Looking for a relaxing day out with a bit of culture, charm, and plenty of great shopping? You can’t beat Britain’s traditional market towns.
From cobbled streets and quirky shops to artisan food stalls and centuries-old traditions, these towns offer a proper slice of British life – and a warm welcome too. Even better, you can visit stress-free on one of our comfy coach day trips. Just hop on, sit back, and let us do the driving.
Here are 10 of our favourite market towns across the UK – perfect for a day of exploring, eating, and browsing to your heart’s content.
1. Fleetwood, Lancashire
🌊 Coastal Charm
🗓️ When: Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Fleetwood is a lovely little town by the sea on the Fylde Coast, known for its brilliant Victorian market. With over 200 stalls across five different areas, there’s loads to explore – from local produce and handmade gifts to vintage bits and bobs. The market’s got a really friendly feel, and it’s easy to spend hours wandering around.
Once you've had your fill of shopping, enjoy a stroll along the seafront or pop over to nearby Cleveleys for more coastal views.
Explore Fleetwood Market and Cleveleys
2. Ripon, North Yorkshire
🏰 A Historic Treasure
🗓️ When: Every Thursday, with a smaller version on Saturdays for essentials
Ripon’s market has been going for nearly 1,000 years – and it’s easy to see why. Every Thursday, the square fills with stalls selling fresh food, baked treats, and local goods, officially opened by the town's bellman at 11am. Visitors also gather for the ancient Hornblower ceremony at 9 pm, a tradition dating back over a century!
Beyond the market there’s loads to explore, including Ripon Cathedral, museums, riverside walks, and quaint little shops down hidden alleys. It’s a proper Yorkshire gem.
Many coach visitors go to Ripon specially for the unique market experience – join our Ripon Market coach trip today and see it for yourself!
3. Stamford, Lincolnshire
📷 Picture-Perfect Shopping
🗓️ When: Every Friday and Saturday
With its honey-coloured stone buildings and old-world charm, Stamford looks like it belongs in a period drama (and as a favourite for filmmakers, it often does!). On Fridays, around 70 market stalls line the streets, selling everything from cheese and baked goods to vintage vinyl and hot curries. Saturdays are smaller but just as lovely – adding to the charm with antiques, crafts, street food, and more.
Grab a coffee, browse the independent shops, and enjoy soaking up the atmosphere. It’s an easy-going day out that feels like stepping back in time.
4. Ludlow, Shropshire
🧀 Foodie Heaven
🗓️ When: Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Ludlow is well-known for its foodie scene, and its award-winning market doesn’t disappoint. It’s been trading in Castle Square for over 900 years!
With over 40 outdoor stalls, you’ll find artisan cheeses, fresh produce, books, crafts, and local wines. Sundays often feature flea or special themed markets too.
Just imagine all of this set in the shadow of Ludlow Castle – a gorgeous backdrop for a day of browsing and tasting. But don’t just take our word for it. Explore Ludlow Market with our coach trip today!
5. Cirencester, Gloucestershire
🐑 Cotswold Charm
🗓️ When: Every Monday and Friday
Cirencester blends Roman history with classic Cotswold charm. And its markets are just as special. In fact, they’re so picturesque they’ve even been used for TV adverts!
The Monday and Friday Charter Markets are among the oldest in England and have been going since Domesday Book days. Today, packed with friendly stallholders and quality goods, they remain part of the town’s appeal.
On select Saturdays, craft and farmers’ markets bring even more to explore, and the town’s antique shops, boutiques, and cafés are perfect for a leisurely browse. Take a wander round for a classic Cotswolds day out.
6. Skipton, North Yorkshire
🌳 Gateway to the Dales
🗓️ When: Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday
Previously voted one of the UK’s happiest places to live, Skipton is a thriving North Yorkshire market town full of charm – and its wide, cobbled High Street hosts one of the region's most frequent outdoor markets.
The market began with a royal charter linked to Skipton Castle and dates back to medieval times. Today, stalls continue to line both sides of the street, selling clothing, homewares, cheese, fish, and fresh produce.
Combine your visit with a walk around the town’s shops, a tour of Skipton Castle, or a Canal Cruise with Bullocks – a delightful way to round off a truly memorable day!
Take a day trip to Skipton Market
7. Totnes, Devon
✨ Bohemian Spirit
🗓️ When: Every Friday and Saturday
Totnes is a little offbeat, but in the best way. It’s one of the UK’s quirkiest towns and a market has thrived there for centuries.
The Friday and Saturday markets bring the town centre to life with everything from ethical goods and street food to antiques and vintage clothes. It’s great for meeting friendly traders and having a good old browse.
Food & Craft Markets on select Sundays add even more local flavour, showcasing the area’s best produce and artisanal goods.
8. York, North Yorkshire
🤴 A City with it All
🗓️ When: Daily
If you like your markets with a side of history, York’s a top pick. The daily Shambles Market is packed with character – and great finds, from handmade jewellery and leather goods to hot street food and flowers. It even won Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice back in 2013.
Exploring the medieval lanes, visiting York Minster, or just soaking up the atmosphere with a hot drink in hand... it’s hard not to fall in love with this place.
9. Hexham, Northumberland
👥 Culture and Community
🗓️ When: Varies
Nestled in the heart of Northumberland, Hexham is a historic town that feels calm and welcoming.
The weekly Tuesday market in the town’s central square brims with stalls offering a range of local goods. Just steps away, the covered Shambles Market trades daily, perfect for browsing come rain or shine.
The Farmers’ Market also brings out the region’s best producers twice a month – think seasonal veg, local meats, chutneys, and more.
After exploring the markets, why not visit the majestic Hexham Abbey, stroll by the river, or take a trip to nearby Vindolanda for Roman ruins?
10. Bury, Greater Manchester
👑 Market Royalty
🗓️ When: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Bury Market is a local legend, and for good reason. With over 200 stalls, including an indoor market, a fish & meat hall, and open-air stalls, it’s a shopping paradise. (Not to mention it’s been voted Britain’s Favourite Market multiple times!).
People come from all over for the bargains, food, and atmosphere – and of course, the famous black pudding. While you’re in town, visit The Rock, the East Lancs Railway, or the Fusilier Museum for even more to enjoy.
Why go by Coach?
Let’s face it, driving, parking, and navigating quaint, unfamiliar towns isn’t much fun. That’s why our coach trips make things easy.
You just hop on at a convenient pick-up point, sit back in a comfy, air-conditioned seat, and enjoy the countryside views while we take care of the rest. Our friendly drivers drop you right where the action is – no parking stress, no long walks, just great memories.
From Fleetwood’s sea breeze to Ludlow’s medieval charm, there’s a perfect market adventure waiting for you. Book your Bullocks coach trip today and discover why it’s the most relaxing and rewarding way to explore the UK’s most beloved market towns.
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