Selling everything from fresh farm produce to artisan alcohol, the Stroud district boasts a bumper crop of markets, perfect for a spot of alfresco shopping.
Pick up tasty local treats and support the area’s independent businesses while you’re at it, with SoGlos’s pick of 10 must-visit markets in and around Stroud.
Stroud farmers’ market
Filling the streets of Stroud with fresh, organic produce; artisan food and drink; handmade crafts; and delicious hot food to tuck into every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, Stroud farmers’ market is one of the biggest and most popular farmers’ markets in the country.
With up to 60 stalls lining Cornhill Market Place and the surrounding streets each week, not to mention live music performances and even a café for a welcome pit stop, it’s a hugely popular spot for locals – and a must-visit for anyone who’s a tourist in town.
Five Valleys Indoor Market
The Borough Market-inspired Five Valleys indoor market provides a delightful surprise for anyone visiting the shopping centre in Stroud, with its buzzing atmosphere and delicious selection of traders that are open every day.
Visitors can eat their way around the world, with street food spanning everything from sushi and Asian-inspired bubble tea; French patisserie and macarons; Italian arancini; loaded American-style barbecue boxes and Tex Mex burritos, nachos and quesadillas; to some of the best brownies in the county. Not to mention an artisan deli, fishmongers and butchers to shop for incredible produce to take home.
Saxon Barn pop-up farmers’ market
Held at the idyllic Saxon Barn in Leonard Stanley on the last Sunday of every month until October, this pop-up farmers’ market is already proving popular.
Taking place from 10am to 2pm, visitors can browse a diverse selection of products from local businesses, with the likes of juicy burgers from Gloucester’s hugely popular The BBQ Society; artisan bread and pastries from Quedgeley-based Boys Bakery; giant cookies from Humble Crumb bakery in Gloucester; luxury handmade ice cream from Cherry Moo; and locally-distilled gin from Sibling Distillery in Cheltenham on the menu – not to mention doggy treats, houseplants and homewares, too!
Dursley Craft Market
Taking place on the first Saturday of every month at the historic Market Place, Dursley Craft Market brings talented crafters and makers to the town to showcase their wares.
With colourful, wooden bird and bee boxes for the garden, handmade soaps, jewellery, fabric gifts and even screen-printing demonstrations, it’s the ideal opportunity to pick up something completely unique.
Nailsworth Market
Nailsworth Market is a lively local market that’s well worth a visit, offering farm-fresh produce from vegetables to meat; local honey, homemade jams and preserves; fresh-cut flowers; as well as artisan cheeses, loose leaf tea and more.
The market takes place in Mortimer Gardens in the centre of Nailsworth from 9.30am to 2.30pm on the fourth Saturday of every month.
Stonehouse Town Market
Lining the main street through the centre of Stonehouse every Saturday from 1pm until 5pm, visitors can pick up all sorts of tasty treats and browse the stalls for locally-made arts, crafts and homewares at Stonehouse Town Market.
With fresh fruit and veg, sourdough bread, artisan cheese, handmade cakes, ice cream and plenty more on offer, it’s a great spot for local foodies, too.
Stroud Shambles Market
Offering open-air and indoor shopping from a variety of crafters, makers and collectors, Stroud Shambles Market takes place every Friday and Saturday from 8am to 3pm in one of the oldest areas of the town.
Visitors can pick up everything from vintage comics, diecast models and books; handmade bunting, macramé and clothing; to original artwork from local artists and photographers – as well as discovering the market’s fascinating history on boards and plaques around the area.
Wotton Farmers’ and Craft Market
Wotton Farmers’ and Craft Market takes over Wotton-under-Edge’s town hall on the first Saturday of every month.
For foodies, there’s fresh meat, fruit and vegetables, as well as local cheese, honey, preserves and cakes, while for arty types there’s a range of local crafts to browse and buy, too.
Dursley farmers’ market
From fresh flowers to fresh bread and cakes, Dursley farmers’ market takes place on the second Saturday of each month from March to December, packing out the Town Hall with lovely local produce.
With fruit, veg and eggs from local farms, as well as preserves, cheeses, local honey and even chilli plants on offer, visitors can enjoy a browse from 8.30am to 1pm.
Nailsworth Street Market
Held on Market Street on the second Saturday of the month during the summer, Nailsworth Street Market is a treasure trove of local arts and crafts.
From items like handmade bunting, tea towels and reusable cotton face wipes, handcrafted goat’s milk soaps, jewellery and houseplants; to local beer, cheese and sweet treats, there’s plenty to choose from.
