South East

From town centre markets that have existed for centuries to modern craft markets and well stocked farm shops, the South East of England is a wonderful region to seek out a bargain. Kent may be renowned as being the Garden of England, however it is also home to some fine market towns and markets. None more so than Faversham, the oldest market town in the county.

Faversham Market was mentioned in the Domesday Book and is located in the heart of historic town centre, with the stilted Guildhall, town pump and medieval buildings as a backdrop. Faversham’s Charter Market runs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays every week, selling a range of local produce, household items, plants, collectibles and other interesting bits and pieces.

They also have two monthly markets – Best of Faversham Arts, Crafts and Food Market on the first and third Saturday of the month and Faversham Antiques and Vintage Market on the first Sunday of every month, except September.

Along with Faversham, there are so many great market towns to explore in Kent. Sittingbourne also has a market with a long and proud history and following a successful pilot in 2016 will also see its Artisan Market this year. Add to these the likes of Tunbridge Wells, Dover, Deal, Folkestone, Margate, Ramsgate, Sevenoaks and Whitstable, and visitors have a multitude of choice of traditional and speciality markets to visit in Kent.

The same can be said across the county border into Sussex. The popular seaside resorts of Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings are always a big draw on market day, as are the likes of Lewes, Bexhill-on-Sea, Seaford, and Worthing.

Brighton’s historic Open Market is open to the public on weekdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays. The most popular event of the September food festival, the Big Sussex Market returns for two days of fresh local produce and hot food. The Cinque port of Rye is one of the most popular places to visit in East Sussex with the local market here taking place every Wednesday on Strand Quay.

In West Sussex, Chichester, Arundel, Haywards Heath, Horsham and Petworth all have vibrant markets on a weekly basis, whilst this part of the county also has a thriving Farmers Markets scene, which is promoted by the local authorities in each of the main towns and larger villages in the county.

In Surrey, a thriving network of farmers’ markets provides a great way to get a real flavour of the area.You will be surprised just how much delicious food and drink is produced here, from freshly baked bread and homemade pickles and preserves, seasonal vegetables, speciality foods and local farm-reared meats and poultry.

Regular farmers` markets can be found at Reigate, Guildford, Woking and Ripley as well as thriving town centre markets at Kingston, Dorking and Guildford. The county also hosts a number of craft markets, the most famous of which is at Farnham Maltings, featuring over 200 stalls from local artists and producers.