From antiques and vintage finds to street food from around the world, Bristol has it all
The first Tobacco Factory Sunday market took place in 2004(Image: Provided)
Bristol is home to a variety of outdoor markets, offering everything from harbourside dining to children’s entertainment and unmissable bargains.
If you fancy decking out your home with some vintage finds, Bristol is brimming with places where you can bag a bargain.
Plus, there are regular flea markets nestled amongst some of the city’s most scenic and vibrant locations.
From well-known spots like Corn Street, St Nick’s Market and the Tobacco Factory, to hidden treasures off the beaten track.
We’ve put together a list of ‘must-visit’ flea markets that should be on your watch list in the coming weeks.
Here are eight outdoor markets taking place this spring that you should head to to make the most of the sunny weather while enjoying what Bristol’s culinary experts and artists have to offer.
Bristol Flea Market
Lower Corn Street plays host to The Bristol Flea Market, a treasure trove of antiques, vintage and retro furniture and furnishings, and ‘pretty much anything second hand and unique’.
Open almost every Saturday, the Bristol Flea Market near the Nails and St Nicholas Market has been a staple for 8 years. It’s the ideal spot for those in search of antiques, vintage, retro, furnishings or arts and crafts.
St Nicholas market is also an iconic market. Dubbed a ‘maze of quirky stalls, street food and historic architecture in the heart of the old city’, this is a ‘must-visit’ for any market enthusiast, shopaholic or foodie, whether you’re just passing through or a local resident.
Operating since 1743, Bristol’s largest collection of independent retailers can be found here, and it’s no surprise that it was named Britain’s Best Large Indoor Market in 2016. The market is located at The Corn Exchange (BS1 1JQ).
The trading days and times for its outdoor markets may vary, but St Nicholas Indoor market operates from Monday to Saturday, between 9.30am and 5pm.
Family Fun Day at St Nicholas Market, Corn Street, Sunday 5th December 2004.(Image: Barbara Evripidou/ Bristol Post)Bristol Sunday Market & Giant Car Boot Sale
Although they started in America, the car boot sale has become a great British tradition.
The Bristol Sunday Market & Giant Car Boot Sale hosts hundreds of stalls every Sunday. Expect top-notch bargains, free parking and entrance, on-site catering (including Halal) and children’s rides and bouncy castle.
Open for over 40 years, with free parking, this is a guaranteed safe bet for all the family at the end of a weekend.
Located on Albert Crescent, vendors offer a wide array of fruit, vegetables and produce. However, if you’ve done your weekly shop by this point, worry not, there are also lines of bargains waiting to be rummaged through in the car boot section of the market.
Finzels Reach Street Food Market
The market features an ever-changing lineup of street food traders(Image: Finzels Reach Market)
Finzels Reach Market runs on Friday and Wednesday afternoons, and has been in steady growth since 2017, even surviving any dips during the pandemic.
The market, which takes place in Old Temple Street, features a line-up of popular street food traders which changes on a weekly basis. With traders rotating twice weekly, there’s always a fresh selection of street food to try from authentic Thai curry and award-winning chicken wings to Cantonese dumplings.
The M32 Flea Market
Flea market organisers Annali Grimes and Eduardo Allen with their boy Julijan(Image: Annali Grimes)
This flea market was started in 2017 and has now been going strong for eight years.The market was launched by LitterARTI, an organisation which attempts to bring communities together through events and other projects.
Held on the last Saturday of every month, the M32 Flea Market boasts a diverse range of arts, antiques, vintage items, pre-loved goods, jewellery, bric-a-brac, records, food and more.
One of its founders Annali Grimes said: “It follows in the legacy of the old market which was held in the Ikea car park years ago.”
Annali added the market has transformed the underpass and “reconnected” communities since it launched.
“By bringing events and people into the space, the M32 underpass is transformed into a vibrant and friendly space with the community coming together,” she said.
Harbourside Street Food Market
Savour a delightful meal by Bristol’s Harbour at the Harbourside Street Food Market on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Over the weekend, look forward to a 100-seater quayside beer deck, ice-cold local drinks and a rotating 10-stall roster.
Lucy and Becky with food from the Jolly Hog(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)Temple Quay Market
The menu at Temple Quay’s Tuesday and Thursday food market is ever-changing. Expect international flavours from Japanese to Malaysian, Jamaican to Cantonese.
Street food stalls appearing in Temple Quay Square include Alp Mac serving up their mac n’ cheese dishes, buttermilk chicken wings from Gurt Wings, and authentic Indian dishes from The Mango Hub.
The market is managed on behalf of the Temple Quay community by Square Route Events, run by David Pyne and Geraldine Roul.
Alp Mac at Temple Quay street food market(Image: Becca Luger)Tobacco Factory Market
(Image: provided)
Every Sunday, the Tobacco Factory Market buzzes with activity as it is taken over by 60 stalls.
The vibrant Sunday market, which runs from 10am-2.30pm, is described as “the perfect spot to meet with friends, relax with family and discover exceptional food, crafts and produce, made and grown in the area”.
With approximately 60 stalls to browse each week, you’re sure to find clothing, jewellery, patisserie, freshly-baked bread and more. Plus, you can combine a visit to the market with brunch in the Cafe Bar, which opens at 10am daily.
Whiteladies Road Farmers Market
Local vegetables on sale at Finzels Reach market(Image: Sophie Bowden)
Running for 18 years, Whiteladies Road Farmers Market offers a sustainable shopping outlet every Saturday. Expect local seasonal food, including organic vegetables and fruit from Leigh Court Farm, bread and croissants from Farro Bakery, handmade hummus from Moist, cheese, pastries, cakes, fish, meat, as well as the occasional local arts and crafts stall.