Treasure Hunting

I love to hunt for treasure, all kinds of treasure -big and small, new and old. It is the hunt for that singularly unique item to fill the vacant spot on the wall, or that tool that was so needed in day to day life of yesteryears which has been replaced by new technology or totally forgotten about all together that I love and crave.

Hunting for treasure

We found some fabulous markets in Great Britain when we were there this last time! The antique markets we discovered in Lewes, Brighton, and London had so many curiosities to look at. Charity shops in every town – large and small, farmers markets, street markets on what seemed like every corner in London throughout all of its numerous neighborhoods. We even managed to find an architectural salvage yard in Glastonbury!

We saw so much unique and fun treasure! There were oriental tea sets with images of women hidden in the bottom of the cups that you could only see when you held the cup up to a light. We saw intricate hand crocheted tablecloths, gymnastic equipment from the 1950’s, sextant, oil paintings, milled stone grinders and cannon balls. There was so much to see!

Portobello Road

Portobello Road Market in London’s Notting Hill area of Kensington has become very popular. It has been featured in many films, songs and novels throughout the decades. The most popular movies being Disney’s Bednobs and Broomsticks and the 1999 movie Notting Hill staring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

The entire street was filled with vendors, stalls and booths selling everything from second-hand clothes, antiques, fruits and baked goods. A trip to Portobello Road is definitely an all day affair. But, is well worth putting on your calendar to visit with so much to see!

Camden Market

Camden Market is another fabulous spot located in London. You can take the Camden Town, Chalk Farm or Mornington Crescent tube stations to it. I would put this market high on the list to see!

There were so many retail shops,  eclectic vendors and unique restaurants  we had to spend two days there and we still did not see everything! Some of the vendors included leather goods, clothing, jewelry, touristy knickknacks, goth shops, and more. We had lunch in a African themed restaurant to give our feet a break and to get a break from the crowds.

Lewes Market

Lewes market located in East Sussex is a cute market town steeped with history dating as far back as the Romans and Saxons. In addition to a great antique flea market that has very reasonable pricing there are also three areas of interest to those who like to go out and explore nature, Lewes Downs, Lewes Brooks and Southerham Works Pit. Both Lewes Downs and Lewes Brooks are great places to look for invertebrates such as snails, water beetles and salamanders.

There were so many markets that we did not go to just because we ran out of time. I hope that as you have read this that it has awakened in you the adventurous spirit of exploring for your own hidden treasures.