If ever there was a city with a buzz it is cosmopolitan, high-spirited Bristol. Little wonder that Bristol bristles with bustling markets, from classy Clifton and the modernised hub of the Harbourside, through the pulsing heart of the Old City to the commercial centre of Temple Meads, around the gothic marvel of St Mary Redcliffe Church, the historic LGBT friendly Old Market Quarter and beyond.
Bristol’s markets are not only charming, colourful and cheerful, but offer an array of merchandise guaranteed to inspire a superb shopping spree. Particularly exciting is the impressive “Mile of Markets” set up pre-Christmas that stretches from the shopping quarter down to the Harbourside.
St Nicholas Markets
St Nicholas Markets is a collection of markets that take place around the Corn Street and Wine Street area beside The Exchange Building in the heart of the old city.
- St Nicholas Indoor Market in the Exchange Hall, Corn Street, has around 60 stalls stocking an eclectic mix of goods from jewellery to books, hand-crafts and original fashion, spread over three covered areas. The market opens Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 5pm.
- Bristol Farmers’ & Producers’ Market offers the chance to buy fresh produce and artisan food directly from the independent producers and growers. Find it every Wednesday between 9.30am and 2.30pm along Corn Street and Wine Street in the old city.
- Delicious international street cuisine from around 15 different vendors makes Bristol’s Street Food Market at St Nicks a popular choice for lunch. The market operates on Tuesdays and Fridays between 11am and 2.30pm on Wine Street.
- Bristol Farmers’ and Producers’ Market (Every two weeks on Wednesday, 9:30am – 2:30pm). This is your opportunity to buy local produce, such as meat, fish, cheese, fruit and vegetables, directly from the producers
- Bristol Flea Market held every Saturday between 10am and 5pm. Packed with stalls selling antiques and vintage items, and plants.
The Harbourside Market
The Harbourside Market is like a permanent festival, purveying street food, art, clothing, trinkets and so much more to the tune of local musicians. Open every weekend from 11am to 4pm, and Wednesdays and Thursdays from midday to 2.30pm, along Canons Road BS1 5UH.
The Tobacco Factory Market
The Tobacco Factory Market at the corner of Raleigh Road (BS3 1TF) in Southville, Bristol is held every Sunday from 10am to 2.30pm, featuring more than 40 food and craft stalls.
Whiteladies Road Farmers’ Market
Whiteladies Road Farmers’ Market is doing it’s bit for fair trade and sustainability by offering seasonal local produce with low packaging. The market in Redland is held at the junction of Whiteladies Road and Apsley Road (BS8 2ST) every Saturday from 8.30am to 2pm.
Temple Quay Market
Temple Quay Market (BS1 6EA) is a hotspot for a luscious lunch, with local food producers offering up their wares every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 2pm.