Borough Market (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Borough Market?
What makes it 76% Kids-Friendly: Free holiday workshops and kid cooking classes turn shopping into hands-on learning, but narrow aisles and hot food stands demand close supervision and may tire children after 1-2 h.
Positives:
- Covered location: The market roof keeps families dry in rain without needing umbrellas.
- Free samples: Many stalls offer small tastings so kids can explore new foods at no extra cost.
- Central access: A short walk from London Bridge station makes arrivals and departures easy.
Challenges:
- Narrow aisles: Busy weekends can make pram navigation and lining up with kids difficult.
- Uneven surfaces: Cobblestone floors may be bumpy for strollers and tiring for little ones.
- Limited seating: Benches are scarce; bring a foldable seat or plan breaks in nearby cafes.
What is Borough Market?
- A historic food market in Southwark, central London, situated beneath Victorian railway arches on Borough High Street
- One of the city’s oldest markets, offering wholesale and retail stalls selling British-reared meats, artisanal breads, cheeses and specialty produce
- Features Grade II-listed iron-and-glass halls that blend Victorian industrial design with contemporary market layouts
What is so special about Borough Market for with kids?
- Hands-on holiday workshops for kids at Market Explorers Garden
- Free tastings of cheeses, breads, and seasonal treats
- Live baking demos and warm doughnuts at Bread Ahead
- Covered, easy access near London Bridge station
- Family-friendly vibe with no entry fee
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 1-2 hour visit lets families try samples and explore stalls without tiring younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Borough Market
Market Explorers Garden:
Join free drop-in workshops during school holidays with touch-and-smell games and crafts.
Tip: Visit early and move between craft tables to avoid crowding; no booking needed, children must stay with an adult.
Sample artisanal cheeses and breads:
Taste free samplers at dairy and bakery stalls under the railway arches.
Tip: Ask for small portions at Borough Aged & British Cheese Co. and Bread Ahead stalls; share bites among kids.
Watch bakers at Bread Ahead:
See live baking of doughnuts and pastries in the market’s bakery school.
Tip: Arrive mid-morning for warm doughnut samples and shorter queues.
Pick fresh juices and treats:
Choose seasonal fruit juices and sweet pastries for a quick family snack.
Tip: Head to the juice stalls on the south side for quieter lines and try blackberry juice in summer.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Borough Market
- Visit on weekdays: Arrive before noon, Tuesday to Thursday, to avoid peak crowds and long lines.
- Start from the north end: Walk south through the market to explore stalls in order and spot quieter areas first.
- Use small coins: Carry change for quick purchases and to accept small-sample portions easily.
Reviews of Borough Market
Yaran Liang
Busy as usual, with food selections of cooked food, bakery, groceries and drinks. Even this is one of the most popular tourist spots in London, I enjot coming here myself or taking visitors here. You can always get something you like and fresh and tasty.
SACHIT VARMA
The Borough Market was a great place to roam around and try out delicious food. So much variety, great taste, international palettes, everything was vibrant. There's cheese, sausages, olive oil, bakery, wine, paella, fish, burgers, sandwiches and a lot more. Highly recommended for everyone visiting this part of the city.
Pelin Kahveci
I love everything about Borough Market! It’s one of my favourite places in London. I can do shopping, enjoy food, check bakery and deserts and so on. The market offers nice options from veggies to fruits, to meat, to cheese, to charcuterie, to wine and olives and even flowers! I love wine restaurants, desert counters, cheese and charcuterie, and meat shops. If you wanna eat, you can eat within the...
Lidor Bracha
Beautiful amazing food experience! So many places and tastes from all over the world. Recommended to do with groups for sharing things so you can grab as much as you can.
Debora Chaitlall (Debs)
One of my favorite places and definitely a must-visit whenever I’m in the area. The whole spot has such a great farmers market vibe with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it fun to wander around for hours. There are so many vendors offering samples, which makes it easy to try new things and get a real taste of what’s available. For food, we went with the fish and chips, which were crispy, f...
When is the best time to visit Borough Market (London, United Kingdom)?
During school holidays, join Easter and summer Market Explorers workshops. In summer, try fresh berries and chilled juices. In winter, look for festive mince pies and hot chocolate.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Market snacks & samples | GBP 20 |
| Bakery treats (doughnuts, pastries) | GBP 12 |
| Drinks (juices, coffee) | GBP 12 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 44 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Borough Market
Address: London SE1 9AL, UK
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About Borough Market
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 20 7407 100210 BEST nearby Activities
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