English market towns come in many shapes and sizes. Each one has a personality moulded by the goods and services produced and traded for centuries. Towns and villages near a harbour have just caught seafood. In Herefordshire, beef is king of the market. Shropshire is cider apple country. Towns surrounded by farms have everything: meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, fruit and vegetables, beer, cider and wine.
Many small market towns still have street fairs; others have built modern pavilions where farmers, producers and artisans sell their products. Many producers are a multi-generational family operation. Whether on the street or under a roof, the quality is unsurpassed.
Western England has some of the oldest market towns at the crossroads of the country, where men, animals and machines have travelled through the ages to sell the fruits of their labour and buy the necessities of home. But each town and village has more to do than shop. So I looked for some things to do in five charming English towns.
If you're considering a trip to the country to visit these charming market towns, you may want to make plans for accommodations. Fortunately, there are plenty of hotel deals in London at hotels-of-london.com. From traditional accommodations to modern lodgings, you're sure to find something that suits your taste and budget.
For a more comprehensive look at accommodations in the bustling city, check out the list of hotels on tophotels.com. With this resource, you can compare prices, read reviews, and make a more informed decision about where to stay during your visit to the UK's market towns.
1. Hereford, Herefordshire
The city of Hereford is a cathedral city and the county town of Herefordshire. Hereford was founded in 1189 and remains a vibrant market town.
The market and square
In the heart of Hereford's old town, you'll find the Butter Market. The indoor market houses local food, drink, craft and art stalls. The Butter Market is in a large town square where food and craft vendors set up shop. Skirting the square, you'll find beautiful shops, restaurants and the Black and White House Museum.
A cathedral with a library
Hereford Cathedral is the most impressive building in the city. It is also home to an ancient Chained Library. Books from the 17th century were so valuable that they were chained to the library shelves. The treasures remain chained there today. Mappa Mundi , a map of the known world from the 13th century, was drawn on calfskin and is displayed in the library. One of the four original copies of the Magna Carta is also displayed.
The cathedral is magnificent. The gardens are extensive, with manicured lawns and gardens. Tours are offered. Visit the cathedral's website for times and dates.
Drink an Apple
Cider has been made in Herefordshire for centuries. One of Herefordshires' most abundant crops is cider apples. A visit to the Cider Museum gives a detailed history of the lovely elixir. The tour ends with a tasting in a shop selling many brands of Herefordshire cider.
A hotel with a moat
The Castle House Hotel is Herefords best accommodation. I suggest Castle House, whether for a night or two's accommodation, lunch or dinner, or a glass of sparkling wine in the courtyard overlooking the moat of the old castle. The luxurious rooms and gardens were once the site of Hereford Castle.
You can find more information about Hereford at the Hereford Visitors Bureau.
Photo credit: Mary Charlebois
2. Ludlow, Shropshire
Ludlow, a thriving medieval market town in Shropshire, is known as the Foodie Centre of England. The well-deserved reputation comes from the abundance of vegetables, fruit, meat and dairy products produced in the area for centuries.
Old Market Square
Ludlow is a black and white half-timbered market town. Butchers, greengrocers, bakeries and cheese shops line the town square. In addition, small shops, market stalls, pubs, cafés and restaurants share the market square on market days.
New Market Square
Ludlow is lucky enough to have two market centres. Ludlow Farmshop is a modern indoor market selling hundreds of foods produced in Shropshire. You'll spend hours in the pavilion shopping, tasting and chatting to producers of England's finest edibles. In addition, The Ludlow Kitchen , an on-site café, serves breakfast, 11s (early lunch), lunch and afternoon tea.
A castle overlooking the square
Bordering the square, Ludlow Castle is a must-see medieval fortress with a sizeable inner courtyard. The privately owned castle is open to the public. Find opening times and ticket information here.
Festival at the castle and in the square
Visitors from all over England and Europe attend the Ludlow Food Festival every September. The three-day event celebrates food with vendors, chefs, cookery classes, food photography classes, writers, tasting trails, entertainment and much more. Book your room in advance if you plan to attend.
To find out more about Ludlow, visit Welcome to Ludlow.
Photo credit: Mary Charlebois
3. Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Oh, Shrewsbury, how I love you. You were my first stop on a 30-day tour of the west of England. Getting to Shrewsbury town centre from London was challenging, but worth the anxiety. It was immediately apparent why it's the City of Flowers.
Shrewsbury is another of the Shropshires' market towns. The River Severn has a significant bend through the town, almost making an island of Shrewsbury town centre. The shape creates a perfect market where goods can be sent and received using the river as a motorway.
