The Best Markets to Visit in Southampton, England
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Rich in culture and internationally renowned for it’s links with the sea, The Spitfire, gorgeous art galleries and an up-and-coming
music scene, we decided to dive into the hustle and bustle of the Southampton market place. From bartering to bulk-buying, arts & crafts to Bratwurst, antiques to unwanted gifts, read on, as we discuss the best of Southampton’s markets and unveil what they have to offer.
Southampton General Market
Market, British
Running every Friday, between the beginning of April and early November,
Southampton General Market offers up a great variety of stalls and a warm welcome to new traders. Alongside the Friday general market, Southampton’s Saturday Market offers you a different theme each week. The first Saturday of the month is always the Antique & Collectibles Market; followed by the
Arts & Crafts Market; week three hosts the delicious Artisan Food Market, and the final Saturday is home to the Vintage & Retro Market. Full of wonderful stalls, showcasing the finest in local produce, crafts and bric-a-brac – the busiest shopping hub in Hampshire comes alive on market day! If you have an interesting business venture you’re looking to kick-start, you can hire a stall of your own.
Southampton Christmas Festival
Bar, Market, British
‘Tis the season!
Southampton Christmas Festival, opens November 11th to December 24th, featuring a traditional German market. Fairground attractions and pretty alpine chalets, each with their own individual style fill the Above Bar Precinct. More than 40 independent stall holders will be selling a range of authentic gifts including toys, baskets, soaps, lamps, jewellery as well as Christmas decorations. Enjoy bratwurst and waffles, gingerbread hearts and candied fruit as you watch the daily entertainment and musicians perform. ‘Flying Santa’ takes to the sky over the city centre twice a day, book your little ones in to see him afterwards and, providing they’re not on the naughty list, will receive a pre-Christmas gift and chat with Mr. Claus himself.
Car Boot Sales/Fairs/Table Top Sales
As well as the bigger market’s, Southampton is also home to a variety of car boot sales, fairs and table top sales, specialising in different fields and open on various days of the calendar year. Expect to see an influx of these events pop up during summer holidays, and Christmas breaks including, Family Fun Days, Totton & Eling Table Top Sales, Hampshire Craft & Gift fair, and the award-winning Baby and Children’s Nearly New Market.
