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.

Oxfordshire is a county of market towns. You will find a market somewhere in Oxfordshire every single day of the week.

Market history
In a rural county like Oxfordshire, market towns were centres of both commercial and social life. Indeed, the very name of the town Chipping Norton is derived from the Old English word ‘ceapen’ which means ‘market’.

As traditional market towns developed, they featured a wide main street or central market square where people would set up stalls and booths on market days.

Markets to Discover In Hampshire
If you love markets, you'll love shopping in Hampshire. Many of Hampshire's towns have lively weekly markets, selling anything from fashions to fresh fruit and vegetables and antiques.

For a delicious, seasonal taste of Hampshire, visit our farmers' markets held each weekend in town centres across the county. Here Hampshire farmers and producers sell what they have produced, grown, reared and made, and can tell you how it was produced and how few food miles their food travelled to reach you. They offer top quality produce such as locally-sourced watercress, pork, trout, beers and wine.

In East Hampshire, market day in Alton is Tuesday, and in Petersfield Wednesday and Saturday. Both towns have a good range of shops, including independently owned specialists, with a particularly strong offer for books, antiques and local food. Regular farmers' markets and other events take place in the towns at weekends.

Andover is the largest town in Test Valley and has a comprehensive retail offer for a growing community. This includes a traditional high street, the Chantry Shopping Centre, the Enham Retail Park and representation by nearly every superstore.

There is a traditional Charter market every Thursday and Saturday and a Hampshire Farmer's Market on the third Sunday of the month.