Like gardens, markets are a national obsession in the UK, where people can buy local food or discover treasures at bargain prices. Car boots, outdoor and covered markets, flea markets - Britain has thousands of them. To visit these as observers or buyers is a way to truly experience something British. If you love markets, then the information below will help you ensure your visit to Bradford on Avon (or your visits to further afield towns whilst in Bradford on Avon) coincides with when there is a market.
Note: This is just a guide. The information was up to date at the time of publishing it. Before planning your journey around any of this or other date-lined events, do check on the internet that it is still correct, or contact Quince Cottage.
Flea markets
Flea markets tend to sell antiques, vintage and crafts goods. Small in scale - some 20-30 stalls - the flea market in Bradford on Avon is on every fourth Saturday of the month. It is held in St Margarets Hall and can enjoyably while away a few hours, after which there is Mr Salvat's cafe around the corner where you can revive yourself.
Further details of other local flea markets will be added through recommendations.
Farmers markets Farmers Markets are a recent development (90s) and hugely popular in the UK. They provide a wonderful selection of local and organic produce and sometimes local crafts and cooked foods that are great for picnics, or for enjoying back home or for presents for those left behind. Bradford has a weekly general market on a Thursday morning and on the third Thursday of the month it has a farmers market. Bath, the birth place of farmers markets, has one every Saturday at Green Park.
One of the best Farmers Markets in the whole of the UK is in Stroud in Gloucestershire. This is every Saturday. It is a leisurely drive through beautiful countryside from Bradford on Avon along the A46. It can be combined with a visit to a grand, historic house in the Cotswolds, a walk in nearby Westonbirt Arboretum, or a 'look-see' in the historic towns of Tetbury or Cirencester. There is also plenty else to do in all of the historic towns above. More dates and details of farmers markets in Wiltshire click here. This link also covers farm shops and farm B&Bs (if you would prefer to be out of town).
WI/Country Markets
The film, Calendar Girls, made the British Women's Institute (also known as the WI) famous. Among other things you can find at their markets are excellent home baked food and flowers at good prices. Locals get in early to ensure they get the best of what's on offer! Just to visit one gives you an insight into a great British tradition.
There is a twice monthly WI market in Bradford on Avon on a Thursday and another every Friday morning five miles away in Corsham. Details of others will be added.
In Warminster they now call, what was formerly a WI market, a country market, held every Friday morning inside the library.
Car Boots Sales
Made ever more popular during a recession, roads around a Sunday morning car boot sale can be jammed with enthusiastic bargain hunters or those seeking out antiques of the future.
They are lively, great fun and usually in aid of a good cause.
Location Salisbury Fire Station Car Boot Sale, Ashely Road, Salisbury, SP2 7TN
| When | Comments |
Getting there from BoA |
|
| Kings Lodge School PTA Car Boot Sale, Lodge Road, Pewsham, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3SY | first Saturday of the month from July to October |
to raise money for the school |
Car. About 25 mins |
| Old Dairy Farm Car Boot Sale, Main Road, Dauntsey, Chippenham, SN15 4HF |
every Sunday - all year round from 8am |
refreshment and toilets |
Car. About 25 mins |
| first Sunday of the month at 8am |
50p entry fee in aid of Fire Fighters Charity |
Car/train (taxi at other end) about 40 mins away. |
|
| Seend Car Boot Sale, Devised Road, Seend, SN12 6RG |
every Sunday from April to late autumn, 7.30am |
refreshments and loos available donations for entry in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance
|
Car. 20 minutes away. |
For 'Christmas Markets', see 'Christmas' section here and here
Craft/artisan Markets
Frome Cheese and Grain Craft Market, Market Yard, - 4th Saturday each Month 9. am - 14.00 (Jan - Nov)
Frome Artisan Market, Catherine hill - 1st Sunday each Month - 9. am - 13.00
It's not exactly a market, as there is only one 'stall holder' there, but every so often there is an oriental rug sale at the Swan Hotel, that is worth watching out for, as you can pick up some good bargains here at the end of the day.
More information on Markets in Wiltshire.