Fresh, seasonal and local produce! - Find us at the Dorset Farmers Markets.
There is a wonderful range of fresh, local produce for sale at every Dorset
Farmers’ Market. Why not come along to do your weekly grocery shopping and
meet the farmers, producers, growers - and of course us - directly!
As you wander around, enjoy the aromas of the freshly baked bread and
roasted coffee beans, the colours of the beautifully arranged seasonal
vegetables and the mouth-watering tastes from the samples we have to offer.
The quality and diversity of the produce at our markets is fabulous, whether
you are looking for the ingredients to cook a gourmet dinner from scratch, a
gift idea for a “foodie” friend or something that can be rustled up quickly
for supper – we have it all under one roof (or umbrella depending on
the venue!)
In addition, you also help to support your local economy & reduce food miles when
you shop with us at the Dorset Farmers’ Market!
Our next market is in Poundbury on Saturday 3rd September, 9am to 1pm. Come early to avoid disappointment.
To learn more about the Markets we attend, including when and where they are, simply 'click' on the market name.
Poundbury | Bridport | Christchurch | Shaftesbury | Wimborne | Blandford | Sherborne | Broadstone | Wareham | Sturminster Newton
Did you know?
Q. Who benefits by shopping at Dorset Farmers' Markets?
A. You the customer:
You get the opportunity to buy the freshest, seasonal, locally grown foods,
at a competitive price, from the people who know & care about their
traditions and crafts.
A. The local producer:
It allows us an outlet selling directly to the public enabling us to become
less reliant on wholesalers and supermarkets.
A. The community:
Shopping locally stimulates local economic development which leads to
increased employment and by encouraging you to support local business helps
to keep money within the community.
A. The environment:
Buying locally produced food obviously reduces food miles and use of fossil
fuels, thus vehicle pollution. Also, less packaging is needed for produce at
the markets compared to supermarkets and if you bring your own carrier bags
we can help that little bit more!
FACT - Dorset Farmers Markets are the only markets in the county to be FARMA
certified .
All 10 of Dorset Farmers’ Markets have been certified to the National
Association of Farmers’ Markets. This means that our markets have been
independently inspected and recognised as achieving the standards required,
including working closely with Trading Standards and Environmental Health.
The Markets we attend:
Poundbury Farmers' Market
(back to top of page ^)
The County town of Dorchester, as its name indicates, was a Roman city. Some
of its approaches are on the original Roman ways and lined with avenues of
trees; further avenues beautify the celebrated Walks which mark the sites of
the former Roman town walls.
There are many impressive old buildings still surviving, including Judge
Jeffreys’ Lodgings, the Shire Hall containing the Court Room in which the
‘Tolpuddle Martyrs’ stood trial and Max Gate, Thomas Hardy’s home and Came
Rectory where William Barnes last lived.
Poundbury Village has been newly built, overlooking the famous Iron Age hill
town of Maiden Castle, on the western edge of the town on Duchy land and
boasts some impressive architecture – building is still on-going in places
and the whole concept and development has received much media attention and
accolades.
The regular farmers’ market is the largest organised by Dorset Farmers’
Markets Ltd. with nearly 40 producers regularly attending; it was also voted
‘best Farmers’ Market in Dorset’ in the 2007 Dorset Food and Drink Awards
When:- the first Saturday each month
Time:- 9.00am – 1.00pm
Venue:- Brownsword Hall & Pummery Square DT1 3GW
Bridport Farmers' Market
(back to top of page ^)
This Saxon market town is situated on the picturesque coast road to Exeter.
The traditional manufacture of ropes, twine and netting is still carried on
here – in addition to supplying most of the cordage for the Fleet in earlier
times, the town also provided the hangman's’ ropes which gave rise to the
phrase ‘a Bridport dagger’.
The wide main streets afford attractive views of the surrounding hills, the
magnificent coastline and agricultural land around. The highly successful
regular farmers’ market is held in the Arts Centre on the second Saturday
each month and in recent years has been voted ‘the best Farmers Market in
Dorset’. The market regularly attracts 30 producers selling their wares
including Hugh Fearnly-Whittingstall from his nearby River Cottage HQ.
When:- the 2nd Saturday of each month
Time:- 9.00am – 1.00pm
Venue:- The Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport DT6 3NR.
Christchurch
Farmers' Market
(back to top of page ^)
Originally a Saxon settlement, Christchurch was also once a popular
smugglers haven and was a busy port as boats could sail all the way up the
River Avon to Salisbury; the harbour is now world famous for the number and
variety of birds attracted by the rare marsh and sand habitat.
The older part of the town is dominated by the Priory Church (the longest
parish church in England) and many quaint houses, numerous restaurants and
specialist shops around it.
