The ancient city of Chester is one of England’s most visited cities, and with good reason. There are many attractions drawing visitors to the city – it’s medieval cathedral, its famous half-timbered buildings, and its parks and museums, to name but a few.
It is a great place to visit, and a great place to live. Newcomers recently moved into the area will discover the unique living experience Chester has to offer its residents, old and new.
Not least among the city’s attractions are the farmers’ and artisan markets located in the city and in the region’s many picturesque towns. If fine foods and artisan goods are your cup of tea, these markets will be worth a visit.
You may like to try locally brewed beers, enjoy Cheshire’s well-known cheeses, stock up on locally grown fruit and vegetables, or buy organic meat produced by the region’s livestock farmers. You may be looking for that special, hand-made gift for someone back home; something different, distinctive, unique. Many visitors to these markets find them a pleasant, relaxing way to spend time, browsing the goods on offer, having a drink or snack, and enjoying the sights, smells, sounds and ambience of these quaint traditional markets.
Here are some of the many farmers’ and artisan markets you may enjoy visiting in the Chester area, and what they have to offer.
Chester Farmers’ & Artisan Market – Every Friday morning at the Old Train Station, 37 Smith Road
Held weekly, this market sells a wide range of goods, including a fine range of seafood, including mussels, scallops, clams, oysters, haddock, salmon and trout. A wide selection of locally grown vegetables and fruit will be on display. Local meat producers sell pork, beef, lamb chicken and turkey. More unusual items on sale include wild mushrooms, microgreens, and artisan breads. You can find hand-made decorations, hand-made hardwood bowls, candles and jewellery for that special gift.
Chester Makers’ Market – First Saturday of the month, Exchange Square, Chester
Held outside the town hall and the new market hall, this event attracts over 80 local artisans, bakers and makers from around the North West, offering an array of locally made products and a relaxing, friendly shopping experience.
Cheadle Makers’ Market – First Saturday of each month at The Cheadle Green, Stockport Road
Picturesque and charming, Cheadle village is worth a visit in itself. The village green hosts a popular makers’ market hosting a wide selection of art, craft, food, drink, coffee, live music and street food.
Nantwich Farmers’ Market – Last Saturday of every month, except December
Held in Nantwich’s Town Square, this monthly market is an opportunity for local farmers to sell their produce directly to the customer. The market offers seasonal produce, picked at the best time to ensure freshness and taste. The wide range of locally grown fruits and vegetables on offer will appeal to those who prefer their food to be seasonal, locally grown, and flavourful. The market also boasts an array of other home-made products, including pickles and jams. Nantwich, a small market town, is known for its many listed buildings of the Tudor and Georgian era, making it an attractive setting for this popular market.
Knutsford Makers’ Market – First Sunday of the month, Princess Street, Knutsford
Held in the attractive town of Knutsford, this market attracts over 150 local artisans and independents from the surrounding area. You will find locally produced arts and crafts, drink, food, and coffee. Tasty street foods and live music add to the relaxed, congenial shopping experience.
Sandbach Makers’ Market – Second Saturday of the month at the Market Square
Sandbach’s quaint cobbled market square hosts a monthly makers’ market displaying arts, crafts, foods and drinks produced by local artisans. A place to wander and browse, and maybe buy some special gifts, or tasty foods to take to your friends back home.
Next time you are in Chester, try to fit in a visit to one of the many farmers’ and artisan markets in the region. Not only a great way to find special foods, arts and crafts, but just as importantly, a way to chill out and enjoy the beauty of Cheshire’s amazing towns and villages.