While there are some months when the level of tourists can skyrocket, it’s difficult to find any time of year when the city is practically free of tourists. So best to just expect some level of crowds and plan accordingly. So, grab a cup of tea and join me as we explore the best times to travel to London. From charming spring blossoms to cozy winter nights, we’ll cover it all in this little guide.

Spring (March-May) 

Probably one of the most scenic times of year to visit London is during the Spring. The city bursts into life with blooming flowers and warmer weather.

Spring in London typically has mild temperatures ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F), which makes it a comfortable time to explore the city. The pleasant weather is perfect for outdoor activities like walking tours and picnics in the park. Contrary to popular belief, Springtime in London isn’t actually the rainiest time of year. March and April have some of the lowest rainy days on the calendar.

Spring is a quieter time to visit London compared to the summer months. Fewer tourists crowd the streets and attractions. This means you’ll be able to enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed experience without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds. The prices for accommodations are also much lower in Springtime compared to the summer months.

And London’s springtime blooms are absolutely stunning. One of my favourite times of year is in the early Spring, just after the winter thaw when the Magnolia trees start to bloom. Exploring the many gardens around the city is a perfect itinerary for nature lovers. From the famous Kew Gardens to the smaller, lesser-known parks around the city, there are plenty of amazing places to see.

Spring Activities and Events

Springtime is also when the famous Chelsea Flower Show takes place. This event is a huge draw to many horticulturists from the UK and worldwide. And if you’re lucky enough to be in town, you should absolutely check it out if you have any inkling of a green thumb. Avoid the two weeks before and after Easter. British schools have two weeks off for Easter, and many families choose to do some travelling during this time. And certain businesses and shops will remain closed for these stat holidays. Be aware you may see a bump in airfare and accommodation prices during these events..

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Downsides to Travelling to London in the Spring

Compared to the longer days of summer, Spring has shorter daylight hours. This means you’ll have less time to explore the city in the daylight. This can be a challenge if you’re trying to fit in a lot of activities during a short trip. Springtime coincides with the British Easter holidays and the May Bank Holiday. While Spring is generally less busy, during these two weeks, tourism skyrockets. Attractions and accommodations may still be booked up far in advance. It’s important to plan ahead and book early to ensure you get the accommodations and attractions you want.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is the most popular time of year to visit London, and for a good reason. With long daylight hours, mild temperatures, and plenty of outdoor activities and events, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to travel to this bustling city during this season.

Summer is the warmest time of year, with average temperatures ranging from 18-23°C (64-73°F). This means you’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine and blue skies while exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions, parks, and gardens. During the summer, daylight hours in London can last up to 17 hours per day! So even at 9 pm, you still feel like the day is young. Many of London’s top attractions also have longer opening hours during the summer months. This is especially useful if you’re trying to cram as much as possible into a short trip.

Summer Activities and Events

Summer is also brimming with activities, events and festivals. It’s when the city feels alive. From the famous Wimbledon tennis tournament, London Pride, Trooping the Colour and Hampton Court Palace Festival, there’s always something going on in London during the summer months. And if something is sold out or booked up, finding an alternative isn’t hard! There’s just that much going on.

With the great weather, London is the perfect place to enjoy a range of outdoor activities. From picnics in the park to boat rides on the Thames, there’s no shortage of things to do outside London during the summer. Grab your picnic supplies from any of London’s bustling markets, which are especially lush with fresh produce in the summer!

Downsides to Travelling to London in the Summer

Without a doubt, because kids and teachers are out of school, Summer is the busiest time of year to travel to London. The city can get quite crowded with so many tourists visiting London during the summer months. Popular attractions, such as the Tower of London, the British Museum, and the London Eye, can have long lines, so you’ll need to be patient and carefully plan your visit to avoid crowds.

Summer is also the most expensive time to visit London, with flights, accommodations, and attractions often higher prices than during other seasons. This can make it more difficult to travel on a budget and may limit the amount of time you’re able to spend in the city. You’ll want to book as many restaurant reservations as you can in advance as well. This way, you won’t miss out on bucket-list meals.

