There’s nothing quite like pottering around a farmers market, picking up seasonal produce and handmade goods from local businesses in County Durham.

Whether you’re after some tangy jams for breakfast or freshly baked artisan bread, the choice is endless.

Barnard Castle Farmers' Market has been named among the top farmers' markets to visit in the UK, according to new research.

Experts at recipe food box provider HelloFresh analysed the hotspots based on how often they occur each month, how long the markets last, number of trade stalls and online ratings.

What to expect at Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market and when is it on?

On the Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market website, it says: “Our meat and vegetable produce is naturally or organically grown, with meats raised humanely on pastures. Our cheese stalls offer a wide range of delicious handmade cheese.

“You’ll also find free-range eggs and poultry, homemade award-winning jellies and jams, not to mention, our famous fudge, game and fish, spicy sauces and lots more. We’re outdoors on the cobbles in Barnard Castle the first Saturday each month.”

@teliiastales This is Barnard Castle, a historic market town in the Durham Dales, which takes its name from the castle around which it grew. 🏰 Oh, how I love such places! They remind me of “Merlin” – one of my favorite TV series. 🧙🏻‍♂️ . . . . #englishcountryside #countryside #village #cottagecore #placestovisit #travelmemories #traveling #travelingtiktok #traveltiktok #traveltok #goexplore #moodnation #artofvisuals #nature #naturelover #naturelovers #littlestoriesofmylife #momentsofmine #makemoments #smallmomentsofcalm #pursuepretty #pursuewhatislovely #postitfortheaesthetics #seasonaltales #neverstopexploring #roamtheplanet #mytinyatlas #barnardcastle #northeastengland #england #uk #unitedkingdom #UKBeautifulPlaces #BeautifulUK ♬ Auld Lang Syne - Narrow Skies

Why are farmers' markets more popular than ever?

HelloFresh explains that the summer holidays are the “perfect time” to enjoy the UK’s freshest produce, with farmers and horticulturists gathering in their local area to sell their finest stock.

Not only can you find the best produce at farmers' markets, but you can also make a day of it by trying delicious foods and even visiting the local village or town, which is why they’re becoming more popular.

Top 20 farmers' markets in the UK

  1. Winchester Farmers’ Market, Hampshire
  2. Truro Farmers Market, Cornwall
  3. Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, central Scotland
  4. Blackheath Farmers’ Market, South East London
  5. Taunton Farmers’ Market, Somerset
  6. Cowbridge Farmers’ Market, South Glamorgan, Wales
  7. Stirling Farmers’ Market, central Scotland
  8. Barnes Farmers’ Market, South London
  9. Haverfordwest Farmers’ Market, Pembrokeshire, Wales
  10. Stroud Green Market, Gloucestershire
  11. Perth Farmers’ Market, central Scotland
  12. Causeway Specialty Market, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
  13. Cardiff Riverside Farmers' Market, South East Wales
  14. Malton Monthly Food Market, North Yorkshire
  15. The Garage Farmers’ Market, Nottingham
  16. Ripley Farmers’ Market, North Yorkshire
  17. Moseley Farmers’ Market, Birmingham
  18. Hexham Farmers’ Market, Northumberland
  19. Orton Farmers’ Market, Cumbria
  20. Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market, County Durham

 

Mimi Morley, senior chef at HelloFresh added: “What can you buy at a farmers market? Typically, farmers markets sell a huge variety of meats, fruit and vegetables. This is because it’s fresh produce grown and nurtured in the UK and picked by the highest quality producers before heading to the market.

“If you’re a vegetarian, looking for high quality, fresh produce from the farmers markets, then I highly recommend making a vegetable tagine. This dish can be jam packed full of flavour and tastes even better knowing its ingredients were grown by UK farmers.

“Some of the finest meat cuts can be found amongst the trade stands. So, why not make a succulent sirloin steak with your favourite sauce and chips. Or make a classic chicken roast dinner when you head back home from the market.”

You can find more information about Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market on the official website.