Travel and food go hand-in-hand, and we can't see a better way of travelling around the UK than by touring the best street food markets! From tacos to pad Thai, burgers to burritos, and everything in between; you'll be drooling over the food at the UK's best street food markets.
Street food markets are booming in the UK, with extremely talented individual vendors popping up across the country, offering unique food and drink experiences. Whether you're with a big group, on a date, or going solo, here are the best street food markets in the UK.
Benefits of eating at a street food market
- Affordability: Generally speaking, street food is cheaper than eating out at a restaurant as there are usually fewer overheads involved. In this case, cheaper does not mean less quality
- Variety: No matter if you fancy Thai or Mexican, there is normally options from all over the globe, meaning you can try new food every time you go
- Casual dining: Whether you're going with friends, family, on a date, or for a quick solo lunch, with a street market, you're getting a relaxed dining experience. You can all eat from different vendors and eat together. Up to you whether you're willing to share
Guildhall Street Food Market, Exeter
The area surrounding St Pancras church has transformed into a bustling foodie destination, thanks to the Guildhall Street Food Market. Operating every day from 11am-4pm, this market hosts street food vendors offering a variety of cuisine from around the world. Whether you're in the mood for American comfort food or German delicacies, there's sure to be something to please your taste buds. Take advantage of this year-round foodie hub!
Get there by train: Guildhall Street Food Market is less than a 15-minute walk from Exeter St David train station.
Street Food Circus, Cardiff
What was once an unused urban space is now a trendy collection of unique and amazingly talented food and drink vendors. This outdoor space is hustling and bustling with incredible food and great people of all ages, so it's best to go prepared with an empty stomach, sunglasses, and good vibes. Alternatively, enjoy the street food cinema if you'd like to keep it private. A drive-in and out cinema where you can stay in your car - yes, it's not just something you see in the movies! There are different outdoor events throughout the spring and summer, so it's worth checking their event calendar out before planning your visit - you don't want to miss anything.
Get there by train: The Street Food Circus is about a 25 minute walk or 15 minutes by bus from Cardiff Central Station.
Street Food Market in Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
In the heart of the city centre, the Street Food Market at Piccadilly satisfies appetites with fresh offerings from top regional street vendors. Open from Wednesday to Sunday in Piccadilly Gardens, the market boasts more than 18 stalls showcasing delectable cuisine from all over the world. Whether you're popping out for lunch or looking for a dinner delight, the market offers a wide range of dishes sure to tantalise any palate. Don't miss out on this opportunity to savour some of the best street food around without having to break the bank.
Get there by train: The Piccadilly Street Food Market is only a scenic 10 minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station.
Digbeth Dining Club, Birmingham
Since it opened in 2012, Digbeth Dining Club has taken Brum's alternative food scene by storm. This all-encompassing food, music and entertainment event keeps locals and tourists returning for more. You'll find a great range of street vendors selling everything from Indian fusion, Mexican, juicy burgers and plenty of sweet treats for pud. Over 50 vendors appear on rotation throughout the year, so there's often something new.
Get there by train: Digbeth Dining Club is only a 20-minute walk from Birmingham New Street, or the bus journey is 12 minutes.
HWKRMRKT, Newcastle
Tucked under the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle, this cool UK street food market is housed in a collection of shipping containers. From spring until late autumn, HWKRMRKT invites you to kick back, relax and sample the finest independent street food alongside freshly brewed beers, small-batch spirits, wines and cocktails. The market has a selection of resident traders, including Papa Ganoush, Scream for Pizza, and Cakes Contour, as well as weekly rotating guests.
Get there by train: Getting to HWKRMRKT by train is a picturesque 15-minute walk from Newcastle Station along the River Tyne.
The Dockyard Social in Glasgow
If you're a street food enthusiast, you'll love The Dockyard Social. A few years ago, it was just a temporary pop-up, giving off a vibe similar to London's BoxPark, Street Feast, and Pop. Dockyard Social has an urban, relaxed atmosphere and delicious food. The market offers a world tour of flavours, starting with fresh sushi, followed by katsu curry, and ending with a sweet bubble waffle. It's a fantastic spot for groups, with something for everyone, including great drink options too. The Dockyard Social also prioritises community and aims to provide jobs for those in need and support for food industry start-ups.
Get there by train: The walk to The Dockyard Social from Glasgow Central Station is 30 minutes, but if you don't fancy the walk, regular buses will get you straight there in 20 minutes.
St Nicholas Market, Bristol
Bristolians are openly proud of the city's independent spirit; one way to get a real sense of it is to head to one of the city's food markets. From Japanese to Indian, British to Thai, St Nicholas street food market in Bristol has around 15 stalls to choose from. Open all year round, you will find some of Bristol's finest street food, with many seasonal dishes on offer.
Get there by train: St Nicholas Market will take 15 minutes by foot or 10 minutes by bus from the well-linked Bristol Temple Meads station.
If you’re planning a trip to one of the best street food markets in the UK, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
The UK is bursting with fun activities. Whether you’re visiting one of the best historical places in the UK, the best forests in the UK, or the best cinemas in the UK, you can always travel by train. CrossCountry has services running up and down the country to ensure you can get to the places you need to be.
Written by Abby