Markets

Historically, in order to hold a market, a town needed to be granted a charter by the monarch, many of these weekly and monthly markets featuring everything from clothes to fresh food and drink still take place today in what is known as market towns.  

Britain’s market towns 

Some of the most popular market towns in the UK have a wide variety of historical appeal, as well as their regular markets and stalls.  

Conwy, North Wales 

Located in North Wales, Conwy still has the 13th century walls surrounding the town and the market takes place in sight of the majestic castle. Another place of interest is Plas Mawr, a medieval town house which is thought to be the smallest in the whole of Wales.  

Dorchester, Dorset 

Set within the heart of Hardy’s Dorset, Dorchester is a hive of local food, drink, arts and crafts. Connections to the author, Thomas Hardy are everywhere, his former home is just a stone’s throw from the town centre where the markets take place. The town also has the finest Roman townhouse in Britain! 

Safron Walden, Essex 

If you want a market town with an old world feel, head to this town in the Essex countryside, full of half timbered buildings in a variety of pretty colours with medieval streets. Jamie Oliver’s parents own the village pub too, it’s a 16th century pub with a great reputation.  

Forres, Moray 

One of Scotland’s oldest towns, Forres is pretty remote in comparison to some of our other market towns, however the markets are complimented by the galleries and craft shops, which makes it an interesting place to visit. Plus, there is the Elgin Cathedral and Brodie Castle nearby, both of which are well worth a trip.  

Pannier Markets 

Another place to catch a market in a historic setting is visiting a pannier market. These indoor markets are especially popular in the west country and can be found in various towns and cities. One of the most famous being Barnstaple’s which has stood in the town since the Victorian era. The name comes from panniers, which were used to carry goods to the market on the back of horses and donkeys.  

One of the best places in the UK to visit for markets is Cardiff where you can find the largest collection of Edwardian and Victorian arcades full of markets. It’s one of the reasons why it is the 6th best shopping destination in the UK!  

Historical market venues 

Markets in London have their origins in the middle ages, with everything from vegetables, meat, fish and clothes. Spitalfields has been in production for over 350 years and was the site of a fruit and veg market. Daily public markets continue to run, though it is now in a new site. Old Billingsgate Market was first constructed on Lower Thames Street in the 1800s and is now a hospitality and events venue, while Camden Market and Covent Garden Markets are now famous tourist attractions.