South West

From Dorset to Dartmoor, Bath to Bude, St Ives to Salisbury, the South West of England is dotted with a wealth of beautiful market towns and historic markets, in many cases stretching back to medieval times.

Whether it is coast or country, if you were to name any of the larger villages and towns north to south, more often than not you will find they hold regular markets and have done so for many years, if not centuries.

A well-established agricultural industry, award-winning dairies and some of the best seafood in the UK are just three reasons why markets across the region have and continue to thrive and attract visitors in their droves.

From Cornwall and Devon in the far South, through Somerset and into Wiltshire and the Cotswolds, you are sure to find a market of some sort on any given day of the week. For the best of all worlds visit a town market to find a wide mix of stalls offering everything from food and drink to clothing, everyday essentials to plants and unique handmade gifts

Exeter has a number of great markets including its daily Sidwell Street Market, which caters for general day-to-day products such as pet foods, clothing, handbags and much more.

A weekly farmers’ market takes place every Thursday on the junction of South Street and Fore Street, providing a wide variety of local goods from local suppliers including fresh meats, organic fruit and vegetables, bread, cakes and preserves.

Exeter also holds one of the biggest Sunday markets and car boot sales anywhere in the south-west, plus plays host to a number of special markets each year, such as its Christmas Market which offers a variety of seasonal gifts.

Plymouth’s City Market offers a traditional, friendly shopping experience and a true taste of the maritime city.

Currently undergoing the first phase of a multi-million pound refurbishment, it is a proverbial treasure trove for shoppers with everything from food, fashion, entertainment and leisure items, and a multitude of craft goods and items for the home. Taunton is just one many beautiful towns in Somerset which has weekly markets and a host of speciality events held throughout the year.

Further northwards, Bath Guildhall Market is the oldest shopping venue in the city and has traded on the same site for the last 800 years.

Today a colourful group stall holders trade from this jewel of Bath selling everything from haberdashery, hardware, electrical goods, tools, china, and teapots. Expect to also find packed leaf teas, ground coffees, fine cheeses, locally produced ham and bacon, artisan bread, cakes, vegetables, delicatessen and old fashioned sweets.

Also in the heart of Bath is the Artisan Market, a vibrant, bi-monthly, Sunday market that plays host to over 70 stalls selling the best of the west’s upcycled vintage, handmade and art treasures with gourmet food stalls and a craft workshop area. Visitors to Bristol will want to make a trip to explore the St Nicholas market.

With its quirky stalls and diverse street food, it is the oldest and best loved market in Bristol and has been named as one of the ten best markets in the UK. Trading since 1743, this vibrant and buzzing market place can be found in the heart of the old city surrounded by fantastic examples of Georgian Architecture. The Glass Arcade in which the market is housed is a Grade 1 listed building, and its historical architecture, quirky ambience and fantastic maze of stalls bursting with goods and food items combine to make a unique place to relax. St Nicholas Market is also home to several street markets which take place in the streets adjacent to The Exchange Building.

Every week, a farmer’s market (on Wednesdays), a food market (Friday) and the Nails Market (Friday and Saturday) join the offering to provide an exceptional market experience for the most ardent of shopper and bargain hunter.