Antiques Hunting Walk (Self Guided), London

Whether or not you have something in mind to buy, a visit to London's antique shops and stalls is always a fascinating adventure. One of the most exciting places to be is Portobello Road, the world's largest antique market with every kind of antique and collectible under the sun.

There are more than 1,000 dealers here. The market is in fact several markets in one, and some of the dealers are specialists, while others sell bric-a-brac as well as newer items. Although some of the shops are open during the week, the stalls come out on Saturday. This is the main trading day when the market is in full swing. If nothing else, come for the sights and sounds as people from all over the world flock here looking for antique treasures.

Portobello Road isn’t the only place in London with a stellar reputation for antiques. Many art and antique buyers go to the dealers and galleries on Kensington Church Street. Among the exquisite items they find here are oriental rugs, ceramics, valuable decorative objects and gorgeous furniture. Nearby is Kensington High Street, the main shopping street in Kensington. It is home to major chain stores selling high street fashions, and is often less crowded than the West End.