Among the many fascinating markets to explore in London, we decided to explore the Leaden Hall Market on a free afternoon. The Leaden Hall Market is one of those that draw some crowds (but not too much of it either). It’s located in the City of London and it was the “Diagon Valley” in Harry Potter’s..films.
The Leaden Hall Market actually looks quite classy with the red and gold colours and the high arches. On weekdays, you’d see lots of people with suits around here as it is more or less in the business part of the city.
The grandiosity of the Leaden Hall market. It was built in 1881 and a signature of Victorian markets.
This market was originally a meat, game and poultry market.
So there are these hooks outside of shops where butchers used to hang meat.
The market now has some restaurants and shops but it’s not so busy like other markets (eg. Borough Market). There was a live jazz band outside of a bistro and the narrow “alleys” of the market.
The blue shop was used as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the Harry Potter films: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and the Goblet of Fire.
The market and the shop look quite different from how it appears in the films but you can still find traces of it. The market is actually quite small. So you can probably finish walking around it within 15 minutes if you’re just doing some window shopping and some snapshots. But worth a visit if you’re a Harry Potter fan or doing a tour of the London markets.
Stopping for the traffic light? We were leaving Monument and on our way to our next stop near the Temple when we saw this.
The most random parking places (literally in the middle of the street).
Have been thinking about visiting the “Twining Museum” on Strand for some time. Thought it’d be cool to see what kinds of things are displayed in such a old and successful tea merchant company.
The museum part of the Twining Museum is right at the end of the “hallway” – which is literally a Twining store really.. The museum consists of 2 walls with shelves of display of photographs and some items. It was a big disappointment. They could’ve done a better job before calling it a Museum or a potential attraction.
The “exhibits” in the “museum”.
Here’s a wee bit of the Twining history. Wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for something more grand (the place is quite small by the way) or substantial (unless you’re just shopping for tea)
Twining Museum & Shop
A: 216 The Strand, London (near Temple tube station)
