Portobello Road Market in London is one of the world’s most famous antiques markets, attracting collectors, dealers, and tourists every week. While the market offers everything from fresh produce to fashion, its heart lies in the antiques and collectibles trade, particularly on Saturdays. Stretching from Notting Hill to Westbourne Grove, the market transforms into a treasure trove of vintage finds, rare artifacts, and unique curiosities. Here’s a detailed look at the antique and collectible stalls you can discover.
Vintage & Antique Jewelry
One of the biggest draws is the dazzling array of antique and vintage jewellery. Stalls showcase pieces from the Victorian, Edwardian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco eras, including intricate lockets, cameos, and filigree rings. You’ll also find mid-century costume jewellery, Bakelite bangles, and retro brooches. Some dealers specialize in hallmarked silver and gold, offering pocket watches, signet rings, and antique chains.
Silver, Gold & Decorative Antiques
For collectors of fine metals, there are stalls dedicated to antique silverware, including tea sets, candlesticks, snuff boxes, and vanity items. Dealers often carry Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian silver, with some pieces bearing original maker’s marks. Additionally, you may find gold-plated vanity cases, vintage compacts, and enamelled trinket boxes.
Vintage Clothing & Accessories
Fashion enthusiasts flock to stalls selling period clothing, from 1920s flapper dresses to 1950s swing coats and 1970s bohemian attire. You might stumble upon military uniforms, lace gloves, silk scarves, and leather handbags from bygone decades. Hats are another highlight, with stalls offering fedoras, cloches, and top hats in pristine condition.
Collectible Toys & Memorabilia
Nostalgia-seekers will love the vintage toy stalls, featuring tin robots, Dinky cars, porcelain dolls, and model trains. Some vendors specialize in old board games, action figures, and movie memorabilia, while others sell *rare comic books, vinyl records, and retro advertising signs.
Antique Furniture & Home Decor
For those seeking larger pieces, several dealers offer antique furniture, including mahogany desks, Art Deco sideboards, and mid-century modern chairs. Smaller home décor items like vintage mirrors, chandeliers, and stained-glass lamps are also popular.
Rare Books, Prints & Ephemera
Book lovers can browse stalls filled with first editions, leather-bound classics, and antique maps. There are also vendors selling old postcards, vintage magazines, and engraved prints, perfect for framing.
Military & Historical Collectibles
History buffs will find medals, war memorabilia, antique swords, and vintage cameras. Some stalls even carry scientific instruments, old apothecary bottles, and nautical artifacts.
Ceramics & Pottery
From Wedgwood jasperware to Royal Doulton figurines, there’s a wealth of antique ceramics. Look out for blue-and-white transferware, Art Deco vases, and vintage tea sets.
Coins, Banknotes & Oddities
Numismatists can hunt for rare coins and historic banknotes, while those who love the unusual might find taxidermy, medical antiques, or occult items.
Best Time to Visit
The best day for antiques is Saturday (8 AM–5 PM), when the market is at its busiest. Early birds get the best picks, as serious collectors arrive before dawn.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a curious visitor, Portobello Road Market offers an unforgettable journey through history, with each stall telling its own unique story
