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Food produce from local farms comes with so many benefits, not least that fresh flavour you’ll struggle to find in the supermarkets. If you’re looking to bag some regionally sourced goodies, then why not visit a farmers market? Across London and the south west, there are a ton of recurring, pop-up or permanent markets where you can explore produce grown and made by independent businesses and traders. Here's a few of our favourite picks:
Islington Farmers Market
Where? Chapel Market, Islington
When? Every Sunday 10:00 – 14:00
On the menu: Islington Farmers Market is the must-see of Sunday farmers markets in London, but where to start? As the oldest established farmers market in the area, this market has a brilliant selection of freshly prepared produce for you to explore. Stock up on your fruit and veg at Perry Court Farm, or head to Nigels’ Lettuce and Lovage for salads and herbs. Chegworth Valleys stock their own homemade apple juice, while you can find beautiful seasonal flowers at from Grange Nursery. You’ll also find fresh pasta, organic meat produce, freshly baked loaves of bread and much more.
Other delights:The delicious sights and smells at Islington Farmers Market are bound to tempt your tastebuds. That’s why many shoppers can’t resist stopping off for a delicious snack at Laugan’s Cakies. A unique combination of a cake and a cookie, the ‘cakies’ sold here are a market favourite and are definitely worth trying during your trip.
Our nearest station: Catch the number 341 bus from London Waterloo towards Upper Edmonton and get off at St John Street / Goswell Road. From there, it’s just a five-minute walk to the market.
Surbiton Farmers Market
Where? Maple Road, Surbiton
When? The third Saturday of the month, 9:00 – 13:00
On the menu: Now in its tenth year, this outdoor market along the leafy Maple Road has gone from strength to strength. Over 25 traders sell a selection of local gins, free range eggs, bakery goods, vegetables, French cheeses and more. Along Maple Road there are even more independent places to eat and drink, including the Antelope who brew their own award-winning beers and ales.
Other delights: A firm favourite at the market is The Giggly Pig Company. They’re an award-winning company using free-range, outdoor-reared, rare-breed Saddleback pigs from the owner Tracy’s farm in Romford, Essex. Choose from 75 different flavoured sausages from hops to Marmite. There are also baby back ribs, dry cured back bacon, pork chops and of course, the popular Christmas market hog-roast.
Our nearest station: The market is a five-minute walk from the art-deco Surbiton station. It sits within Zone 6 and is as little as 16 minutes from London Waterloo by rail. The market’s well sign posted from outside of the station, so you shouldn’t miss it.
Marylebone Farmers Market
Where? Aybrook Street, Marylebone
When? Every Sunday 10:00 – 14:00
On the menu: Take your pick from delicious seasonal produce at Marylebone Farmers Market. Stalls including Manor Farm, Perry Court Farm and Riverdale Organic Farm offer it all, from your favourite types of root vegetables in the winter to scrumptious cherries, strawberries and an array of summer fruits in the warmer months. Stock up on your free-range meat, poultry and fish, and treat yourself to some oysters at Norfolk based Longshore.
Other delights: Saving the UK’s bees has never been so vital, so why not do your bit and head to Bee Friendly? As well as jars of honey, you can expect to find honey-on-the-comb, including a cool selection of beeswax and honey products ranging from candles and soap to polish and cosmetics. The nearby Paddington Gardens is also a lovely spot to relax in after a successful shop.
Our nearest station: From London Waterloo, hop on the Tube via the Jubilee Line westbound and get off at Baker Street Station. It’s then a further 10 minutes on foot to reach the market.
Bloomsbury Farmers Market
Where? Torrington Square, Bloomsbury
When? Every Thursday 9:00 – 14:00
On the menu: Bloomsbury Farmers Market excels in serving up freshly prepared meals all cooked in front of your eyes. And unlike many other farmers markets in the capital, this market is open on a weekday! With produce coming directly from local farms, Bloomsbury is a great place to go for a delicious, on-the-go lunch. You can find food for every mood, from Italian favourites like pasta and pizza at Napoli on the Road, to freshly-baked desserts such as doughnuts and macaroons. For a tasty and warming Greek dish, head to I Love Moussaka, or visit The Urban Turban for deliciously authentic Punjabi cuisine.
Other delights: For something a little different, Da Fish Ting serves all their burgers in charcoal brioche buns – making for a cool Instagram snap. Those with dietary requirements will also love the fact they offer gluten-free fish and chips.
Our nearest station: Bloomsbury Farmers Market is a 37-minute walk from London Waterloo, but you can spare your legs by using the Tube. At the station, hop on the Northern Line northbound, then get off at Goodge Street. It’s only a six-minute walk from here.
The best farmers markets in the South West
Winchester Farmers Market
Where? High Street, Winchester
When? Second and last Sunday of every month, 9:00 – 14:00
On the menu: One of the largest and often voted among the best in the UK, browse almost 100 stalls that sprawl across Winchester’s town centre. The market is run by Hampshire Farmers’ Markets Limited and is a not for profit organisation. Showcasing the best of what Hampshire has to offer from bread to beer, fruit to fishcakes, gin to game, there is an abundance of choice here. We recommend the locally grown watercress, water buffalo steaks, organic products and ostrich meat.
The Garlic Farm are regulars at the market with seasonal produce found on their stall including smoked garlic, garlic bread, garlic pickles, hot pickled garlic - you get the idea.
Other delights: Hood Hampshire Honey is a favourite, produced by Tracey Hood from 20 colonies of bees across Southern Hampshire. The honey collected is individually extracted and not blended, so that each jar of honey can be traced back to the location of the hive it came from.
Our nearest station: Take the train to Winchester station, then head down the hill for 10 minutes into town. The market is big so cannot be missed!
Hampshire Farmers Market
Where? Palmerston Road, Southsea
When? Every third Sunday of the month, 10:00 – 14:00
On the menu: As the Portsmouth area’s main local market, you can expect all your traditional British country produce at Hampshire Farmers Market, from tasty fresh fruit and veg to free-range meat and dairy. Start your shopping trip off with an invigorating drink from 2020 Coffee Company, before heading to Acres Down Farm Shop for your grocery essentials. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, there are plenty of bakeries and cake stalls to choose between, from Crane Patisserie Ltd to Harvest View Brownies.
Other delights: With 12 varieties to choose from, Hill Farm Juice is the place to go for delicious homemade apple juice. But if your mind’s turning to a tipple, visit Alfred's Brewery where you can find a range of high quality ales available to take home with you.
Our nearest station: From Portsmouth & Southsea station, Hampshire Farmers Market is a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute journey on the 7A bus towards Southsea.
Tips for all markets
To get the most out of your experience and do your bit for the environment, bring along your own bags and containers to cut down on the use of new plastic.
There are so many farmers markets waiting to be explored in London and the south west, so why not book your train tickets with South Western Railway today? You could even enjoy special discounts when you buy online through us, courtesy of our SWR Rewards scheme.
It’s easy to discover the right ticket type for your journey, and you might be able to save by checking if you’re eligible for a railcard or discount. Feeling inspired to check out more of London’s food scene? Here are our top picks for the best food markets in London.
