Shropshire is famous for its historic market towns. Many of them date back hundreds of years and they’re a delight to visit.
There’s nothing quite like getting Shropshire fruit and vegetables, meats, cheeses, wines, beers, ciders, and crafts from the people who reared, produced, or made them.
Farmers and Artists Markets
As well as the traditional indoor and street markets, there are lots of artists and farmers markets in Shropshire, where you can learn all about the origins of the produce and often try before you buy.
Keep an eye out for the special evening events too, when the markets transform into food courts, typically with some great entertainment thrown in. And don’t forget about the local food festivals—they’re frequently the best and busiest markets in the Shropshire yearly calendar!
Tried and Tested
When you’re buying from local traders, the top-quality produce and handmade goods you’re getting are tried and trusted. Some of the stallholders have lived in the area since birth and their businesses are often handed down to their children or grandchildren.
At Love2Stay, our team loves to browse a market or two. Here are five of our favourites:
- Shrewsbury Market Hall
- Ludlow Market
- Market Drayton Market
- Much Wenlock Market
- Wellington Market
Shrewsbury Market Hall
The Shrewsbury Market Hall is a traditional covered market in the centre of town. It’s been around for over 100 years and is a fantastic place to buy fresh produce, including meat, fish, fruit and vegetables.
The range of stalls is excellent too and they sell all manner of goods there, including jewellery, crafts, clothes and toys.
The market in Shrewsbury is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There are also Farmers’ and Specialist Markets in the Square from 9 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. on the first Friday of every month.
The Made in Shropshire market is well worth a visit for locally produced goods and takes place on the second Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address: Claremont St, Shrewsbury SY1 1HQ, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1743 351067. Website
Ludlow Market
There have been street markets in Ludlow since the 12th century. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the year, a traditional open-air market takes place in the town square from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than forty vendors sell a variety of things such as fresh produce, cheeses, books, and local crafts.
As well as the traditional market, there is a Sunday flea market every couple of weeks and special themed markets throughout the year.
Address: Castle Sq, Ludlow SY8 1AX, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1584 838010. Website
Market Drayton Market
Market Drayton is one of the best places to go if you’re looking for a day out with family and friends.
The street market and the indoor market are both open every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and offer a wide variety of goods for sale.
You’ll find over 100 stalls selling crafts and handmade items as well as local produce, plants and flowers.
If you love to browse, you’ll find plenty to see at Market Drayton market!
Address: Cheshire Street, Market Drayton, TF9 1PD, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1384 877 336 Website
Much Wenlock Market
Much Wenlock has been a market town for more than 800 years and is home to one of the most popular markets in Shropshire.
The produce on offer at the Buttermarket, the Square, and the Corn Exchange ranges from freshly picked fruits and vegetables to pies, preserves, honey, and meats from the area.
Alongside the local artisans and producers are merchants selling a wide variety of general and household goods, as well as books, vintage apparel, arts and crafts, and plants.
The market is open Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Address: 62 High Street TF13 6AE United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1952 727509 Website
Wellington Market
Wellington Market has been around since 1244 and consists of a heated indoor market hall and an outdoor piazza.
There’s plenty to see with over 50 stalls, a new food court, the market hall, the market piazza, and a seasonal bazaar.
The market cafés are always a popular stop for a tasty bite to eat. And when it comes to the food and local produce, you’re going to be spoiled for choice.
There are local delicatessens selling ham, cheese, and dairy produce, as well as plenty of stalls offering top-quality fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and baked goods, fresh fish, local farm eggs, and more.
The specialist market traders attract visitors from all over and you’ll find furniture, framing services, beds, carpets, small electricals and tools, key cutting, and pet care.
There’s also a marvellous selection of formal clothes, bags, accessories, jewellery, cosmetics, stationery, and handmade crafts on offer.
Wellington Market is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Address: 11 Market St, Wellington, Telford TF1 1DT, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 1952 242019. Website
Happy Shopping!
So, there you have it, our pick of the best markets in Shropshire. We hope this has given you some ideas about where to go next time you fancy visiting some market towns in Shropshire.