Shrewsbury town centre
A visit to Shrewsbury town centre will include narrow, twisting streets. Black and white half-timbered buildings, cosy pubs, shops of all kinds, a farmers' market and flowers are everywhere. Hanging baskets, flower boxes, planters and gardens display their vibrant blooms, just what you'd imagine in a charming English market town.
Don't miss
St Marys, The Darwin Centre, Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, Shrewsburys Mini Murals Trail and walks and boat trips.
Sleep
My choice of accommodation in Shrewsbury was The Loopy Shrew, in Shrewsbury town centre. This traditional/eclectic pub has 12 rooms above the bar and restaurant. The bar serves traditional ales, local beers, wines and craft cocktails. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a focus on traditional English pub dishes and locally sourced ingredients. I loved my single room with a single bed and tiny bathroom.
To find out more about Shrewsbury, visit Original Shrewsbury .
Photo credit: Mary Charlebois
4. Mevagissey, Cornwall
Even if you haven't been to the small fishing village of Mevagissey, you've probably seen it in a British film or TV programme. It may look like a film set, but it's authentic.
This picturesque working harbour took shape in 1774, when the first harbour walls were built. Although Pilcher's gigantic fishing catches no longer exist, the fishermen still go out to sea every day, weather permitting. Their bounty is sold in harbour-side markets and directly from the boats.
Singing
One of the most exciting experiences you'll have in this charming fishing village is a performance by the Mevagissey Male Choir. The choir is made up of men aged between 18 and 80. They travel the country performing pieces ranging from Freddie Mercury to Robbie Williams, Eric Clapton to Leo Sayer, Verdi to Bizet, and traditional choral pieces and music from Cornwall's rich choral heritage. I stood by the harbour listening to songs of those lost at sea sung in Cornish. I cried, even though I didn't understand the words.
Have some Cornish food
Of course, don't leave the harbour without a traditional Cornish pasty. The hand pie is traditionally filled with meat, potatoes and onions. The Cornish Bakery on Olivers Quay is just one of the places where you'll find these addictive pastries. I loved the traditional one, but the chicken curry pasty is still on my mind.
Don't miss
Mevagissey Museum , Mevagissey Aquarium , Mevagissey Harbour Lighthouse , Royal National Lifeboat Institution , The World of Model Railways and The Eden Project . Boat trips are economical and a great way to see the coastline.
There is no car park at the harbour. Pay and park on the outskirts of the village is the only large lot in the area. It's a short walk to the harbour.
Pro tip: take a photo of your car and the location sign nearest your car. The car park is very large and you can easily forget where you parked.
Photo credit: Mary Charlebois
5. Padstow, Cornwall
Padstow is a Cornish fishing harbour known for its abundant mackerel, pollack, cod, dogfish, sole and shellfish. The treasures of the sea can be found in markets, restaurants and right from the boats. However, one of the best things to do in Padstow is to go to the harbour and eat seafood. It's everywhere and fresh to the mouth.
Favourite holiday
Padstow is a popular holiday spot in the summer. Unfortunately, the small harbour has few parking spaces, most of which are pay-by-the-hour car parks. However, you can park for free on the outskirts and take the bus to the harbour. In winter, holidaymakers are fewer, accommodation rates are lower and you can find parking at the harbour.
Don't miss
The National Lobster Hatchery , Prideaux Place Caf and Gardens , Rick Steins Seafood Restaurant , The Camel Trail , or go to the beach .
Sleep with the fishes
For accommodation, my top recommendation goes to Rick Stein Seafood Restaurant . Yes, it's a bed and breakfast in the main seafood restaurant. The 16 rooms are individually decorated with every comfort in mind. My private patio became the place for my afternoon tea. The next day, breakfast offered everything from traditional English to shakshouka in the restaurant on the ground floor. What a treat.
To find out more about Padstow, visit Visit Padstow .
Where is England's highest market town?
The Crescent, Buxton, Derbyshire, Eng. Situated between 1,000 and 1,100 feet (305 and 335 metres) above sea level, Buxton is the highest market town in England.
What are English market towns?
A 'market town' in the UK is categorised as a small town in a rural setting that has been granted the historic legal right to hold a weekly market. Famous examples in the UK include Dorchester in Dorset, Yeovil in Somerset and Halifax in West Yorkshire.
What is the oldest market town in England?
Abingdon is a picturesque market town that is actually the oldest town in England. It is also a parish. Built around 676 AD, the abbey gave its name to the emerging town that grew up around it. The town is steeped in history, and the area has been occupied since the early Iron Age.
Related posts:
8 best food markets in France
9 beautiful wineries in the UK where you can spend...
8 picturesque Canadian towns to visit near...
The lovely English village perfect for a cosy...
11 beautiful English villages to discover before the...
10 reasons why you'll fall in love with the...