New Forest Markets

There’s nothing quite like the buzz of market day in the New Forest. Home to some of the region’s most historic marketplaces, these popular gatherings are a showcase for the area’s artisans and growers. Whether stocking up on fresh local produce to self-cater at your holiday cottage, picking up gifts for friends and family, or nabbing yourself a memento of your break, here’s a roundup of the New Forest’s local markets.

Lymington Charter Market

Set on the historic cobblestones of Lymington High Street and dating back to the 13th century, this traditional market happens every Saturday and attracts more than one hundred stall holders who set up from 8am – 4pm. This bustling  is always a big hit with locals and visitors alike, who will find stalls selling everything from fresh, locally-landed seafood to artwork, jewellery and plants

The Georgian port town of Lymington is known for its sparkling marinas and characterful streets. Surrounded by New Forest walks and coastal paths, this popular sailors’ haunt is also full of lots of independent shops, boutiques and bistros.

Hythe Market

This buzzing and flower-filled high street market attracts thirty plus stalls and is a treasure trove of local delicacies and jewellery. Expect to be tempted by lots of delicious treats and morsels, fruit and veg from cottage gardens, and lots of New Forest fudge. Hythe Market runs every Tuesday between 9am and 4pm.

Enjoy sweeping channel views when you take a stroll along Hythe’s Victorian promenade. Close to the shores of Southampton Water, Hythe is home to the oldest working pier train in the world.

New Forest Vegan Market

Set in the heart of the New Forest and hosted by The Vegan Scullery, The New Forest Vegan Market takes place on the 3rd Sunday of every month from 11am until 3pm. Only a five-minute stroll from Brockenhurst train station, Brockenhurst Village Hall is the setting for this popular market. Mooch around the stalls and relish some gorgeous vegan food.

Brockenhurst has been described as “Britain’s most beautiful place to live”, a truly idyllic village encompassed by leafy tracks and forest trails and the perfect base from which to branch out and explore the majesty of the New Forest National Park.

New Milton Street Market

Run by the town council, this midweek market is one of the New Forest’s more traditional affairs supported by a fishmonger, greengrocer and butcher as well as a plethora of other local independent traders. It runs from 9am – 4pm every Wednesday and is the ideal place to pick up some locally-sourced offerings for your summer barbeque or self-catering dinner party.

Once part of the lands of aristocrat Hugh de Port, the market town of New Milton lies nestled on the southwest fringes of the New Forest. This charming corner of Hampshire is surrounded by primrose lanes and coastal paths, great for all those keen to explore on foot.

Ringwood Town Market

Found on Market Place, this busy market continues to attract punters in their droves, all looking for a bargain or some tasty local delights. Taking place on Wednesdays between 8am and 3pm, it remains a popular focal point for this riverside town and dates back to the Middle Ages.

Described as the “western gateway” to the New Forest, the pretty market town of Ringwood sits on the banks of the River Avon. Playing host to an array of shops, pubs and restaurants, there’s always a lively atmosphere on the high street.

Verwood Market

A jostling market full of stalls laden with homemade gifts and craftwork, cakes and confectionary, and lots of treats and refreshments. Running from 1st Jan – 31st December, doors open from 9.30am – 1pm at the Memorial Hall on Ringwood Road. Free admission and parking.

Verwood, once known as Beau Bois, meaning beautiful wood, is the largest town in Dorset and lies on its eastern edge, not far from the seaside resort town of Bournemouth. With its long association with the pottery industry, this vibrant community is adored by all those who visit.

Discover one of the UK’s most celebrated national parks when you book a Toad Hall holiday cottage in the New Forest.