While the weather in London during the summer is generally pleasant, occasional heat waves can make it uncomfortable to be outside for long periods. If you’re sensitive to heat, it’s important to plan your activities accordingly and take breaks in air-conditioned spaces when necessary. Despite, or perhaps due to, the summer heat, August is one of the heaviest months for rain. So be sure you plan accordingly. But never let the rain put you off. London is a city that can deal with rain, and there are hundreds of rainy-day activities to while away the time waiting for the rain to stop.

Autumn (September – November)

There is just something about London in the fall. To me, it’s the season that best resonates with the city itself. Like it was made for fall weather. Autumn is when the stunning fall foliage transforms London’s parks and gardens. Exploring Hyde Park, Kew Gardens, Hampstead Heath, St. Dunstan in the East and Little Venice all make for the perfect backdrops to experience the beauty of nature during this season. Grab a coat, a warm drink, and stroll through one of these stunning parks to truly appreciate the colours of fall in this vibrant city.

Autumn in London is generally mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 8-15°C (46-59°F). As the summer heat wains, so do the prices and crowds. This can make it a great option for travellers who want to save money without sacrificing the quality of their trip.

Fall Activities and Events

Autumn is the quietest month in terms of events and festivals, but the benefit of this means fewer crowds. Although the UK doesn’t celebrate Halloween as we do in North America, they have an even more important celebration called Bonfire Night. Also known as Guy Fawkes Night. It is celebrated on November 5th and commemorates the failed plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament, dubbed the “Gunpowder Plot of 1605.” All over Britain, there are firework displays and bonfires with models of Guy Fawkes filled with newspapers. These are then set alight on the fire. It’s a wonderfully unique British tradition that is a joy to experience if you find yourself in London on that day.

Downsides to Travelling to London in the Spring

While autumn is generally mild and comfortable in London, occasional rain and cool spells can still exist. As you head into October and November, you start to see a real spike in the rainy days. Packaging for all types of weather, including a raincoat or umbrella, is important to ensure you’re prepared for any surprises.

While autumn is generally quieter than the summer, some attractions and accommodations may still be booked up in advance, particularly during peak travel times like the October half-term. It’s important to plan and book early to ensure you get the accommodations and attractions you want.

Christmas in London

Despite the rain and the cold, Christmastime in London is one of the most, if not the most, magical times of year to visit the city! And London never really gets that cold (coming from a Canadian, at least.) It rarely falls below 0°, and so long as you’re dressed for the weather, you can still get out there and enjoy walking around for short periods. 

London goes ALL OUT for the holidays! Dozens of entire city blocks are decorated to the nines with Christmas lights. And all big department stores transform their facades during the festive season. There are also many special Christmas events and activities like ice skating rinks, carol concerts, festive food menus and, best of all, the Christmas Markets!

London’s Hyde Park transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season. The park is filled with festive decorations, ice skating rinks, and a Christmas market, making it a great place to get into the holiday spirit.

Downsides to Travelling to London at Christmas

Many businesses and attractions in London are closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. And some close down for the entire week of Christmas altogether. It’s important to research which businesses and attractions are open during the holiday season, so you can make the most of your time in the city.

Probably the worst part of travelling during the winter is the increase in cold and flu bugs. Being sick can really put a damper on your trip. And when you’re pushing yourself to see and do it all, it can weaken your immune system. It’s important to take precautions when travelling during cold and flu season. Get lots of sleep, take some vitamin C, wash your hands frequently, and consider wearing a mask in confined spaces.

Winter (January – February)

While many people write off Winter travel, I am such a big fan! And I am not one of those people that loves the cold. Just the opposite. But travelling in the winter comes with so many benefits and unique opportunities. One of the biggest benefits of travelling to London in the winter is fewer crowds. While London is a popular destination year-round, the winter months are typically slower. You’ll have more room to explore the city’s famous landmarks and attractions without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

Another advantage of visiting London in the winter is that prices for accommodations, flights, and attractions are generally lower. This can make visiting the city more affordable, especially if you’re on a budget.

