Five great farmers' markets

Castle Terrace, Edinburgh

National Farmers Retail & Markets Association (FARMA) Market of the Year 2007, and voted Britain's favourite market by Country Life. Organised by a very enthusiastic City Council, this market is vibrant and exciting, set beneath the castle and making a great tourist attraction as well as being great for locals. Boasting organic fruit, vegetables and meat, in the run-up to Christmas, there will be a best dressed stall competition, live Christmas trees, decorations, plus, on 22 December, carol singing and pipes and drums.

Every Saturday, 9am-2pm, 50 Stalls, food comes from within 50 miles away. 0131 652 5940; www.scottishfarmersmarkets.co.uk

William Tyndale School, Islington, London

Featuring many organic stallholders, this urban market also boasts local pork, beef and lamb from farmers around the M25 area. For the weeks leading up to Christmas, there will be Christmas trees and carol singers from local schools plus festive gift and treats.

Richmond Grove, London N1. Every Sunday 10am 2pm, 30 Stalls, food from within 100 miles of the M25, www.lfm.org.uk Email: info@lfm.org.uk

The Green, King's Norton

Offering all kinds of turkey, game, fruit, vegetables, poultry, meat and cheese, this is a city market with a rural feel. There are several artisan producers of cakes, pies and bread in addition to produce and for Christmas, the cake stall will double in size to sell Christmas puddings. There's also a carol service in the nearby church.

The Green, King's Norton, Birmingham, B38 8RU, 30 Stalls, food from within 50 miles. Every second Saturday of the month, next one 8 December, 07966 434 177; www.kingsnortonfarmersmarket.org.uk

Cornhill Market Place, Stroud

Just announced FARMA Market of the Year 2008, Stroud has 10 organic producers and many growers of seasonal produce, plus craft and artisan stalls. It will have Christmas trees, Brussels sprouts on the stalk, puddings and other goodies plus entertainment including ancient carols, a brass band, handbells and folk music in the run-up to the big day.

Cornhill Market Place, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL5 2JT. Every Saturday, 9am to 2pm, 50 Stalls, 01453 758060; www.fresh-n-local.co.uk

Riverside Shopping Centre, Haverfordwest

With many organic and local produce sellers, there is a strong emphasis on shellfish, trout and smoked fish and this market by the river also offers Pembrokeshire turkeys and ducks, organic rare breed lamb, mutton and beef, and local flour and bread. For Christmas, there will be tasting sessions, entertainment including carols, plus festive wreaths and gifts.

Riverside Shopping Centre, Riverside Quay, Haverfordwest, 28-30 Stalls, food from within 40 miles. Every other Friday usually with an extra date in Christmas (7, 14 & 21 December), 01437 776 168; www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk

To find your nearest farmers' market, visit www.farmersmarkets.net or call 0845 4588420 to find a market inspected and accredited by the Farmers' Market Association. Stall holders should be local and if you are buying organic produce, should be able to produce their Soil Association certificate. Remember to take lots of re-useable shopping bags with you!