The farmers’ market is held on the first Friday of each month in Saxon
Square just off the High Street; the local customers here enjoy the produce
available from the 15 or so stall holders regularly attending:
When:- the first Friday each month
Time:- 9.00am – 1.00pm
Venue:- Saxon Square
Shaftesbury Farmers'
Market
(back to top of page ^)
The beautiful town of Shaftesbury was founded by the Saxons and in medieval
times became an important pilgrimage site. In later centuries it was a
centre for button making and served as a coaching stop on the main route to
the West Country.
It features famous landmarks such as Gold Hill (of Hovis fame) and the ruins
of Shaftesbury Abbey; the equally impressive Town Hall at the top of the
High Street is the venue for the monthly farmers’ market and stands next to
the medieval St. Peter’s Church.
The town also boasts a very good selection of fine independent shops which
are worth a visit and compliment the 15 or so local producers who attend the
Shaftesbury farmers’ market. offering a wide variety of food and drink.
When:- the first Saturday each month
Time:- 9.00am – 1.00pm
Venue:- Shaftesbury Town Hall
Wimborne Farmers' Market
(back to top of page ^)
Wimborne is a beautiful Georgian town built around the ancient Minster
dating from around 1300; the River Allen and Stour flow through the town the
surrounding heath and forestry commission woods which abound.
It has a fine selection of independent shops in the town centre and the
farmers’ market has recently moved from the Old Corn Market next to the
Minster to a site in Mill Lane being a busy thorough-fare for pedestrians
making their way to the town square.
it is now held on a Saturday and has a growing number of producers
attending,
When:- the second Saturday each month
Time:- 9.00am – 1.00pm
Venue:- Mill Lane
Blandford Forum
Farmers' Market
(back to top of page ^)
This beautiful Georgian town stands on the River Stour in undulating chalk
downs and fine arable agricultural land around. Following a fire in 1731 the
town was completely rebuilt and boasts impressive architecture around the
whole town centre, including the Town Hall, parish church, Crown Hotel and
others.
There are a number of famous landmarks surrounding the town including
Badbury Rings, Kingston Lacy and Milton Abbas; it is also home to Bryanston
School and The Royal Corps of Signals Regiment, all of which help to
maintain a thriving atmosphere in the newly refurbished town centre.
When:- the second Friday each month
Time:- 9.00am – 1.30pm
Venue:- The Market Place, Blandford Forum.
Sherborne Farmers'
Market
(back to top of page ^)
Warm, golden coloured stone buildings, dating from between the 15th and 18th
centuries, line the narrow streets of Sherborne, Its principal building is
the Abbey, founded in 988 and at one time the seat of a bishop.
Sherborne also boasts two castles, both on the eastern edge of the town; the
ruins of the old castle date from the 12th century; Sir Walter Raleigh began
building the nearby New Castle in 1592 and was enlarged in the 17th century
by its present owners, the Digby family.
When:- the third Friday each month
Time:- 9.00am – 1.00pm
Venue:- Bottom of Cheap Street
Broadstone Farmers'
Market
(back to top of page ^)
Broadstone came into being in 1890 following the building of its first
railway station in 1872 at what was then ‘Broadstone Farm’; up until 1935 it
had a thriving lavender oil business and is still surrounded by the 24 acre
Broadstone Heath. Rapid expansion has followed and at least 20 producers
regularly attend the Farmers' Market which is closely situated in the nearby
Primary school which offers ample parking.
When:- the third Saturday each month
Time:- 9.00am – 1.00pm
Venue:- Broadstone First School, Tudor Road
Wareham Farmers' Market
(back to top of page ^)
This ancient Roman town stands at the head of Poole Harbour between the
River Frome and the River Piddle, the old town walls are still visible and
during Saxon and Norman times was an important port. It is better known now
as a busy, thriving market town much visited by the numerous tourists
staying in and around the area.
The farmers’ market here is right in the centre of the town and coincides
with the popular weekly street market. Although one of our smaller markets
it has a loyal customer base.
When:- the fourth Thursday each month
Time:- 9.00am – 1.00pm
Venue:- Wareham Town Hall
Sturminster Newton Farmers' Market
(back to top of page ^)
The unspoilt market town of Sturminster Newton lies on the edge of the
Blackmore Vale above a bend in the River Stour and retains a pleasantly
old-fashioned air.
The church (or minster) from which it gets its name is an imposing building
with a 15th century tower. The town has undergone a good deal of change in
recent years with the closure of the famous cattle market, one of the
largest in Europe, followed by the closure of the Dairy Crest milk factory,
however, much hard work has gone into revitalising the town with the
building of a new town hall complex – The Exchange - and the enhancement of
the attractive market place in the town centre.
When:- the fourth Saturday each month
Time:- 9.00am – 1.00pm
Venue:- Station Road