Winter is a great time to enjoy indoor activities like museums, theatres, and shopping. London’s cold winter weather isn’t a surprise to the city. And as such, year after year, plenty of indoor activities keep you busy and warm. From world-class museums to cozy pubs, there’s always something to do in London, no matter the weather outside.

Winter Activities and Events

One of London’s most exciting events takes place on January 1st and is the New Year’s Day Parade. The parade features marching bands, floats, and performers from around the world, and it’s a great way to kick off the new year. You can also experience the London Art Fair, eat your heart out during the Chinese New Year and be amazed by the fashions seen all across the city during London Fashion Week in February. Come March; the streets explode with green banners and decorations for St. Patrick’s Day. Although St. Patrick’s Day is an Irish tradition, it is celebrated throughout London with parades and music and dance performances inside almost all the pubs.

Downsides to Travelling to London in the Winter

One of the biggest downsides of travelling to London in the winter is the cold and damp weather. Temperatures can dip below freezing, and rain and snow are not uncommon. Packing warm clothes and waterproof shoes is important so you can stay comfortable during your trip. London can be chilly and damp in the Winter from January to February. 

While February is one of the lightest months in the year in terms of rainfall, January is one of the heaviest, with December falling somewhere in between. And only on rare occasions does London get a dusting of snow. Although this year, we got a beautiful snow cover just a week before Christmas, and it was pretty magical to see.

You also need to keep in mind that London attractions will have reduced hours during the winter months. Many big attractions and museums close earlier in the day than throughout the rest of the year, as they don’t expect the same level of crowds. It’s important to check the hours of operation in advance, so you can plan your itinerary accordingly. 

And there you have it, dear reader! The best time to travel to London depends on what you want to experience during your trip. From the beautiful colours of autumn to the festive magic of Christmas, and the bustling energy of summer, London has something to offer year-round. So whether you prefer to bask in the summer sun, wander through golden leaves in autumn, or cozy up by a pub fire in the winter, London is always waiting to be explored.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post When is the Best Time to Travel to London? first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

As a solo traveller in London, I know how hard it is to fit all that food in your stomach (and budget.) So, I’ve done my best to select the best culinary experiences that Borough Market offers for you to choose your favourites from. But remember, it’s all about exploration, so if something calls to you, seek it out. You might just discover a new favourite dish. Grab your appetite and let’s explore!

Table Of Contents

1. History of Borough Market
2. Hours of Operation
3. Location & Access
4. Map of Market Guide
5. Advice on Crowds and Lines
6. Covent Garden Portico
7. Monmouth Coffee Company
8. Ginger Pig
9. Richard Haward's Oysters
10. Borough Olives
11. Kappacasein Dairy
12. Turnips
13. Heritage Cheese
14. The Black Pig
15. Comptoir Gourmand
16. Humble Crumble

History of Borough Market

Borough Market is one of London’s oldest food markets in the heart of Southwark, with a rich history dating back over 1,000 years. The original entrance to the city of London was located just a stone’s throw away from the market, on the London bridge.

But London Bridge in the 12 century was a much different scene than today. These days, London Bridge is one of the most austere pieces of architecture along the Thames. Providing visitors and locals with a straight shot across the river and nothing more. But back in Medieval London, the bridge was a veritable cacophony of life. The entire bridge was lined with shops and houses, one piled on top of the other, creating a vibrant and bustling commercial center.

Medieval Borough Market

This brought in loads of traders, but these merchants required a space much larger than the already overwhelmed bridge. This is where the first Borough Market was conceived. The market, located just opposite the entrance to the city, initially dealt with trading grain and large livestock. But as the years passed and the market expanded. It became a commercial district selling produce, leather, pottery, soap and more.

