A stunning town has been repeatedly named as one of the best markets around – and has a rich history to go alongside it.
Both Daniel Defoe and Charles Dickens have penned words of praise about Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, located just a short distance from both London and Cambridge. It has much to offer visitors and new residents alike, but of particular note is its vibrant market.
Making regular appearances on various best market lists – most recently, in the Telegraph, the Mirror and Great British Life – the market dates back to before the days of William the Conqueror. Held in the Buttermarket and Cornhill parts of the town, the market attracts thousands of people every week.
The market features over 80 stalls on Saturdays and more than 60 on Wednesdays. Fresh, locally sourced seasonal food can be found among the rows of stalls, including fruit and vegetables, meat, and fish.
But it’s not just food on offer. It’s possible to find vintage clothing, Portugues pottery and colourful plants and flowers among the huge variety of sellers that flock to the town every week.
And that isn’t even the only market Bury offers – on the second Sunday of every month from 10 – 3pm, a farmers’ market is held, with freshly baked local bread, honey, homemade pies and savouries, and delicious cakes and fudge all up for sale.
One reviewer on TripAdvisor said of the market: “Went to this market probably a hundred times over the 3 years we lived in the UK.
“This place filled our hearts with local love. Great food, farm fresh produce, local handmade products.”
Another wrote: “Loved it. Lots of variety and good spacing between stalls. A great mix of produce and crafts and very pleasant stall holders.
“Parking was easy and the whole experience an asset to Bury”
Markets aren’t the only thing available at Bury St Edmunds, however. The 12th century Moyse’s Hall has previously operated as the town’s jail, police station, hostel, parcels office and workhouse – but since 1899 has been a museum.
Through various displays it chronicles the town’s eclectic history, including even murder and witchcraft. It’s no stranger to more modern culture, either, with a recent exhibition featuring contemporary artists such as Banksy, Grayson Perry and Tracey Emin.
If you’re thirsty after checking out the dazzling array on offer at the markets, though, there are plenty of pubs that can fulfill that need. Greene King, which has pubs across Britain, is based out of Bury and has a series of watering holes across the town.
Established in 1799, it offers tours and tastings at its brewery, visitor centre and beer cafe on Westgate Street, while another place to sample its creamy ales is The Nutshell, if you can survive the queues.
The town has the full range of accommodation options available, from cheaper rooms in a Premier Inn and a suite of cosy AirBnbs.