Looking for lush local produce, home-made delights and crafty knick-knacks.
We’ve done the digging and are happy to share the pick of our crop of country markets with you.
Armed with the info, all you need to do is harvest the rewards ….
SOMERSET (see below) WILTSHIRE DORSET
SOMERSET
Wells
This Cathedral city has a long-standing weekly farmers’ market held every Wednesday. It may not be the biggest, with around 15 to 20 stalls, but the variety is vast and the quality excellent.
Look out for free range eggs and poultry and rare breed pork. Award-winning cheddar cheese is of course expected in this part of the world, and there’s some lovely fragrant products containing Mendip lavender to be had.
Where: The Market Place in front of the Town Hall (Satnav BA5 2RB).
When: Wednesdays, all year round, from 9am to 2.30pm.
Frome
This is an indoor market held all year round on the second Saturday of each month. Stalls are many and varied. The Frome Farmer’s Market won a Gold Award in the Taste of the West Hospitality & Retail Awards for 2014.
Look out for low fat West Country Water Buffalo meat; a range of goat’s cheese; and Dorset shellfish fresh from Weymouth.
Where: In Frome’s iconic Cheese & Grain Market Hall, which has a cafe on site and plenty of pay and display parking right outside. (Satnav BA11 1BE)
When: Held on the second Saturday of each month, from 9am to 1pm.
Axbridge
Axbridge Farmer’s Market is an outdoor canopy market with a varied selection of around 25 stalls, which set up in the picturesque 400-year-old market square.
Look out for home made cakes, local honey, natural beef from Moorland Farm, and delicious preserves.
Where: Axbridge Market Square (Satnav BS26 2AP)
When: The first Saturday of each month, from 9am to 1pm. (There is usually no market in January, but an extra market is held before Christmas).
Glastonbury
Busy and bustling, the Glastonbury Country Market is a local mainstay and a tourist attraction. It features a wide variety of goods from handcrafts to fresh produce and baked goods of all sorts. A simple “one payment” system is operated for customers, who are all given a shopping list on which their purchases will be marked off.
Look out for interesting woodwork items, hand-made greetings cards, plants (especially herbs) and cut flowers, super savouries (delectable quiche).
Where: In Glastonbury Town Hall on Magdalene Street (Satnav BA6 9EL)
When: Every Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 12.30 pm
Nailsea
Nailsea is a real treat on market day, with two different local markets on the go – the farmer’s market making your mouth water and the craft market tickling your artistic fancies.
Look out for hog roast and sensational sausages, speciality breads, along with cider and fine ales at the farmer’s market. Among the crafts you’ll enjoy handmade jewellery and handbags, not to mention clothes and woodwork.
Where: The Farmer’s Market is held in Crown Glass Place (Satnav BS48 1RD) and the Craft Market close by at Collier’s Walk (Satnav BS48 1RG)
When: Both markets are held on the third Saturday of each month from 9am to 1.30pm.
Midsomer Norton
Midsomer Norton’s outdoor market benefits from a pretty setting and nearby free parking. The atmosphere is festive, jazzed up by local musicians and a cafe for refreshments.
Look out for perfect puddings, craft cider and wine, and organic fruit and veg lovingly grown at a local farm.
Where: Hollies Gardens in the High Street (Satnav BA3 2DP)
When: First Saturday of each month (except January) from 9am to 1pm.
Burnham-on-Sea
The centre of this seaside town buzzes when it’s small but superb farmer’s market takes to the High Street. It’s a great reason to combine a shopping spree with a visit to the smallest pier in Britain.
Look out for super Scotch Eggs, air dried hams, salami and chorizo, and award-winning pies.
Where: Burnam High Street (Satnav TA8 1PB).
When: Last Friday of the month from 9am to 1pm.