If you think Borough Market is crowded today, imagine the chaos you would have found here in the 16th century. The market was packed to the brim with fishmongers and butchers. The most foul-smelling sellers were located as close as possible to the bridge and river as possible. This meant they could have access to drainage to keep those odours out of the street. The less foul-smelling your business, the more inward your stalls were from the river. Almost like medieval grocery stall aisles.

The New Borough Market

But the market was growing out of control. Borough Market was smack dab in the center of London’s main entryway, acting as a blocked artery into the city. It caused such traffic congestion that, in 1754, the market was forced to close by an Act of Parliament. Luckily, in 1756 local parishioners were able to set up another market on a new site that would become the Borough Market we know today.

The iconic art deco green wrought iron building was the design of architect Henry Rose and was built in 1932. For years the covered market mainly sold local produce and was only frequented by the Southwark residents. But in the 1990s, the artisanal restaurant boom was beginning to take shape in London. Various pioneering food businesses saw the potential of revitalizing the British food scene and felt that Borough Market was the place to do so! They hoped on the trend of food markets serving up small bites from local restaurants. Combined with more traditional market stalls selling preserves, produce, fresh meats, and pastries.

Ethically Sourced

Most people probably don’t know that Borough Market is run by a charitable trust. This group overseas has a strict food policy within the market itself. This policy was implemented in the 1990s to ensure the traders’ ongoing commitment to quality, sustainability and ethics. This includes environmental sustainability and animal welfare. These policies can make you feel better about the food you’re buying. Not just any stall can sell food here. Only the best of the best of London gets to call themselves a vendor at Borough Market!

Hours of Operation

Unlike other markets in London, this market is open seven days a week. Monday to Friday, it’s open 10 am – 5 pm, Saturdays from 8 am – 5 pm, and Sundays 10 am – 3 pm. Although the main market is open all week, various stalls are only open from Wednesday onwards. I’ve done my best to outline the opening times of each stall below. Remember not to leave your Market visit too late in the evening as many shops will sell out.

Location & Access

The best way to get to Borough market is via the London Underground. They are conveniently located right beside the London Bridge Underground station, which is serviced by the Jubilee and Northern Lines. After exiting the train, follow signs for Borough Market, and you’ll find yourself there in under a few minutes.

Map of Market Guide

Advice on Crowds and Lines

A word of warning on the crowds. Many of the most popular food stalls here can get really busy. There are times when the lines for food can get up to an hour long! Especially on the weekends, the entire market can get super crowded. To avoid the lines, try to visit Borough Markets on a weekday. Wednesday and Thursdays are best to find the most shops open but not as busy as the weekends.

Unless there is a food stall you have been dreaming of and absolutely CANNOT MISS, if the queue is too long, give it a miss. Or come back later to see if the line is any shorter. Your vacation time is precious. And often, no matter how good the food really is, the taste can be soured by having to wait in a frustratingly long line. There are so many options in these markets, so don’t be afraid to skip that one “must-try” stop and give something different a go. I’ve included a number of different stops, more than any one stomach could fill, to ensure there is always multiple options for your day out in Borough Market.

Covent Garden Portico

We will start our tour in front of the beautiful wrought iron portico on Stoney Street, just north of Park Street. The gorgeous portico was only added to the facade in the 2000s. But this historical piece of architecture was built in 1850. The portico once dominated the entrance to the floral hall in Covent Garden. In the 1980s, when Covent Garden was being renovated, this portico was removed and stored by the historic society. Not wanting to simply ditch this amazing piece of London’s history. During Borough Market’s revitalization project, they saw the opportunity to repurpose the old portico on the west side of the market. Borough Market bought it from the Covent Garden trust for a whopping sum of £1.

Monmouth Coffee Company

The perfect way to start the morning off right is with a cup of coffee or tea from Monmouth Coffee Company! Monmouth Coffee Company is now one of London’s most popular indie coffee chains, but it first originated here in the late 1990s. Its charming interior blends modern fixtures with old red brickwork from the original building. Giving it such an old London feel mixed with classic comforts. They are serious about their beans and even have them on display behind glass. You can take a look before ordering to read about the beans before brewing.

