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Aerial view of Cambridge market

Best food markets from North London to Cambridge on Thameslink

Embark on a culinary journey

Embark on a flavour journey from North London to Cambridge using Thameslink trains. Hop on and off the network and explore some of the area’s most diverse and exciting food markets. The route offers a fun way to explore different cultures, cuisines, local produce and each has such a different atmosphere too. Here’s a guide to some of the must-see markets on the way: Old Spitalfield market, West Hampstead Market, Ely Market and Peterborough Market.

Each market is special in its own right so this is a complete culinary adventure.

First Stop Old Spitalfields Market

Old Spitalfields market is a historical gem in the heart of London, and has had a market here for about 350 years since 1638! Here what I loved was the blend of contemporary eateries ⁄ restaurants and street food style stalls bringing in a great mix of foods and something for everyone. The food court is an absolute haven serving burgers, seafood, vegan options, healthy stalls, smoothies, international dishes, fresh pastries, and loads more, the variety of food is so good to see and experience. The atmosphere here is vibrant with mixed ages and nationalities, this has to be one of my favourite markets I’ve been to in a while. It is an indoor market too which is perfect for the unpredictable weather and makes it such a great option to visit all year round!

Address: 16 Horner Square, E1 6EW

Thameslink station: City Thameslink – just a 30 minute walk to the market

Inside Spitalfields market building

On to West Hampstead Market

The next stop on my foodie journey was West Hampstead market which is very convenient in its location as it’s right on the station forecourt meaning I didn’t have to walk anywhere once I got off the train! This was such a unique point to the market which was one of the biggest drivers for me wanting to try this out. Open on Saturdays, West Hampstead is a cosy but vibrant market packed with charm. It’s got a huge variety of artisan produce, organic fruit and vegetables, enormous blocks of cheeses, charcuterie, artisanal bread and perhaps the biggest pretzel I’ve ever seen. You have ready to eat options there so it’s a great spot for brunch or a snack on a Saturday plus fantastic coffee. There’s even a gut health stall which, as a nutritionist, I was very interested in! Just a five minute walk away you have a lovely park too where I went to enjoy my delicious tomato tart and coffee!

Address: Station Forecourt, West Hampstead Thameslink, NW6 1PF

Thameslink station: West Hampstead station

People browsing at market stalls

Peterborough market

The third stop on my journey was Peterborough market. The train ride from London to here was a welcome break to let my food go down and take some time to relax before getting to my next destination! The market is right in the centre and is just a 10-minute walk from the train station which is ideal. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays serving the diverse community of Peterborough, the market has shrunk in recent years but is still very beautifully placed in traditional wooden kiosks beneath the trees selling plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to buy and be able to cook local, fresh foods at home. The biggest attraction here for me was seeing the slightly more traditional wooden style stalls as it always reminds me of Christmas markets! I love anywhere I can see huge varieties of fresh produce, especially as you can usually find something a little unusual to try, plus the owners are always so nice to have interesting conversations with.

Address: 33 – 37 bridge street, PE1 1HA

Thameslink station: Peterborough station

A market stall displaying food and vegetables

Moving onto Ely market

Ely has a special place in my heart as I used to go here frequently with my grandad as a child. I used to love coming to the market but haven’t been in years so it felt like such a great next stop on my food tour day. Plus it’s only 30 minutes by train from Peterborough! Ely market is located in the heart of the city, and just 15 minute walk from the train station. It’s open all year round and has a large variety of stalls selling fresh produce, meat, cheese, baked goods, and everything from traditional British foods to international cuisines. This bustling market offers plenty of diversity during the week being open every Thursday and Saturday, plus live music on foodie Friday. I bought some of the most delicious cheddar cheese with truffle, and just loved walking around the stalls with amazing views of the top of the cathedral too. One of the best parts is walking down to the river to enjoy a coffee or something to eat too!

Address: Market place, CB7 4LS

Thameslink station: Ely station

A market stall of leather bags with a castle and buildings in the background

Final stop: Cambridge market

Cambridge market is a lively hub of activity every day set in the historic Market Square. It offers so many different stalls with plenty of choice from international street food, to fresh produce, artisan cheeses, organic produce, handcrafted chocolate. Plus a huge bonus is the amazing backdrop of Cambridge University buildings. I struggled walking around trying to choose what I wanted to try as everything looked so appealing and the variety was amazing. Multicultural, and with global cuisines, I felt like I was on a culinary tour around the market – almost feeling like I was on holiday! This is the biggest market of them all so make sure you save some space before getting here or are ready to buy some amazing food to take home and enjoy later.

Address: Market Square

Thameslink station: Cambridge station

Aerial view of Cambridge market

To conclude…

Travelling from North London to Cambridge using Thameslink really offers a special and unique opportunity to see some very individual food markets so you’ll leave with a full belly and bags of interesting things to try at home. Each market is special in its own right so this is a complete culinary adventure.

The markets demonstrate rich diversity and the community spirit found in most markets which makes this particular journey stand out. Grab your reusable bags, come with an empty stomach and set off on a delicious foodie journey!

Buying tickets

You can buy Thameslink tickets online and collect them from the ticket machine before you travel. You can also buy them from a ticket machine or ticket office at the station.

Buy Thameslink tickets online