Kingston Monday Market

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I usually visit Kingston by train, but occasionally will take the bus. When I do, I always see a sign at the depot advertising the town's Monday Market, which is just opposite at the Cattle Market Car Park, and I always think to myself, 'I've got to come in on a Monday sometime so I can see what is there.' On the few occasions I have gone in on a Monday, I then discovered that the market had already closed up; it is only open between 9am - 1.30pm, which is about the time that I arrive.

This week, however, I was going to a festival, so I got into town bright and early. Now I could finally see what was at this Monday Market. But after all that time waiting, I found that it was nothing that remarkable. To me, the name Cattle Market suggested that there would be lots of butchers, but it is really just general bric-a-brac, and everyday commodities. I am guessing the name simply harkens back to the time of their ancient markets, when farmers would bring in their livestock to sell. There is nothing there worth going out of your way for, but if you are on a budget, it is a great place to get things cheaply.


Along the first row of stalls you will find undies and Y-fronts, which I found rather amusing because I can't imagine that many people would want to buy underwear outside in just a public area. More along the lines of what I was expecting were racks of clothes being sold around the £5 mark. They definitely weren't the latest fashions, but will probably appeal to the retiring age group.

Opposite the clothes racks were merchants selling things like watches, sun glasses, and cigarette lighters, and a bit further down there was a shoe seller, who among his sensible range of footwear also had a pair of cuddly hippo slippers for £10.


Now the weather is improving, you might like to look around the mini garden centre, where they have a range of potted plants, including flowers, bushes, and small trees.


One of the best deals you will find there are on books and cards. They are all brand new, but are on sale at second hand prices. All the books were no more than a £1, whether they were paperbacks or hardbacks. The cards were also a bargain. Go into any shop and you'll be paying between £2-£3 for and average card, and between £4-£5 for large ones. Here, the medium cards were 30p each, and the big A4 sized cards were only 60p.

Although there is not a lot to look at, if you're passing by it is worth a mooch, as you might save yourself a few pounds by stocking up on birthday cards.

#things_to_see
#shopping
#markets
#kingston_upon_thames
#fun_things_to_do
#cheap
%wnlondon