Cumbria may just have the best collection of markets in the country with weekly farmer's markets in towns and villages across the county which have a deep connection to farming and agriculture which goes back in some cases to ancient times.

Pay one a visit, and you'll find a wide selection of fresh vegetables and farm-reared meats; homemade chutneys and jams; and all kinds of artisanal breads and cakes. Make a day of it with a visit to a traditional market town where you will discover the best local produce, plus chat to the makers and discover its provenance. Keep an eye out for Cumbria's craft markets and fairs, too, where locally made arts and crafts are the perfect keepsake from your Cumbrian break.

 

External spring view of the market Carlisle

There's a huge amount of artistic talent across the county, so whether you're shop-ping for a loved one or for yourself, you're sure to find something to tempt. Cumbria has a great range of markets, taking place in most towns throughout the county. Some are held on a weekly basis, with others taking place once a month.

General retail markets in the lake District include Keswick outdoor market, Kendal outdoor market, Kendal Indoor market in the town centre, Sedbergh outdoor market, and Ulverston outdoor market.

When visiting the city of Carlisle don't forget to pop into the pretty market hall, which is one of the few covered Victorian markets remaining in the country it has a wide variety of stalls, with everything from fresh meat and vegetables, haberdashery and clothes to florists, cards, stationery and cafés.

Eden towns have chartered market days, which welcome local traders selling a selection of goods with weekly town centre markets in Penrith and Appleby.

Barrow Market Hall is one of the largest indoor markets in Cumbria with a wealth of over 55 independent businesses all under one roof, Barrow Market offers excellent choice, value for money and great customer service. There is always something for everyone in Barrow Market Hall.

 

Bright future ahead for Barrow Market

Barrow's Market Hall is looking ahead to a bright future - with the building at the heart of an ambitious £17.5 million regeneration scheme.

As the largest indoor market in Cumbria, Barrow has a great selection of traders and stallholders offering a wide range of products, excellent value for money and a friendly service for customers old and new.

The town's original covered market was built in 1864 for the Furness Railway Company. Buoyed by a reputation for quality, service and value, it has stood the test of time for more than 150 years with the current building officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on June 10, 1971. Now, the market hall is at the centre of plans to reinvig-orate the building and the public spaces that sur-round it to create a new destination that puts shopping and experiences at its heart.

The changes are designed to draw more people into the town centre, bringing the community together to ensure it can continue to thrive for generations into the future.

The plans would see the frontage of the Market Hall and its neighbouring building - arts and entertainment venue The Forum - to provide a bright, modern look that better reflects its promi-nent location opposite the beautiful, Grade II-list-ed Barrow Town Hall. An accessible entrance would be created providing a new gateway to both Barrow Market and The Forum while existing shop units that front Duke Street would be removed to allow sunlight to illuminate further into the market hall so that those passing the building can see the hive of activity within.

The result would be a light-filled destination that offers shopping but also activities and entertain-ment during the daytime and into the evenings.

Inside, plans are being developed to incorporate market stalls alongside an exciting new food court with additional space for families and community activities.

Market traders will continue to operate from the hall throughout the course of the planned works in 2023 to ensure customers can still visit their favourite stalls - with the opportunity for more people to discover the market and all it has to offer.