There’s something wholesome about visiting a traditional market, pottering around the curious stalls, chatting to the friendly vendors and picking up a few bargains along the way. It’s the epitome of ‘slow weekend’ for us, marking the start of a long day that’s no doubt followed by cold pints and hearty pub grub. But not only that, it’s a Yorkshire tradition, with many of our region’s towns hosting regular market days for centuries. Fancy taking in a slice of that history? Here’s our guide to some of the best market days in Yorkshire.
1. Richmond
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Phil Smith – geograph.org.uk/p/26312
When is market day? 📅 Every Wednesday and Saturday.
What’s there? 🛍️ Both an indoor and outdoor market with tons of fresh, local produce, flowers, arts, crafts and gifts.
What else is there to do? 🤔 Richmond is also home to its very own castle, tons of lovely restaurants (including the fabulous traders at The Station and one of our personal favourites, Rustique), with plenty of independent shops to potter around, too.
2. Malton
When is market day? 📅 The food market is on the second Saturday of every month.
What’s there? 🛍️ Food, glorious food! Expect tasty, locally made and sourced grub including pastries, sausage rolls, cakes and so much more – all accompanied by live music and drinks.
What else is there to do? 🤔 Malton is the food capital of Yorkshire, so it wouldn’t be a proper visit without filling your tum. Packed full of lovely pubs, cocktail bars and restaurants offering a ton of cuisines, there are plenty of places to try, which will likely result in multiple visits! Our top picks include Pizza on the Square, Omni and The Library for drinks.
3. Beverley
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Bernard Sharp – geograph.org.uk/p/4608109
When is market day? 📅 Every Saturday.
What’s there? 🛍️ A little bit of everything, really! Expect clothes, accessories, crafts, gifts, food, drinks and more! This one’s a busy one.
What else is there to do? 🤔 Beverley is home to some cosy cafes, pubs and a number of lovely restaurants. Visit Nellie’s for a real historic drink at the pub, before walking around the stunning Beverley Westwood on a summer’s day, where cows roam free and families often picnic.
4. Helmsley
When is market day? 📅 Every Friday.
What’s there? 🛍️ It’s a bit of a mix. Expect clothes, gifts, local produce, household goods and flowers.
What else is there to do? 🤔 Helmsley is truly a beautiful place to walk around, so we’d recommend taking in the sights before heading to the pub, trying out a local restaurant or making the trip over to the Walled Garden. If you fancy a bit of grab and go grub, however, stop by Hunter’s of Helmsley for one of their incredible sandwiches. Trust us on this one.
5. Leyburn
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Stephen Craven – geograph.org.uk/p/5858008
When is market day? 📅 Every Friday.
What’s there? 🛍️ Pretty much everything, from fresh fish and local produce to beautiful crafts and gifts.
What else is there to do? 🤔 Leyburn is well known for the Tennants Auctioneers, as well as the beautiful Leyburn Shawl walking route, which is said to be the route Mary Queen of Scots took, dropping her shawl when escaping the nearby Bolton Castle. There’s also an array of great pubs and cafes, alongside our dog’s favourite pick n mix shop, The Dales Dog Deli.
6. Ripon
When is market day? 📅 Every Thursday.
What’s there? 🛍️ All sorts! Shop clothing, accessories, household essentials, plants and more, as well as local produce and sweet treats.
What else is there to do? 🤔 Ripon is home to its historic cathedral, as well as the lovely Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. There are some fantastic pubs here, and the cafe culture is great. Just potter around and capture the vibe of England’s smallest city.
7. Knaresborough
When is market day? 📅 Every Wednesday.
What’s there? 🛍️ Expect a little bit of everything, including local produce, fresh meats, treats, clothing and more.
What else is there to do? 🤔 Walk by the river towards the lovely Knaresborough viaduct, enjoy a waterside cuppa, check out the castle or enjoy a peaceful boat ride in your very own rowing boat. We love grabbing a coffee at Marigold, thanks to its riverside views, and Mother Shipton’s Cave is just around the corner, too.
8. Skipton
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Colin Smith – geograph.org.uk/p/1341705
When is market day? 📅 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
What’s there? 🛍️ What isn’t there? Shop clothes, bags, fresh veggies, cheese, produce, plants and more.
What else is there to do? 🤔 Skipton is a wonderful place to visit for a day out. There’s a castle, tons of pubs, some gorgeous restaurants and cafes and plenty of shops, too. Our favourites are the Woolly Sheep Inn for a pint of real ale, and Bizzie Lizzies for some canalside fish and chips.
9. Grassington
When is market day? 📅 The Farmer’s Market takes place every third Sunday of the month.
What’s there? 🛍️ Some of the very best local food and drink from fantastic local traders.
What else is there to do? 🤔 Grassington is home to a number of quaint pubs, independent shops and the beautiful Linton Falls. If that wasn’t all, its main square is used as the set for All Creatures Great and Small, with The Devonshire pub famously playing the exterior of The Drovers Arms. Pop to the Love Brownies brownie hatch for an ice cream, or snuggle up at the Black Horse for a proper good burger.
Read more: 14 Of The Best Places To Visit For A Day Trip In Yorkshire
