Market towns are everything that is quintessentially British. When you want to escape the busy city centres, an English market town is the ideal destination. They provide all the fun, food, and shopping of the city at a calmer pace! Whether you want to visit a market town to experience the gentle thrill of a farmer’s market, have a base to explore the surrounding countryside, or enjoy the local history, we’ve rounded up the best English market towns that you have to visit.
Cotswold Icon and Tolkien Inspiration: Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
1 hour 30 minutes
What has become the capital of the Cotswolds, Moreton-in-Marsh transports you back in time. The quintessential golden buildings and winding back lanes act as a backdrop to the bustling market square. The area was cultivated by the Saxons, but the Romans’ Fosseway laid the ground for settlement growth. The Gloucestershire community were thus granted their market charter in 1227. The square continues to host markets as it did centuries ago. Locals and visitors alike are able to indulge every Tuesday at the Cotswold’s largest open-air street market. The town also hosts seasonal events like their agricultural show and Christmas fair.
Tolkien fans will be delighted to find sites of inspiration for the world of hobbits, orcs and wizards. Visit the Four Shire marking—where the four counties of Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire meet—inspiration for Tolkien’s Three-Farthing Stone. Grab a pint at the Bell Inn, the inspiration for the Prancing Pony. Pay a visit to the Rollright Stones that became the Barrow Downs.
Other buildings worth visiting, even though they may not feature in Middle Earth, include the 16th century Curfew Tower, the medieval parish chapel of St David, and Redesdale Hall. The hall still serves its original purpose as a marketplace, holding regular antique and craft fairs.
To travel in the footsteps of some of the UK’s most beloved authors, check out our blog post on literary travel destinations.
Hillside Castle and Abbey Ruins: Lewes, East Sussex
1 hour 30 minutes
Nestled in the South Downs National Park, the English market town of Lewes provides coastal views and gorgeous beaches. In the town centre, you’ll be greeted by narrow historic streets filled with independent shops, pubs, and other businesses. Your eyeline can’t help but be directed upwards to the hillside ruin of Lewes Castle, looming above the town. The Norman fortress was built in 1066 by William de Warenne. De Warenne was also responsible for the Priory of St Pancras ruins that are now used as a large outdoor public park and garden space.
History is brought to life when the local brewery, Harvey’s, makes their Tuesday delivery by dray horses. Be sure to visit on a Tuesday for their antique, vintage and independent vendor market. They also hold a weekly food market where you can try the best of the local produce.
Castle Ruins and Outdoor Markets: Saffron Walden, Essex
1 hour 35 minutes
Saffron Walden is an English market town bursting with charm and history. A market since 1141 and gaining its charter in 1514, the timber Tudor-era buildings and pastel cottages are characteristic of the town. Be sure to visit the 12th century Walden Castle ruins and Capability Brown garden at Jacobean stately home, Audley End.
With lots of independent cafes and restaurants, you’ll be sure to find a delicious bite to eat. Not sure where to start? The town information centre can point you in the direction of their food tours! Visit the historic Rows—stone buildings that have been the heart of the town’s shopping centre since the medieval period.
An award-winning market has existed since the 12th century, continuing every Tuesday and Saturday. Support local businesses by purchasing delicious goods from market grocers, farmers, and food producers.
Cobbled Streets and Markets Galore: Frome, Somerset
2 hours 5 minutes
If you want to attend a market almost every day of the week, Frome is the place for you! Their general market takes place on Wednesday and Saturday. The antique market is on Wednesday, and the food hub is open Thursday through Monday. Once a month, catch their independent vendors market (first Sunday of the month), the South West’s largest stand-alone farmers market (second Saturday of the month), and their Magpie market of contemporary and vintage goods (first Sunday of the month). Frome also hosts special festivals, like their chocolate festival, vegan fair, vintage bazaar, and Christmas extravaganza market!
Besides the markets, there is plenty to explore. Thought to date back to the 7th century, there are lots of grade listed buildings around the town. They make a walk around the narrow cobbled streets feel like an adventure. Wander Frome for the independent food, craft, and clothing shops. Take a guided walking tour or even visit one of the art galleries.