Price: Latte £3.80 | Filtered Coffee £3.80 | Iced Latee £4.30
Open Tuesday – Saturday

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Ginger Pig

Next, let’s head across the street and hit up Ginger Pig. All the meat for sale at Ginger pig is from native British rare breed livestock. Their fresh beef is butchered on-site, so many locals come here for prime cuts of beef for their Sunday roast. But we have come here for those glossy sausage rolls, steaming up the display case. These are one of the most filling sausage rolls in the city! Even just lifting this baby up to your mouth is a workout! Plan on splitting it up if you eat your way through the market.

Although wrapping meat inside pastry is a Roman recipe, the history of sausage rolls in the UK can be traced back to the early 1800s. Sausage rolls were believed to be a portable and convenient snack for working-class labourers. It was a way to get a quick and filling meal while working. The first recorded mention of sausage rolls was in a British cookbook written in 1851. Ever since these handy meat pockets have been considered a quintessential British food. And they should be on the top of everyone’s list to try when visiting London. While the classic pork sausage roll is the most popular, you can also get the pastry filled with British Silton cheese. Or opt for a spicy lamb roll for something a little more daring!

Prices: Traditional Sausage Roll £5 | Pork and Stilton £5.50 | Spicy Lamb £5.50
Open all week

Richard Haward’s Oysters

Just inside the entrance to the covered part of Borough Market, stop in at Richard Haward’s Oysters stand. The Haward family has been harvesting oysters in the shallow creeks outside Essex since as far back as 1792! This family knows their oysters! I was shocked to find out oysters could be found in England at all. But apparently, the warm temperatures in that area provide the perfect conditions for these delicious, fatty oysters to thrive. And since they are caught locally, the prices as surprisingly affordable. If you’ve never tried an oyster before, this is the spot to give it a go. I often suggest asking for their recommendation on what to try. Or taste a few different oysters to learn more about the subtle flavour difference that each variety of oysters has.

Price: Oysters are priced by size and variety | Try the oyster combo, which features two extra large oysters or three medium or five small, plus a glass of sparkling wine for only £10
Open all week

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Borough Olives

Borough Olives are one of my favourite spots to grab a salty snack. Something about those old wooden barrels filled with glossy marinating olives excites me and gets my mouth watering! All ingredients from Borough Olives are sourced from specialist producers in Greece, Spain and Morocco. Once harvested, the olives are brought to their Essex kitchens, dosed with various spices and marinades that turn them up to 11 on the flavour scale! A small sampling of olives is a great way to brighten your taste buds. If you are planning a little picnic, but sure to try their olive tapenade. The perfect thing to spread over a fresh loaf of bread and served with a side of cheese.

Price: Approx £4.70/200 grams
Open all week

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Kappacasein Dairy

Dash across the street quickly before delving deeper into the covered market to grab a snack at Kappacasein Dairy. Kappacasein Dairy was founded by William Oglethorpe, who studied agriculture in Switzerland before moving to London in the 1980s. This shop specializes in alpine-style cheese served up on British classics. Their best seller is the toasted cheese sandwich made with shredded raclette. These are often called “cheese toasties” and are considered another British staple food.

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In the winter, a favourite salty snack is their melted raclette, which is scraped and smothered over a plate of freshly baked potatoes. And served with a side of crunchy pickles. This comforting snack is the perfect way to warm you up on a cold or rainy day in London.

Cheese Toastie £7 | Raclette on potatoes £6
Open Thursday – Saturday

Turnips

Heading deeper into the market, make your way to Turnips Greengrocers. This shop is run by the Foster family, who source fruit and veg from all about Britain to bring the finest seasonal produce to the centre of London! While their produce is surely the visual draw of this stand, they have become very popular for their pressed fruit juices. These refreshing beverages allow you to taste the freshness of their produce without having to lug a bag full of fruit home with you.

