The arcades along Portobello Road are steeped in character and history, and house the majority of the antiques that have made the market world-famous. Take your time and allow yourself to get lost among the labyrinth of stalls and tables.
ADMIRAL VERNON ANTIQUES MARKET
Admiral Vernon (141-149 Portobello Road) is named after the English naval officer who captured Puerto Bello in 1739. Split over two floors, it is the largest of the arcades. There are 190 private dealers offering a complete range of antiques. Particular specialist interests include toys, textiles, fine drawings, lace and oriental ceramics.
HARRIS'S ARCADE
Visit Harris's Arcade (161-163 Portobello Road) and immerse yourself in its vast array of antiquities, including jewellery, lace, linen, paintings, period costume, photographs, prints, silver, sporting memorabilia, maps, watches and ethnographics.
THE RED LION
The Red Lion (165-169 Portobello Road) is a must-see. Opened by Susan Garth, it's London's oldest antique arcade. A plaque by the entrance commemorates Garth's contribution in making Portobello Road an international institution. Speak to Captain Bob at unit 58 - he promises to mesmerise anyone who stops by at the Captain's Corner.
THE WORLD FAMOUS ARCADE
If you'd prefer to avoid the weekend crowds, The World Famous Arcade (177 Portobello Road) is open all week. Enjoy a wander round and admire the wonderful stock on offer. Speak to the dealers about their specialist areas, and if you're feeling confident, try your hand at a bit of haggling.
THE CROWN ARCADE
Head to The Crown Arcade (119 Portobello Road) if you have a particular interest in 18th and 19th century glass or 19th and 20th century paintings. Other dealers in The Crown specialise in antique silver and jewellery as well as art nouveau and art deco pieces.
THE RED TEAPOT
The Red Teapot (101-103 Portobello Road) specialises in high-quality antiques. If you want to splash out on a unique antique gift, head for W&B Antiques on the first floor and talk to Dee. She has everything (as long as it's old) ranging from an antique wooden plane propeller to a pair of observation binoculars from the Berlin Wall.
ADMIRAL VERNON ANTIQUES MARKET
Admiral Vernon (141-149 Portobello Road) is named after the English naval officer who captured Puerto Bello in 1739. Split over two floors, it is the largest of the arcades. There are 190 private dealers offering a complete range of antiques. Particular specialist interests include toys, textiles, fine drawings, lace and oriental ceramics.
HARRIS'S ARCADE
Visit Harris's Arcade (161-163 Portobello Road) and immerse yourself in its vast array of antiquities, including jewellery, lace, linen, paintings, period costume, photographs, prints, silver, sporting memorabilia, maps, watches and ethnographics.
THE RED LION
The Red Lion (165-169 Portobello Road) is a must-see. Opened by Susan Garth, it's London's oldest antique arcade. A plaque by the entrance commemorates Garth's contribution in making Portobello Road an international institution. Speak to Captain Bob at unit 58 - he promises to mesmerise anyone who stops by at the Captain's Corner.
THE WORLD FAMOUS ARCADE
If you'd prefer to avoid the weekend crowds, The World Famous Arcade (177 Portobello Road) is open all week. Enjoy a wander round and admire the wonderful stock on offer. Speak to the dealers about their specialist areas, and if you're feeling confident, try your hand at a bit of haggling.
THE CROWN ARCADE
Head to The Crown Arcade (119 Portobello Road) if you have a particular interest in 18th and 19th century glass or 19th and 20th century paintings. Other dealers in The Crown specialise in antique silver and jewellery as well as art nouveau and art deco pieces.
THE RED TEAPOT
The Red Teapot (101-103 Portobello Road) specialises in high-quality antiques. If you want to splash out on a unique antique gift, head for W&B Antiques on the first floor and talk to Dee. She has everything (as long as it's old) ranging from an antique wooden plane propeller to a pair of observation binoculars from the Berlin Wall.