Cheshire is a beautiful rural county known for its quaint villages, country pubs and bustling artisan markets. With Manchester to the North and Staffordshire to the South, Cheshire sits in the middle, loaded full of little gems such as stunning estate houses and gardens – and most importantly for us, avid market goers and plenty of markets to visit!
Chester is the main city in Cheshire, which is full of history as well as providing excellent shopping. There are plenty of markets in and around the city as well as other days out for all of the family.
Here at Pedddle we feature many markets in Cheshire. Click to find your local artisan markets or read on for our top picks…
Rode Hall Farmers Market
On the first Saturday of every month, the lovely Rode Hall Farmers’ Market takes over Scholar Green on the Cheshire/Staffordshire border. The market has over 80 high quality food and craft stalls housed in three barns, as well as a variety of stalls situated outside. There is always a brilliant atmosphere with live music/entertainment, hot food stalls selling a variety of food and drink and a tent with free craft activities for children. You can also make your way down to the cosy ‘Garden Cafe’ and take a seat next to the roaring log burner once the weather turns colder. The Rode Hall Gardens are always open on the morning of the market, and if you visit during the Spring months, you will have a chance to walk through the beautiful bluebell wood too.
Knutsford Makers Market
Our next market comes around on the first Sunday of every month. Knutsford Makers Market brings the town to life, lining the cobbled streets with artisan makers, bakers and curators.
Sandbach Makers Market
On the second Saturday of every month, make your way to the Sandbach Makers Market. This market was developed alongside Sandbach Town Council and the former Sandbach Farmers Market, and showcases a wide selection of local food, drink, art and craft.
Taste Cheshire Farmers Market in Chester
The Taste Cheshire Farmers’ Market takes place every third Saturday of the month (except November and December), outside Chester Town Hall. Bringing up to 25 great Cheshire-based companies together to offer you some of the best local produce, including freshly baked bread, scotch eggs, sausages, doughnuts, beers, olives, cakes, local honey, pies, cheeses, preserves, crafts, homewares and more… Come on down and support the very best selection of local stallholders and produce!
Treacle Market
Treacle Market is another very popular market, running on the last Sunday of every month. It houses 150 stalls with many unique crafts, food, drink, homeware and vintage finds available to browse. Treacle Market is situated in the centre of Macclesfield and is not currently affiliated with Pedddle.com.
Wilmslow Artisan Market
Wilmslow Artisan Market is held on the third Saturday of every month throughout the year and consists of over 120 of the very finest artisan market traders. It is the flagship of The Market Co’s events, having won a number of both regional and national awards since it first began in July 2011.
Northwich Artisan Market
Visit Northwich Artisan Market on the second Saturday of every month. Open from 10am-4pm, this is a great market for the whole family as it has something for everyone.
Chester Makers Market
In the city of Chester itself there is the Chester Makers Market. A fantastic range of products are available, from locally sourced fresh food and drink to candles, homeware and leather goods.
Prestbury Markets
These generally happen twice a year organised by Independent Street. The location may move between the local parish fields and the main high street but in either location, they are lovely markets. Visit Prestbury artisan market this Christmas.
In and around Chester…
Other than the markets, one of the best days out in Cheshire has to be Chester Zoo. Famous across the country for a wild day out and with over 125 acres of animal enclosures, Chester Zoo is an award winning animal sanctuary and definitely one to visit – whether you are going as a family, on a date or just really love looking at animals!
Another popular attraction in the city is Chester Cathedral. Located in the city centre and rich in Romanesque, Gothic architecture, Chester Cathedral not only holds services for Christian worship but is also frequently used as a venue for concerts and exhibitions.
Our final recommendation to you is Lyme House, otherwise known as Pemberley Estate to Jane Austen enthusiasts. This picturesque country house is nestled in the breathtaking hills of Cheshire and was featured in the BBC remake of Pride and Prejudice.
We definitely recommend making a weekend of it, and perhaps visiting a market or two as well as the other sights.
So, there are just a few of our top picks of markets, events and places to visit in Cheshire. Let us know if you are planning to go to any of the markets or events mentioned by tagging us in your posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using @pedddleuk.