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Shopping Covent Garden- London’s Most Convenient Market for Handmade Souvenirs

Shopping Covent Garden- London’s Most Convenient Market for Handmade Souvenirs

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Shopping Covent Garden’s Apple Market for Souvenirs made in England

While other London markets like Spitafields and Brick Lane may be more famous, Covent Garden’s Apple market is the only market located smack dab in central London. No need to plan a separate excursion here, you are likely to stumble across it when you’re in the area visiting the Royal Opera house, the excellent London Transport Museum (and fabulous gift shop, read about it here) or the nearby theaters.

shopping connvent garden london best
High street shops crowd the streets of the Covent Garden. While most aren’t unique to London or even the UK, there are a few British chain stores that don’t yet have a US outpost.

convent garden shops london street performers souvenirs
You may have to dodge some street performers– they are everywhere. But before you let out a groan, keep in mind that street performance has had a long history in Covent Garden– artists have been performing here since the 16th century.

Shopping in Convent Garden London street souvenir
You can’t miss the Covent Garden market– it’s the main building on the central piazza, across from St. Paul’s Church and the Transport Museum.

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There are a few different markets areas in Covent Garden, but the Apple Market is my favorite.  The Apple Market requires that all its vendor stalls carry only goods made locally in the UK. The exact vendors at the Apple Market may change depending on the day of the week, so check the market’s website if you’re looking for a particular stall.  There are only a couple dozen stalls here, so it’s easy enough to make a quick walk through.  What can you find?

vendor stalls apple market convent garden london shopping t shirts
Colorful tees with London designs.

vendors convent garden london jewelry london handmade apple market
Handcrafted jewelry.

convent garden market vendors handcrafted handmade london shopping apple market
Assorted items made from cork.

children's clothes london convent garden market handmade shopping apple market
Adorable children’s smock dresses.

handmade in uk purses london convent garden market stalls shopping
Clutch bags from Heidi Sturgess, handmade right in London.

handmade clutch bag purse london market shopping vendor
A great buy at £55 for large clutch, £39 for a small.

beatrix potter souvenirs london convent garden market stalls vendors
Beatrix Potter inspired sketches and cut outs.

bedford bears puppets handmade uk london convent garden shopping
Sweet bear puppets, handmade in England by Bedford Bears, a steal at only £12.

bedford bears puppet handmade uk london convent garden shopping
The vendor was happy to demo the bear puppet.

small bedford bears handmade england london convent garden shopping
I also loved the their tiny bear assortment.

bedford bears handmade england british london convent garden shopping
This little guy was my favorite.

Lauduree london macroons convent gardenOn the way out, stop for a macaroon at Lauduree or a burger from Shake Shack. Unlike the originals in Paris and New York, respectively, I saw no lines here.

Then make like a Londoner and hop one of the Boris Bikes (right outside the market) to your next destination.

Have you shopped at Covent Garden?  Tell us about in the comments!

London Souvenir Shopping Details:Convent Garden Market (Covent Garden Tube stop)
London, England
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 11am-6pm

All photos Copyright 2014 by Souvenir Finder and may not be reused without express permission.

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KATHLEEN HAYES

Monday 26th of March 2018

LOL! Can't wait to use your tips on our upcoming trip :)

KATHLEEN HAYES

Sunday 25th of March 2018

Kristin~ do you mean COVENT Garden?

Kristin Francis

Monday 26th of March 2018

haha that's a pretty big typo!! I can't believe no one's even pointed it out before

wanderingeducators

Wednesday 16th of April 2014

What a shopping mecca!

Kristin Francis

Sunday 20th of April 2014

I love that it was so convenient-- it takes so much time and effort to plan a day to the big markets, even a relentless shopper like me doesn't always have time for that!

atravelbroad

Thursday 10th of April 2014

Great photos! Markets are a goldmine of epically unique souvenirs. Good find!

Kristin Francis

Thursday 10th of April 2014

It's definitely the thrill of the hunt!

gallivance.net

Thursday 13th of March 2014

Kristin I've had a few good jobs, but the best location for a job I ever had was the three years we lived in London, and my office was on Longacre St. in Covent Garden. It's vibrant feel, wonderful restaurants, and proximity to everything was wonderful. One of my favorite spots was Neal's Yard (a tiny alley of tiny shops). There was a teeny, veggie, Indian takeaway there that I miss to this day. Thanks for a pleasant memory. ~ James

Kristin Francis

Friday 14th of March 2014

James, I love hearing you reminisce about your London days! And I adore Neal's Yard but I've only been to the borough market location. I'm not sure I know this "tiny alley of tiny shops" but those magic words are like catnip to me! Will have to explore more on my next visit-- on this one I was actually busy looking for an old timey candy shop in Convent Garden, Toffee Nose-- one of the last few places in London to find a Kendall Mint cake