UK Open Air Markets You Need to Visit

There’s something truly magical about visiting an open-air market. The stalls, the food, the lovely local produce, the charming people - they all create an atmosphere of community and good cheer. You can’t visit the United Kingdom without experiencing at least one outdoor market, but we’d recommend getting to all the ones on this list if you can manage it.

From Christmas markets to flower markets, here are the ones you need to explore with your UK motorhome rental.

Bath Christmas Market - England

Image: Heather Cowper (own work), (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

There are few experiences more magical than wandering through the streets of a traditional Christmas market on a cold winter night, inhaling the scent of mulled wine and roasted nuts with the sound of carols in the background. Bath puts on one of the UK’s most beautiful Christmas markets, with a series of old-fashioned chalets lining the city streets for visitors to peruse. You’ll find plenty of gorgeous handcrafted gifts and tasty treats for your loved ones. The market has also recently gone environmentally-friendly, so go green by purchasing Christmas decorations made from recycled plastic.

Manchester Christmas Market - England

If you find yourself a little further north at Christmas time, check out the magical Christmas market in Manchester instead, made up of an array of stalls spread along the streets of the city centre. Take your time and enjoy a magical wander past vendors selling gorgeous crafts, traditional British hog roasts and Yuletide food and drink from all over Europe.

Leith Market - Scotland

The Edinburgh Farmers’ Market might be more famous than this one, but Leith Market, held every Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm by the water in Dock Place, offers something a little bit different (and slightly fewer crowds). You’ll find fresh fruit and veg, international cuisine, and arts and crafts, just like many other open-air markets. However, vegetarians and vegans will rejoice at the array of meat and animal product-free goods on offer.

Columbia Road Flower Market - England

Image: Lee-Anne Inglis (own work), (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

Experience the streets coming alive with bursts of vibrant colour at these beautiful flower markets held every Sunday from 8 am until 3 pm in the east end of London. Enjoy musical performances as you wander past vintage clothes stores, cute art galleries and restaurants, and pick up a bunch of blooms for that special someone along the way.

Folktown Market - Northern Ireland

This market is held every Saturday in Belfast’s Bank Square. As a supporter of the slow food movement, you’ll find plenty of locally-sourced produce and locally-made crafts here, all amidst the backdrop of some of the city’s most historic buildings. The best part? You can stock up on Christmas presents and delicious treats for yourself guilt-free - all proceeds from what you buy goes to community regeneration projects to support the local community.

Perth Farmer’s Market - Scotland

Planning a motorhome trip through the Scottish highlands? Hire a campervan in Edinburgh and make your way north from the capital, stopping off at the Perth Farmer’s Market along the way. On the first Saturday of each month, you’ll find friendly locals selling their high-quality local produce along King Edward Street and High Street. Live cooking demonstrations will give you some inspiration to take home with you, and with all the free samples on offer, you won’t even need to buy lunch!

Put your phone in your pocket and fully immerse yourself in the tastes, scents and smells of these beautiful outdoor markets. Just don’t forget to take some treats to enjoy as you continue your UK road trip.