The stand is also well known for its incredible selection of mushrooms. But visitors who didn’t have a kitchen in London mostly had to miss out on trying these precious morels. But recently, they have started selling freshly made mushroom risotto using their gorgeous produce. Cooked right in the market, for all to see and small. You can honestly sniff them out from across the market, making Turnips easy to find. If you want to amp up your risotto, you can also add freshly shaved truffles or truffle oil on top. I’m not much of a fan, so I prefer the plain risotto as it allows the true flavours of the natural mushrooms to come through. But I know truffle fans will jump at the opportunity!

Mushroom Risotto £8.50 | extra £2.5 for truffle oil | extra £15 for shaved white truffles | extra £8 for shaved black truffles
Open all week

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Heritage Cheese

If you want to sample some of the best British Cheese, head straight to the Heritage Cheese stall. This company brings together the best British and Irish artisanal cheese makers. My favourite being their selection of Blue cheeses, including the famous Stilton. I don’t think you’ve truly tried blue cheese until you’ve tried Stilton. Their stalls will happily give you a sample before slicing you off a wedge of cheese to take home. So don’t be scared to ask. If you aren’t sure what to get, ask for the Cheesemongers Choice. Give them a budget, and they will provide you with a few varieties with that price point in mind.

Around £15 for 400 grams (price depends on the variety of cheese)
Open all week

The Black Pig

The one spot in the market that I feel is worth the wait in line for the sandwiches at the Black Pig. Their signature honey truffle and parmesan pork ciabatta are truly one of the best things to eat in the entire city! The pork for the sandwich is slow-roasted over hot coals all day, giving it a succulent and subtle flavour that just melts in your mouth. That combination of sweet, salty and fatty is beyond reproach. My absolute #1 recommendation! There is an area of raised seating just opposite the Black Pig if you’re looking for somewhere to sit and enjoy your food. Or just take a minute to relax before heading back into the market.

Price: Honey Truffle Parmesan £10
Open all week

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Comptoir Gourmand

I know so many people are obsessed with the doughnuts at Bread Ahead but we found them to be stale and the queue is always really really long! Instead, consider checking out Comptoir Gourmand for a dose of delicious baked goods! This amazing shop is run by chef-patissier Sebastien Wind, who was trained in France. And we all know the French have mastered the art of pastry. Everything from tender fruit tarts to huge, colourful meringues and custardy croissants can be found here in their little stall.

Price: Meringue £2.70 | Croissant £1.80 | Chocolate Twist £2.50 | Danish £3.50
Open Wednesday – Sunday

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Humble Crumble

Humble Crumble is one of those places I saw go viral online, and I thought it would just be one of those over-hyped food trends. But once I tasted it, I was shocked to find it was everything people say it is. A humble crumble is essentially a build-your-own sweet crumble bowl. You start with a base of their seasonal fruit selections. Depending on the time of year, you can get mixed berries, apples, rhubarb, strawberries or a mixture of two.

You then cover the fruit in your choice of crumble. Either classic shortbread, vegan shortbread or granola. Then the entire bowl is then smothered in the creamiest hot vanilla custard, frozen vanilla custard, or freshly whipped cream. You can also get one extra topping like dried rose petals, almond slivers, or marshmallows. For an extra 50 p, you can also get a creme brulee topping. I’m a sucker for a ‘make-your-own” sweet and this always hits the spot!

Price: Regular £6.5 Large £8
Open Tuesday – Sunday

Well, fellow foodies, we’ve reached the end of our Borough Market culinary adventure! Whether you’re a seasoned Borough Market regular or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new and delicious to discover. Whether you’re craving traditional British fare or international cuisine, you’re sure to find something to tempt your taste buds. Until next time,

Happy Eating, Adventurers!

The post Exploring Borough Market’s Best Culinary Delights: the Ultimate Foodie Guide first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.