4 hour(s)
English
Included
Discover the rich history of silk weaving and garment making in London
Learn about immigrant influences from Huguenots to South Asian communities
Explore East End shops, markets, and historic streets
See how past fashions inspire contemporary styles
€ 77.57
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
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The history of silk weaving and garment making in London is dramatic, impressive, sometimes painful, and deeply moving. Waves of immigrants have shaped this industry over the centuries, from the eighteenth-century French Huguenots, to Irish and Eastern European Jewish communities in the nineteenth century, and later Bangladeshi and Pakistani workers in the late twentieth century. Traces of all these groups remain visible today, from the thriving textile trades to the vibrant culture of the East End, including the ever-popular curry houses that reflect this rich multicultural heritage.
On this tour, we blend history with hands-on experiences at shops and market stalls. One moment you may find yourself debating whether to buy a 1970s tweed jacket, and the next you might be imagining how a new floral motif on a 1770s silk dress could have made a grand lady look perfectly fashionable. The past constantly weaves into the present—not just in the clothing, but in the buildings, smells, graffiti, and fascinating characters we encounter along the way. Their stories become part of your own unique journey through London’s East End, making the experience both immersive and unforgettable.
Expert local guide
Gratuities
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Bottle of water
Public transportation nearby
Keep personal essentials
Have a camera ready to capture every special moment
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
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Loved this market which is all undercover. Such a good variety of stalls selling unique items , antiques, clothing and bric a brac. Excellent variety of food outlets. Look out for the many elephants and other sculptures outside. We took 138 bus from London bridge to Liverpool Street station, other options are tube. Flying Tiger Copenhagen shop inside the market is fantastic very low priced quality items, plenty cheap gifts.
I visited Spitalfields Market in London after reading some good Google reviews, and we arrived around 11 am. At that time not all the stalls were open yet, so I would recommend going later in the afternoon if you want to see everything fully open and lively. The market is set in the historic and vibrant Spitalfields area in East London and It’s a mix of small independent stalls, shops, and restaurants, with both indoor and outdoor sections selling fashion, gifts, crafts, and food. I had a cup of chai from one of the stalls, which was really nice. That said, for me it was only worth a quick visit — I had planned to stay longer but ended up leaving earlier than expected. Overall, it’s an okay place to see, but it didn’t leave a very strong or memorable impression on me as a tourist.
Spitalfields Market is one of those places you can spend way more time than you planed. The area has a really nice vibe, mixing old buildings with modern shops and food stalls. There is a huge choice of food, from street food to more fancy options, and its hard to decide what to eat because everything smells amazing. I really like how international the market feels, you hear many languages and see people from everywhere. Some stalls sell handmade items, clothes, art and little things you dont really need but end up buying anyway. Prices can be a bit high in some places, but you can still find good value if you look around. On weekends it gets very crowded, sometimes almost too busy, but that also gives it a lively energy. Finding a place to sit can be difficult when its packed. During weekdays its more relaxed and easier to enjoy walking around without feeling rushed. Location is great, very close to Liverpool Street station, so its easy to stop by even if you dont plan your day around it. Overall, Spitalfields Market is a fun place to eat, shop and just walk around, especially if you like busy atmospheres and discovering new food and small brands.
Decided to check this place out to get out of the rain since it's fully covered. Plenty of halal and vegan food options you are just spoiled for choice. It has a very vibrant atmosphere - i could spend hours here just to soak the vibes in. Not much to shop though since most of the stuff sold at the stalls were quite pricey although some were interesting. The Brick Lane Jamee Mosque is less than 5 minutes walk away so no need to worry about prayer times.
Amazing place, it’s hard not to find what you want on a Sunday. If you are up for a walk come to Spitalfields Market and enjoy some of the nice food they do here. There are bar terraces as well where you could relax for a drink and if you fancy you could play a game at players social. You could also find nice shops where you could buy things for decorating your home. Definitely something for a family walk and especially for a Sunday lunch things to do.
