from the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the Sky Garden.

Driving

You need to pay the London Congestion Charge and the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) fee, if applicable, for your vehicle. There are no parking lots or street parking nearby, so it’s better to leave the car behind.

Public transportation

Take the tube to Monument station (via the District and Circle lines) or Bank station (via the Northern line); both are about a 5-minute walk. Aldgate and Moorgate tube stations are within a 15-minute walk, as are London Fenchurch Street and London Liverpool Street for overground trains.

Best times to visit

The shops are at their quietest when they open around 10am. For lunch, get a table before 1pm when many city workers arrive.

Best days to visit

For crowd-free photos or to admire the architecture, visit on a Sunday. To experience the market buzz, visit midweek.

Best months to visit

To see the festive decorations at Leadenhall Market, visit in December. Select weekend vintage markets happen between April and November.

Special events

Visit on St. George’s Day (usually April 23) to see traditional Morris dancing outside the Lamb Tavern around lunchtime. Another fun annual event is the Pancake Day race, held on Shrove Tuesday (in February or March).