The Best Farmers' Markets in Scotland

Veg Bunches
Veg Bunches | © Nick Saltmarsh/Flickr

With fresh, mouth-watering produce, farmers’ markets are an excellent place to shop for your groceries. Expect in-season fruit and vegetables, prime cuts of meat, delicious seafood, and other locally produced wonders: beer, jams, chocolates — the list continues. Scotland has over 50 of these markets to choose from. Here are nine of the best.

Aberdeen Country Fair

One of the largest markets in the country, on the last Saturday of each month Aberdeen plays host to a remarkable variety of stalls, right in the centre of the city. Extra dates are added when there are special events or holidays, such as at Christmas. With over 40 stallholders, there’s something to satisfy everyone.

Aberdeen Country Fair, Little Belmont Street, Aberdeen, +44 1224 649000

Sourdough Bread | © Tim Fields/Flickr

Stirling Farmers’ Market

Market, British

Herring
© 16:9clue/Flickr
On the second Saturday of the month, Stirling holds a market famed for a huge range of produce, from Scottish Highland beef and lamb, through tablet to local cheeses, mead, smoked fish and even gluten-free baking. The passion the stallholders put into their products is evident.

Perth Farmers’ Market

Farmers' Market, Market, European

This market holds the distinction of being the first in Scotland and is surrounded by some of the most fertile areas of the country. Expect wonderful seasonal vegetables, organic meat, between 40 and 45 stalls, and even a cookery demonstration utilising ingredients from the market. This market is open between 9am and 2pm, on the first Saturday of the month.

Dundee Farmers’ Market

Farmers' Market, Market, British

Berries
© jayneandd/Flickr
Tayside has long been associated with the growing of berries: strawberries, raspberries and the local tayberries (a cross between a red raspberry and a blackberry). All of these can be found here when in season and, when they have yet to fruit, there are plenty of jams to choose from. Dundee Farmers’ Market is held on the third Saturday of each month.

Edinburgh Farmers’ Market

Farmers' Market, Market, European

Edinburgh Farmers Market
© Pascal Blachier/FLickr
An iconic setting certainly doesn’t hurt this award-winning market. With over 60 stalls and the famous castle looming above, the farmers’ market in Edinburgh was listed as one of the best farmers’ markets in the world, not just Scotland. Around a quarter of the stalls sell meat, including venison, beef and even ostrich. Taking place every Saturday, if you are in the city there really is little excuse not to visit.

Glasgow Farmers’ Market

Glasgow is lucky enough to hold farmers’ markets in two excellent locations: Mansfield Park and Queen’s Park. The former was the original market, held every second and fourth Saturday of the month and situated in the northern part of the city, selling everything from honey to fresh trout. Glasgow Southside Farmers’ Market was set up to complement Mansfield Park and is held every first and third Saturday of the month. Both markets are flourishing and there is also often entertainment provided.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Glasgow Farmers’ Market, Mansfield Park, Hyndland Street, Partick, +44 141 287 2500

Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market, Langside Road, Glasgow, +44 141 287 2500

Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market

Fencebay Farmers’ Market

Market, Seafood, British

Whole Crabs
© Marianna Saska/Flickr
If you enjoy fresh fish and seafood, then this is the market for you. Fencebay is held on the last Sunday of the month, inside a traditional Ayrshire barn. This means that even if it is raining, then there’s no reason not to visit. As well as the fruits of the sea, there are also fine wines, traditional crafts, and other local produce on offer.

Inverness Farmers’ Market

Market, British

Garlic
© John Haslam/Flickr
This long-running market is famous for offering a delicious array of tasty food, including locally grown garlic, seafood from local fishermen, hand-crafted jewellery, and even living plants from local nurseries. Held on the first Saturday of each month, the market draws in people and producers from across the Highland area, who are often kept entertained by a local ceilidh band.
culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article