Historic Architecture and Foodie Festivals: Ludlow, Shropshire
2 hours 55 minutes
If history and food are your ideas of a holiday well spent, you have to visit the English market town of Ludlow. Historians believe that a community has lived there since at least 1086, being optimally situated by two rivers: the River Teme and River Corve. The town retains its country charm, conveniently placed on the outskirts of the Shropshire Hills–an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Once in the town, you’ll notice lots of buildings dating back to the Tudor and Georgian periods. The medieval streets remain, and you can even visit St Laurence’s Church, a Norman parish with baroque choir stalls. Follow in the footsteps of Henry VIII, paying a visit to Ludlow Castle, originally constructed in 1085. Construction continued for a subsequent 300 years, leading to a mashup of styles from the Norman, Medieval and Tudor periods.
For the foodies, be sure to visit in September for the autumnal Ludlow food and drink festival. If you’re looking for a cute Christmas market, be sure to visit for their annual Medieval Christmas Fayre. When visiting at other times of the year, you can still enjoy markets and local, independent restaurants, cafes and pubs. The superior quality of food from the region has drawn lots of award-winning chefs for a top notch dining experience.
Scenic Countryside and Delicious Tarts: Bakewell, Derbyshire
3 hours 15 minutes
What is known as the capital of the Peak District, Bakewell is a beautiful (and delicious) English market town. The Peak District is known for its lakes and scenery. It offers fantastic walking, hiking and biking routes for all abilities.
Bakewell has a lengthy history, including Saxon occupation and it features in the Domesday Book as “Badequelle”. It got its market charter in 1254. The name “Bakewell” evokes images of the delicious bakewell tart–no surprise as this town is the birthplace of the delicacy. As a result, bakeries, cafes and tearooms abound. If you find yourself in Bakewell on a Monday, you have to visit their weekly market. You’ll find high quality local fruit and vegetables, food, bread, flowers, and other independent vendors.
Just outside of the town, Chatsworth House, a 16th century stately home, and Haddon Hall, a medieval manor, are wonderful days-out. To learn more about Chatsworth and other stately homes that you need to visit, check out our blog post here.
Spa Town with Florals and Tearooms: Harrogate, North Yorkshire
4 hours 20 minutes
Harrogate, a northern Victorian spa town, is what every spa town ought to be. In the spring, the community grows stunning floral arrangements and gardens. There are lots of tearooms and cafes, not least of which being the iconic Betty’s Tea Room. The town centre was built in the Georgian and Victorian style. There is also a large statue of Queen Victoria by the train station. Visit the Royal Pump Room Museum, RHS Garden Harlow Car, the Grade II listed Valley Gardens, or the Stray–200 acres of green space enjoyed by tourists and locals alike.
Be sure to visit the Harrogate farmer’s market on the second Thursday of the month, and the week-long Christmas market will put you in the festive spirit. The town hosts many fun events like music events, food festivals, and carnivals. The crowning jewel of the events is the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival, where renowned mystery and crime writers come together for a weekend of fun and literature. The always sold out event is hosted at the Old Swan Hotel – well known for being the location Agatha Christie disappeared to.
Seaside Getaway and Border Town: Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland
6 hours 20 minutes
The northernmost English market town on the list, Berwick-upon-Tweed is also the most northern town in England, situated along the Scottish border. Originally an old shipbuilding town along the coast, the charming town is split by the River Tweed. The old bridge and the Royal Tweed Bridge join the two parts of the town. The old bridge, as the name suggests, is an impressive part of the town’s history, constructed between 1611 and 1634. This isn’t the only way history has made its impact—visitors can admire Elizabethan town walls, Medieval alleyways, and Victorian seaside promenades.
Enjoy long walks on the beach, visit rock pools and sand dunes, and then nip into one of the independent cafes or restaurants to refuel. If you want to explore beyond the land, boat trips are available, giving you a closer look at the birds, dolphins, and other native marine life. The quaint market runs Wednesdays and Saturdays, allowing you to browse fresh produce, local cheesemakers, crafts, and locally baked goods.
Your Next Adventure
Many of these market towns are best on foot, but getting there and visiting nearby sites will require a vehicle. Fortunately, we’ve got a range of modern and reliable vehicles available to hire. From nearby Moreton-on-Marsh to further afield on the Scottish borders in Berwick-upon-Tweed, you will find a unique culture and history of each town.
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