Leadenhall Market is one of London's most beautiful covered markets, tucked into the heart of the City among the towers of the financial district. Its ornate Victorian roof of wrought iron and glass, its cobbled walkways and its cream, maroon and green paintwork make it instantly recognisable, even to first-time visitors. Once a meat, poultry and game market, today it shelters a clutch of shops, bars and eateries beneath one of the capital's finest covered arcades, and it has become a magnet for photographers, history enthusiasts and film fans alike.
Why visit Leadenhall Market
Leadenhall Market is worth visiting because it is one of the oldest and most ornate covered markets in London, set on a site of commerce dating back to Roman times and crowned by a spectacular Victorian roof. It offers visitors a striking blend of architecture, history and atmosphere in the middle of the modern City. Few corners of London pack so much character into so small a space. The market sits on ground that was once the centre of Roman Londinium, where the great basilica and forum stood, and a market has occupied this location since the fourteenth century. The structure visitors admire today was designed by Sir Horace Jones in 1881, the same architect behind Tower Bridge and Smithfield Market. The result is a soaring canopy that turns an ordinary lane into a cathedral of commerce, glowing under decorative lamps once the light fades.
What to see at Leadenhall Market
The pleasure of Leadenhall lies in wandering its arcades and looking up, but several details reward closer attention.
- The Victorian roof, a glorious framework of wrought iron, glass and ornamental detail painted in maroon, cream and green, widely considered Horace Jones's finest market design.
- The cobbled walkways and historic shopfronts, which retain much of their nineteenth-century character beneath the modern bustle.
- The central crossing, where the four arms of the market meet under the highest point of the roof, the best spot to appreciate the scale of the structure.
- The painted detailing and gilded flourishes that decorate the columns and gables, especially atmospheric when the lamps are lit.
- The famous Harry Potter connection, as the market's arcades stood in for the approach to the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley in the first film, drawing fans from around the world.
- Independent shops, wine bars and cafes that occupy the historic units, ideal for a pause between sightseeing.
How to visit
Leadenhall Market is located on Gracechurch Street in the City of London, EC3. It is free to enter and open to the public as a thoroughfare, so you can stroll through and admire the architecture at any time, though individual shops, bars and restaurants keep their own hours. The nearest Underground stations are Monument and Bank, both served by several lines, with Bank also offering DLR connections. Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street mainline stations are a short walk away. The market is busiest with City workers at lunchtime on weekdays and noticeably quieter at weekends, when it takes on a calmer, more photogenic air. For current opening times of the shops and venues within, and details of any events, check the official Leadenhall Market website before you visit.
What's nearby
Leadenhall Market sits among some of the City's most famous landmarks. The Lloyd's of London building, Richard Rogers's celebrated inside-out tower, stands directly opposite, while the Leadenhall Building, known as the Cheesegrater, and 30 St Mary Axe, the Gherkin, rise nearby. The Monument to the Great Fire of London is a few minutes' walk south, and the Bank of England and Royal Exchange lie just to the west. The riverside and the Tower of London are both within easy walking distance, making the market a natural stop on a wider tour of the historic City. Explore more of the area through our guide to the City's London neighbourhoods.
Leadenhall Market FAQ
Is Leadenhall Market free to visit?
Yes. Leadenhall Market is free to enter and functions as a public covered walkway through the City, so you can wander beneath its Victorian roof and admire the architecture at no cost. You only pay if you choose to shop, eat or drink at one of the independent businesses housed within the market's historic arcades.
Was Leadenhall Market used in Harry Potter?
Yes. The market's atmospheric arcades featured in the first Harry Potter film, where they represented the area around the Leaky Cauldron and the entrance to Diagon Alley. The blue shopfront often associated with the scenes can still be spotted, and the location remains a popular stop for fans exploring filming sites across London.
How old is Leadenhall Market?
A market has stood on this site since the fourteenth century, and the location was a centre of commerce in Roman times. The ornate covered structure that visitors see today was designed by Sir Horace Jones and completed in 1881, making the present building well over a century old while the market tradition itself stretches back far further.
When is the best time to visit Leadenhall Market?
For photographs and a calmer atmosphere, weekends are ideal, as the City empties of office workers and the arcades grow quiet. Weekday lunchtimes are lively but busy. Evenings, when the decorative lamps glow against the painted ironwork, are especially atmospheric, though many shops will have closed by then.
Plan your visit
Leadenhall Market pairs naturally with a day spent exploring the historic City. Browse our wider collection of London attractions to build your itinerary, see more of the capital's distinctive trading halls in our guide to London markets, and find other places to wander in our overview of things to do in London.
