Market towns were historically small towns, usually in Europe, which held a regular market. This place was often the only place residents could buy goods from travelling traders and salespeople.
Today, the term conjures up an image of a picturesque, quaint town. Most still have a market square where regular markets are held for tourists and residents to buy goods at affordable prices.
The historical county of Kent holds many such markets you can visit on your next trip!
This Article Covers:
10 Picturesque Market Towns of Kent You Must Visit!
Here are the most popular market towns you can visit in Kent.
1. Ashford
Lying on the River Great Stour and a market town since the Middle Ages, Ashford still holds a regular market where local traders showcase and sell their goods.
Situated on the Lower High Street, this town market is open every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 am – 3 pm. Stalls typically include fruit and vegetables and clothes.
Another market operates every Saturday from 8 am – 4 pm. Here, you can find about 150 market pitches selling everything from magazines to carpets and cycles.
2. Canterbury
A UNESCO World Heritage City and hosting the famed Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury is a popular tourist destination for travellers and fans of The Canterbury Tales.
This bustling city hosts a bi-weekly market on St. George’s Street every Wednesday and Friday from 8 am – 5 pm.
Filled with local traders, this market provides parking nearby so you can browse to your heart’s content!
And, if you want to hit the beach right after, take a short drive north to the charming seaside town of Whitstable.
3. Cranbrook
An old rural town with winding streets and alleys, Cranbrook offers you the feeling of stepping back in time to the 15th century.
The town market here is held once a month in different locations, typically at the co-op car park, the ball field, and the High Street.
Cranbrook puts up a Summer Market called Cranbrook on the Green with food and drinks, a dog show, and a classic car show.
Similarly, it also holds a Christmas Market in the second week of December, so you can enjoy mulled wine while shopping for Christmas jumpers!
4. Faversham
Another historical place and Kent’s oldest market town, Faversham holds a traditional street market every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday in the town centre.
The stalls offer various household essentials, trinkets, fresh plants, flowers, and clothes. Local food producers make their presence known, especially on Saturdays.
This Charter Market is held around Guildhall in Market Place and Court Street. Please note the market is closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm.
On the first and third Saturday of every month, you can also find the Best of Faversham Market, which showcases the town’s arts and crafts. You can also enjoy the Faversham Antiques and Vintage Market on the first Sunday of each month (except September).
5. Hythe
An idyllic place to visit with its majestic waterfront, Hythe boasts fantastic views and a traditional street market.
This market is held on High Street with parking nearby, offering a traffic-free shopping experience.
Every Tuesday from 9 am – 3 pm, you can find this busy market filled with locally known traders selling high-quality produce, flowers, delicatessen and other non-food items such as gifts.
6. Sandwich
The medieval town of Sandwich in the Dover district has the Guildhall at its heart, which is the centre of both ancient traditions and modern activities – such as the town market.
This market is easily accessible on foot with plenty of parking nearby.
Stalls entice visitors with freshly baked bread, beautiful flowers, scrumptious fruit and vegetables, fabric, gifts, and more! You can find this market every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8 am – 1 pm.
7. Sevenoaks
The quiet town of Sevenoaks holds three markets every week, two on Saturday and one on Wednesday.
The Wednesday market is held in Buckhurst Lane, next to the Bus Station, and operates from 8 am – 2 pm. This general market sells a variety of clothes, gifts, fresh flowers, and food.
The Bligh Saturday market is devoted to ten stalls selling various crafts and food from 9 am – 4 pm every week.
Finally, outside Lloyd’s Bank, the High Street Market runs every Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm, and sellers offer visitors fresh food and flowers.
8. Tenterden
Tenterden is a place best explored on foot as you can take in the sights of Georgian buildings intermingling with Victorian houses.
The town hosts a market every second and fourth Friday of the month from 9 am – 3 pm called the Tenterden Town High Street Market.
Stalls sell a wide assortment of goods such as jewellery, arts and crafts, home decor, vintage items, and homemade products.
9. Tonbridge
A market town on River Medway, lying between Sevenoaks and the Royal Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge holds a weekly general market every Saturday from 8 am – 2 pm.
While this was earlier held at the town’s railway station car park, the location has now shifted to a council-owned car park next to Sainsbury’s in Sovereign Way.
This is also the location of the Farmer’s Market, which is held on the second Sunday of each month, where local farmers offer fresh food and vegetables.
10. West Malling
In the Tonbridge and Malling district in Kent, West Malling hosts a Farmer’s Market on the fourth Sunday of every month. Running since 2000, this market is England’s longest-running farmer’s market.
It features over 40 stalls where sellers offer visitors homemade preserves, fresh produce, beers, fruit juice, cakes, and bread with lots of free samples!
You can find this market in the High Street in West Malling with a free car park right next to the market. This market runs from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm, so make sure to get there early and get the freshest produce available!