Billingsgate Fish Market Tour, London Docklands, London
Located in London’s Docklands, Billingsgate recently became the subject of its own BBC documentary. The market supplies London and most of the South East with fresh fish from around the world. Take the Billingsgate Fish Market tour and discover more.
If you live in London and want a ‘fishy on a little dishy,’ come here early in the morning and take your pick from over 150 different species.
Fish no longer comes in by boat but is transported by lorry or airfreight from across the world.
Alternatively, take the Billingsgate Fish Market tour to discover more about its unique history.
Visit London’s Famous Fish Market
Just a 10-minute walk from Canary Wharf, London’s financial district, lies Billingsgate Fish Market. At the market which employs over 500 people, you’ll see over 160 species of fish originating from over 60 countries. The fish arrives by lorry in the early hours of the morning and is stored in big containers outside the market hall. It’s the sort of place where many of the market traders have handed down their business through the generations of their family.
Take a Guided Tour of Billingsgate Market
The Billingsgate Seafood School which is located at the site, runs escorted tours of the market. You can learn about the different species and how to check they’re at their seasonal best. Some of their cookery courses such as the very popular ‘Catch of the Day’, also include an early morning tutored tour of Billingsgate when the market is in full swing.
Get Up Early and Shop For Fish
Members of the public are very welcome at the market too. There is no requirement to buy in bulk but you’re advised to arrive at around 7 o’clock in the morning when most of the serious trade business has been done. Keep in mind that traders aren’t officially allowed to fillet and prepare fish for you. All purchases are cash only and you’ll find the prices are considerably cheaper than the supermarket.
Tips
- If you arrive at 9 o’clock on a Saturday morning, you’ll be too late. After a busy week, the traders will be packing up and heading home
- Don’t forget to bring a cool bag with you
- Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the Market Floor
Places to Stay Near Billingsgate Fish Market
If you’re planning to take a course at Billingsgate Seafood School, a convenient place to stay nearby is The Royal Foundation of St Katharine. The charitable foundation is in the City’s Limehouse area. It offers a peaceful location and good value accommodation.
Planning a London weekend break? See all recommended Best Places to Stay in London.
Dogs
Sadly, not one for me.
How to Find Billingsgate Fish Market
Billingsgate Market Tour, Trafalgar Way, Poplar, Docklands, London E14 5ST
Website: www.seafoodtraining.org
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.