Our guide to the Cotswold markets will help you discover the regions artisan bakers, and makers, growers and show-ers!
The Cotswolds are largely known as an agricultural area, and that means a delightful mix of locally grown fruit and vegetables, alcoholic tipples, honey, jams and breads, as well as crafted items and completely unique souvenirs of your visit to the Cotswolds. Let’s start in the north of the region and work our way down…
North Cotswolds Market Towns
When planning your north Cotswold tour or luxury holiday, why not factor in a trip to a traditional Cotswold market?
Broadway
Markets in Broadway have been commonplace since the 12th century and the tradition still stands when the high street comes alive with stalls and bustling visitors all looking for local cheese, preserves and baked treats – and sniffing out the free samples!
Broadway hosts a fabulously quaint late-night Christmas market, not to be missed.
Moreton in The Marsh
The largest street market in the Cotswolds, you will find virtually anything in Moreton in The Marsh market! Leather goods, purses, clothing, fresh fish, cookware all alongside your more typical stalls.
You can visit this market every Tuesday and of course from the 1st to 31st December every year it takes a delightfully festive turn too.
Chipping Norton
Not only is ‘Chippy’ an abundant town packed with arts, antiques, bookshops and pubs, it also hosts a weekly market every Wednesday. This is a great stop for a day out to immerse yourself in the wonders of our ancient region and at the right time of year you might even catch the Morris Dancers…
Woodstock
The town that hosts the magnificent Blenheim Palace, also hosts a farmers market every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month where you can sample fresh, local and seasonal produce and meet the friendly producers.
And it would be remiss of us not to mention the many market days and special events that the palace itself hosts throughout the year…
South Cotswolds Markets
Stroud
Near to Painswick, the Stroud Farmer’s Market is on every Saturday morning, and is well known as the busiest and most popular farmer’s market in the UK.
This market has won multiple awards and been featured in the Sunday Telegraph, The Times and Country Living Guide among others. We think this is a must-see market!
Cheltenham
Established in 2008, Cheltenham Craft Market is hailed for it’s artistic and literary associations, showcasing the work of local artists and craftspeople. If you appreciate unique and stylish handmade items, this is the place for you.
The green and white striped tents are set against the backdrop of the Regency buildings of Cheltenham, along the famous Promenade, making you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
Visit every third Saturday for one of the top Cotswold market experiences.
The Suffolks Sunday Market
Sticking with Cheltenham for a moment, we couldn’t talk about Cotswolds markets without mentioning The Suffolks!
There are only two dates left this year, but wow! They are good dates… Sunday 27th October, a Halloween and Harvest special, and Sunday 24th November, the Christmas edition, including carols, Santa Claus and plenty of traditional street food.
Cirencester
The Charter Market in Cirencester was mentioned as early as 1086 in the Domesday Book. This is a shopping experience not to miss and is easily worked into a South Cotswold tour, on Monday and Friday every week.
You’ll find wicker baskets fresh produce and baked goods as well as meat and cheeses, and some friendly characters, all against the impressive backdrop of the Church of St John the Baptist.
Tetbury
Tetbury’s Grade 1 listed market house has been hosting markets for centuries and they are to this day still the hub of the town.
Visitors can find all the usual delights here twice a week, on Wednesdays (best for pies), and Saturdays (great for jewellery and books). In addition, you’ll often find craft fairs and art exhibitions upstairs in the market house, too.
These markets run all year round and all are typically friendly and a true representation of the Cotswolds, but if you’re looking for Christmas Cotswold markets, we can help you there too, you just need to ask when you enquire about your Cotswold tour or luxury holiday…
We look forward to organising your trip of a lifetime!
