The 10 Best Farmers’ Markets

Taste the best produce from a given area and mingle with the locals in some of Britain’s prettiest, historic market towns

{1} Stroud Farmers' Market, Gloucestershire

The inspiration for Katie Fford's novel Paradise Fields and a regular feature on TV cooking shows, this is a bit like the celebrity of farmers' markets. It is one of the biggest and busiest of its kind yet the produce remains incredibly local; all from a 17-mile radius.

Every Saturday, 9am–2pm, fresh-n-local.co.uk

{2} Cheltenham Farmers' Market, Gloucestershire

Cotswold Life recently declared this the best farmers' market in Gloucestershire. It is a bustling affair in the heart of the town that offers everything from chutneys and free-range meat to fine wines.

Second and last Friday of the month, 9am–3pm, fresh-n-local.co.uk

{3} Winchester Farmes' Market, Hampshire

A favourite of chef Rick Stein, this is the UK's biggest farmers' market. Around 90 producers present their wares, from ostrich to crabs. All the produce must be grown, reared, pickled, smoked or processed within 10 miles of the Hampshire borders. Fortunately for buyers, the rule doesn't apply to where you can eat it.

Second and last Sunday of the month, 9am–2pm, hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk

{4} The Goods Shed, Canterbury

Hosted in an old Victorian railway building, this market was set up in 2002 to help support local cottage industries. The stall selection includes Cheese Makers of Canterbury, Enzo's Bakery and The Bottle Shop. There is also a market-produce restaurant.

Tuesday to Saturday 9am-7pm, Sunday 10am–4pm, thegoodsshed.co.uk

{5} Edinburgh Farmers' Market

In the shadow of the city’s castle, this weekly market sells produce as well as the best food from around the country. There are more than 55 specialist producers and cooking demonstrations on the first Saturday of every month.

Saturday, 9am-2pm, edinburghfarmersmarket.co.uk

{6} Wye Farmers' Market, Kent

First set up by environmental campaigner and graduate of the local agricultural college Richard Boden, this is now one of the oldest farmers' markets in Kent. As well as great local and specialist produce, there are regular live events and performances.

First and third Saturday of the month, 9am-12pm, wyefarmersmarket.co.uk

{7} Moseley Farmers' Market, Birmingham

In the heart of one of Britain’s “foodiest towns”, according to Olive magazine, this monthly market includes more than 50 stalls from across the Midlands. Around 50,000 attend each volunteer-run market and last year it won the Country's Best award from the National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association.

Every fourth Saturday of the month, 9am-3pm, moseleyfarmersmarket.org.uk

{8} Treacle Market, Macclesfield

No, not a farmers' market dedicated to the syrup. The name refers to the fabled incident when a treacle wagon overturned in the cobbbled town centre. Here the shoppers throng to Market Place and Chestergate in search of the local farm cheese, sourdough from the local bakers, and the warm comfort food supplied by the Greek Kitchen stall.

Last Sunday of the month, 10am – 3.30pm, treaclemacclesfield.co.uk

{9} Teme Valley Market, Worcestershire

Proudly trading since the last century (so, um, 1998) this is still one of the first farmers' markets to set up in the country. Held in the back room of a pub, it sells award-winning local fare and you can round up your day with a pint.

Second Sunday of the month, 11am-1.30pm, the-talbot.co.uk

{10} Brixton Farmer's Market, London

Graze your way through this inner-city farmers' market, tasting all the ready-to-eat snacks on offer. All the fresh food you could want is available, from artisan bread, to homemade jam, but don’t forget that the vibrant daily market also has a lot to offer.

Every Sunday, 10am - 2pm, brixtonmarket.net