There is growing awareness of the importance of buying food that has been ethically and sustainably produced. We all know that it is best to buy local if we can. Farmers’ markets make this easy for us. With a wonderful array of stalls offering the freshest local produce, there is nowhere better to pick up some delicious treats and seasonal staples. In fact, recent research suggests that consumers now do almost less than 50% of shopping at the traditional large supermarkets. If you’ve not been to a farmers’ market before, now is the time to try something new.
Leeds has some fantastic farmers’ markets which are an absolute must-visit. The tantalising smell of fresh bread will entice you in to take a stroll among the stalls selling produce direct from the farmers to you. All the produce is of the highest quality and there is a huge range of choice. There are stalls selling all sorts, including handmade cakes, ales, specialist local cheeses, and seasonal fruit and vegetables. You can also find locally farmed lamb, pork, beef, and even fresh game with the feathers still on. It will be difficult to resist the temptation of a delicious pie freshly prepared that very day.
As well as an abundance of food produce, there are also many craft stalls available where you can pick up individually crafted items such as wooden sculptures, home furnishings, glassware, and handmade soaps and beauty products.
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Top Food And Farmers' Markets:
Leeds Farmers and Craft Market
The main Leeds Farmers and Craft Markets take place on the first and third Sunday of each month on Briggate. If weekends are too busy for you to find time to fit in a spot of shopping, not to worry, as Farmers and Craft Markets are also held on the second and fourth Thursday of the month inside Kirkgate Market.
Leeds Kirkgate Market, 34 George St, Leeds, LS2 7HY
Kirkstall Abbey Market
For a Farmers’ Market with a unique venue, visit the Kirkstall Abbey markets on the last weekend of the month. These are held in the afternoon, between 12 and 3pm, and only take place from March to November. Kirkstall Abbey was founded 800 years ago and is one of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries in the country. After exploring the scenic Kirkstall Abbey markets, you can take a stroll through the historic ruins of Kirkstall Abbey and pop into the Visitor Centre. Before heading back to your car, you could also take the opportunity to have a wander through the wonderful woodlands by the River Aire. Admission to Kirkstall Abbey is free and, as well as a Visitor Centre, there is also a picnic area, café, and play area to keep younger visitors entertained.
Otley Farmers’ Market
The Otley Farmers’ Market is held on the last Sunday of each month, between 9am and 1pm, in the Market Square of Otley. Otley is a charming market town nestled in beautiful countryside in the Yorkshire Dales. It has found fame as a TV location, featuring regularly in Emmerdale, Heartbeat and DCI Banks.
32-34 Market Pl, Otley LS21 3AQ
Horsforth Farmers’ Market
The Horsforth Farmers’ Market can be visited on the first Saturday of each month between 9am and 12:30pm. It is held at St Margaret’s Primary School on Town Street in Horsforth. Horsforth Farmers’ Market is hosted by Horsforth Churches Together. It features guest stalls each month so there is always something new and different to discover. There are also fun activities taking place during each market, with a lively social buzz. In December, there was some beautiful carol singing taking place and various characters from the Nativity story mingling around a Crib scene.
St. Margaret's C of E Primary School car park, Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5BL
Wetherby Farmers’ Market
The Wetherby Farmers’ Market takes place on the second Sunday of every month from 9am to 1pm, in the Market Place. Wetherby also retains its Thursday market, which was granted by Royal Charter in 1240. The origins of this lovely village are as a staging post for travellers making the journey between London and Edinburgh.
Headingley Farmers’ Market
The Headingley Farmers’ Market is held at Rose Garden, North Lane, on the second Saturday of each month from 9am to 12:30pm.
Oakwood Farmers’ Market
The Oakwood Farmers’ Market is held around the Oakwood Clock, with a food and craft market on the first Saturday of each month (between 9:30am and 3pm) and a Farmers’ Market on the third Saturday of each month (between 9:30am to 12:30pm).
Farsley Farmers’ Market
Last but not least, the Farsley Famers’ Market is held in the morning of the second and fourth Saturday of every month and can be found at the Farsley Parish Church on New Street in Farsley.
Happy shopping and enjoy the fabulous fresh produce on offer at these fantastic Farmers’ Markets in Leeds!