Lake District Shops and Markets
Lake District farmers markets and quirky local shops have been a major attraction in most towns and villages in Cumbria for many years. The markets offer a wide choice of highly sought after local produce and goods.
The lively farmers markets and colourful street markets take place at least once a month and offer a range of local produce including high quality meats, cheeses, pickles, chutneys, fruit and vegetables.
Popular farmers markets include:
Kendal Market Square on the last Friday of every month, Keswick Moot Hall on the second Thursday of every month, Penrith on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, Pooley Bridge on the last Sunday of every month and Sedburgh on the last Wednesday of every month.
Visitors can also find several local markets in the villages and towns and daily indoor markets. The markets are a great place to explore, find real value for money and try local delicacies.
Weekly markets include:
Monday: Carlisle, Cockermouth, Barrow-in-Furness, Kirkby Stephen
Tuesday: Carlisle, Maryport, Penrith, Settle, Whitehaven
Wednesday: Windermere, Ambleside, Brampton, Carlisle, Kendal
Thursday: Carlisle, Egremont, Kirkby Lonsdale, Ulverston, Whitehaven
Friday: Barrow-in-Furness, Carlisle, Egremont, Maryport
Saturday: Alston, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Kendal, Ulverston, Whitehaven, Workington
The main shops are situated around Kendal and Windermere in the southern area of the lakes. Kendal is home to a wide choice of factory outlet shops, traditional markets and local handicraft shops. Quiet lanes and squares lead off from the market place and this is where you will find the most interesting shops.
Well known for its local food specialities, including Cumberland sausage, gingerbread from Grasmere, Kendal mintcake, Hawkshead relish and sticky toffee pudding from Cartmel, the Lake District is a foodie’s paradise.
Markets have always been an integral part of the Lake District, dating back to when the main industry was agriculture. Stall holders would come from miles around to trade their wares or buy essentials.
The Appleby Horse Fair is held each year and is where Romany Gypsies and Irish Travellers come to trade their horses. The fair has become an attraction in its own right. The Fair will be held from June 4-10 in 2015.
Wherever you decide to stay in the Lake District you close to a wide choice of markets and shops where you can buy everything from hand-made leather goods to biscuits, cakes and Cumbrian specialities.