Covent Garden Market
Covent Garden Market has been a staple of London culture for close to two centuries. With a wide range of unique services, vendors and merchants selling farm fresh produce and goods, as well as restaurants and specialty shops, it is among the largest year-round markets in Canada. It’s also host to a wide variety of musical, culinary and cultural festivals and events, showcasing the best of what London has to offer. Whether you’re looking to get an intimate view of London, sample delicious local foods or buy a unique souvenir to take home, Covent Garden Market is the place to go.
Covent Garden is located in the heart of London’s downtown district at 130 King Street. The city of London is located along Highway 401 in southwest Ontario, approximately a two hour drive east of Windsor and an hour and a half west of Hamilton.
For up-to-date information and details on Covent Garden Market, we recommend you visit their website. To learn about things to do and places to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.
More about Covent Garden Market
The Covent Garden Market traces its origins back to London’s first government-licensed public fair in 1835. By 1853, the London City Council ordered the construction of a white-brick building that was to be the Covent Garden Market House. Its growth sparked that of the city of London’s as well. The first bank in the city was established right across from the market in pursuit of the Covent Garden merchants’ financial services. The market was also quite modern for its time, functioning more like a farmers’ market of today would: not only did farmers sell their wares and produce, but businesses that catered to farmers themselves flourished as well, along with shops selling staples to rural families, and restaurants along the periphery keeping everyone fed in between shopping trips.
Today’s Covent Garden Market is still London’s go-to for fresh, locally-sourcedmeats and produce, as well as a variety of restaurants and specialty stores. Additionally, it features bars, bistros and even a theatre. In the summer, the entertainment extends outdoors with street performers and musicians, while the square in front of the market is converted into a skating rink in the winter.
The majority of Covent Garden Market is wheelchair-accessible via ramps and designated disabled parking and service dogs are welcome throughout.
Explore more of downtown London after shopping at Covent Garden Market. Visit historic St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, which dates back to the early 19th century, then take a walk in neighbouring Victoria Park. Museum-hop from the Museum London, home to over 5,000 works of art and 45,000 artifacts collected from around the world. Beer enthusiasts will enjoy the two-hour tour at Labatt Brewery, Canada’s largest brewery, or a visit to any of the smaller but equally compelling local craft breweries such as Toboggan Brewing Company or family-run Anderson Craft Ales.
Last updated: September 15, 2023