With both weekly and special Stratford-upon-Avon markets held throughout the year, the town upholds a tradition that dates back to 1196, when Richard the Lionheart granted a market charter.
From aubergines to zips, Stratford-upon-Avon markets cater for shoppers looking for a variety of products. You can buy vegetables, fruit, meat, fresh produce, takeaway food, DIY tools, handbags, coffee, gifts, handmade items, and so much more.
This week, a new summer season of markets begins on Henley Street.
So when are the weekly Stratford-upon-Avon markets and what’s coming soon in the way of special events? Let Stratfordblog guide the way…
Weekly Stratford-upon-Avon markets
Rother Street Market – Friday
There’s a market every Friday in Stratford-upon-Avon’s Rother Street. It runs between 9am and 4pm. Expect fruit, veg, flowers, takeaway food and drinks, homewares, art and more.
Rother Street Market – Saturday
Another market run by LSD Promotions, the Saturday market is also held in Rother Street from 9am until 4pm. Both Friday and Saturday markets are on throughout the year.
Sunday Waterside Upmarket
Waterside is the venue for Sunday markets, from 10am-5pm, between April and Christmas (also on every Bank Holiday Monday).
Street food, handmade goods, artists and entertainers make this an entertaining shopping experience and one of the favourite Stratford-upon-Avon markets for visitors.
Special Stratford-upon-Avon markets
A number of special Stratford-upon-Avon markets take place throughout the year, including Easter’s chocolate festival.
Here are some of the remaining special Stratford-upon-Avon markets for 2018:
Summer on Henley Street
Every Thursday from July 12 to August 30, 10am-5pm, summer markets are coming to Henley Street – the location of Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Expect to see more handmade and artisan products, art, and things to eat and drink.
Wonderland Summer Festival
Hop along to Waterside between Tuesday August 7 and Thursday August 8 for an Alice-themed Wonderland Summer Festival. Upmarket stalls will trade from 10am until 5pm. There will also be characters from Wonderland, including the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat (and Alice, of course), plus plenty of other family fun.
Make It or Bake It Autumn Edition
Handmade and baked goods are the stars of this Henley Street market on Friday September 14 from 10am-5pm.
Cheese, Wine and Spice Market
It needs no further introduction, no further explanation, just come and get your hands on delicious cheeses, wines and spices on Friday October 5, 10am-5pm, on Henley Street.
Waterside Fright Festival
Get ready for Halloween in Stratford-upon-Avon with this three-day market event on Waterside. Watch out for trick-or-treating ghosts and ghouls during this half-term spook-tacular. 10am-6pm, Tuesday October 30 to Thursday November 1.
Chocolate and Prosecco Mystical Market
10am-5pm, on Halloween (Wednesday Oct 31), there will be all kinds of chocolate (including warming hot chocolate) plus prosecco, gin bars, wine, cocktails, craft beers and Dutch treats such as waffles and pancakes. Is it October yet?
Christmas markets in Stratford-upon-Avon
Thursday Christmas Shopping Markets on Bridge Street and the Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market bring extra joy to the festive shopping season.
Here are the Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas market dates for 2018:
Christmas Shopping Markets on Bridge Street
In 2018, the Christmas Shopping Markets on Bridge Street take place on Thursday November 22, Thursday November 29, Thursday December 13 and Thursday December 20.
The Thursday Christmas Shopping Markets on Bridge Street trade from 10am-8pm.
Buy cards, gifts, decorations and sweet treats, plus food and drink.
Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market
In 2018, the three-day Stratford-upon-Avon Victorian Christmas Market runs from Friday December 7 until Sunday December 9.
On Friday December 7, trading times are 11am-8pm. On Saturday December 8, trading times are 10am-8pm. On Sunday December 9, trading times are 10am-5pm.
More than 200 stalls on Henley Street, Bridge Street and Wood Street bring thousands of locals and visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon for the popular Victorian Christmas Market.
Getting to Stratford-upon-Avon markets
For information on visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, including transport and parking, see Stratford-upon-Avon: the basics.
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Information correct at date of publication