County Durham award-winning farmers’ market among UK’s best

The award-winning Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market has been highlighted by The Express in its recent top 10 list which also includes the likes of Truro Farmers’ Market in Cornwall and Kendal Farmers’ Market in Cumbria.

It was commended for its “historic and picturesque” location as well as being known for “proudly specialising” in organically-grown meat and veg.

Introducing its latest farmers’ markets guide, the publisher said: “There’s no better way to celebrate the best of British produce than at a farmers’ market – and vendors across the country often diverge in their specialist regional produce.

“While farmers’ markets have existed in some form in Britain for centuries, they experienced a resurgence in the late 1990s as part of a movement against largescale industrial food production and towards helping struggling local producers.

“Almost 150 markets were established in England and Wales between 1997 and 1999, many of which remain popular today, offering high-quality, homegrown fruit and vegetables, meats and cheeses, bakery products and more.”

The Express added: “At last count, there were approximately 650 farmers’ markets across the whole of the UK, held on weekly and monthly bases and often offering an insight into the agricultural or culinary history of a local area.

“Against a backdrop of global instability and rising import costs, it’s a better time than ever to explore some of the best farm-to-fork traders in the country.”

What goodies have you found at Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market? (Image: Contributor)

Why is Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market among best in UK?

The publisher revealed: “Barnard Castle’s farmers’ market was named the Farm Retail Association’s market of the year in 2024, and proudly specialises in organically-grown meat and vegetables.

“Worth mentioning is its historic and picturesque location, in the town’s cobbled Market Place on the first Saturday of every month.”

Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market is said to be one of the North East’s “most popular”, featuring a wide range of artisan food and crafts from the region – such as cheese, jams, fudge, fish and poultry.

Its website explains: “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, scotch eggs and lots more.

“We even have delicious hot breakfasts.”

Just some of the regular traders at the farmers’ market include Alison’s Country Pantry, Breaking Bread Durham, Deer & Dexter, Heartwood Poultry, Indian Spice Northallerton and Mainsgill Farm Shop.

You can see the full list of current stalls on the Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market website.

On Google Reviews, a handful of visitors have left positive feedback after attending the farmers’ market over the years, as this person wrote: “I always come away with a wonderful selection of meats, cheese, bread and drinks. Very well-organised.”

Another shared: “Great little Farmers Market supplementing the many smaller shops in the area. Good prices and friendly stallholders.”

A third praised: “One of the best Markets to go too.”

Meanwhile, one account said: “Absolutely brilliant fantastic market.”

Have you been to Barnard Castle Farmers’ Market? Let us know if you would recommend it in the comments below.