International trade is booming – and has been for centuries. Whether it’s a mango from India or a mobile phone from China, so much of what we consume today is created or harvested across the globe. But things are changing; from the environmental impact to regaining a sense of community, many people are finding reasons to shop locally.
Nowhere can this be seen more than in farmers’ markets. While supermarkets make shopping easy, the existence – and success – of these market stalls shows that many of us prefer to buy local produce from a local seller. If you’re one such person, these are the best farmers’ markets in the UK.
Truro Farmer’s Market, Cornwall
Home of the eponymous pasty, Cornwall’s culinary scene is world-famous. Visit the green and white striped stalls of Truro Farmers’ Market for a true taste of the county’s best produce, from some of the freshest fish in the UK to beautifully baked breads and cakes. This award-winning market takes place in Truro on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Falmouth every Tuesday, so you have plenty of opportunities to tuck into some Cornish cuisine.
Cheltenham Spa Farmers’ Market, Gloucestershire
Recognised by Cotswold Life as the best farmers’ market in Gloucestershire, Cheltenham Spa Farmers’ Market sets up its stalls from 9am to 2pm on the second and last Friday of every month. Take a wander down the Cheltenham Spa’s beautiful promenade and you’ll find a luscious range of local produce, from meats and charcuterie to preserves and pickles. Discover Cotswolds cuisine at its very best.
Taunton Farmers’ Market, Somerset
Taking place along Taunton High Street every Thursday between 9am and 3pm, Taunton Farmers’ Market boasts dozens of stalls selling all manner of local produce. Sample or buy seasonal fruits and vegetables, regional cheeses, hand-made cakes and more. Gloucestershire is famous for its farming, so few places can rival the quality of food on offer here.
Stroud Farmers’ Market, Gloucestershire
Another Gloucestershire favourite and within touching distance of the city of Gloucester, the award-winning Stroud Farmers’ Market is one of the biggest and busiest farmers’ markets in the UK. Every Saturday in Cornhill Market Place, you can discover Cotswold cheeses, handmade soaps, chutneys, cakes and more. Everything you see is harvested or made within 17 miles, so this is as local as you can get.
Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, Edinburgh
Scotland’s largest farmers’ market, Edinburgh Farmers’ Market takes place against the backdrop of the dramatic Edinburgh Castle. Local producers offer up some of Edinburgh’s finest cuisine, from seafood, pates, and the highest quality meats. Visit every Saturday from 9am to 2pm and wander the 35 regular stalls – their website also offers a delivery service if you missed those all-important ingredients.
Riverside Farmers’ Market, Cardiff
Set opposite the pride of Welsh sport, the Principality Stadium, Riverside Market is one of the UK’s longest-running farmers’ markets. This Cardiff establishment is open on Sundays from 10am to 2pm, and is home to dozens of stalls selling some of the best produce the Welsh capital has to offer. You’ll find traditional goods like local meats and cheeses, but if you’re going for something different, try the microgreens and artisan ice cream.
Moseley Farmers’ Market, Birmingham
For over 20 years, Moseley Farmers’ Market has been providing locals with the best of Midlands Cuisine. It’s one of the most multicultural markets in the UK, with produce ranging from beer to onion bhajis. Just a short bus journey away from Birmingham city centre, this community-run market also sells non-local food, giving buyers a taste of what the rest of the UK has to offer. We’re sure most Brummies would say there’s no competition…
Otley Farmers’ Market, West Yorkshire
Just north of Leeds and a short trip distance from the Yorkshire Dales is the small village of Otley, where on the last Sunday of every month, hundreds of locals gather to sample and purchase the best produce in the region. Otley Farmers’ Market is provider of homemade breads, preserves, jams, fresh eggs, and hot food to so many, but it’s the friendly atmosphere which makes it one of the best farmers’ markets in the UK.
Winchester Farmers’ Market, Hampshire
Setting up stall on the second and last Sundays of every month between 9am and 2pm, the award-winning Winchester Farmers’ Market is the largest farmers’ market in the UK. The finest local produce from all over the south coast is on offer, from bread to beer. With 95 market stalls, you’ll be hard-pressed to not find what you’re looking for. This Winchester establishment is worth a visit just to discover the unique produce on offer, from water buffalo steaks to ostrich.
The Goods Shed, Canterbury
Few market locations are as dramatic as The Goods Shed in Canterbury, Kent. Set in an old Victorian railway building, its selection of stalls sells an eclectic range of local Kent produce, from cheeses and breads to beers and wines. There’s also an on-site restaurant which only uses ingredients found in the market – suffice to say, it’s a huge hit with the locals.
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