Manchester is home to a range of fantastic markets, giving visitors the chance to pick up everything from speciality cheeses to rare second hand books.
Here we look at 5 of the best markets hosted in Manchester.
For those looking to update their wardrobe with something a little bit different to the designs found on the high street there is the Manchester Fashion Market.
Located on Tib Street next to the huge Debenhams store, this weekly market offers a selection of men’s and womenswear – as well as accessories – made from some of the region’s emerging designers, including Mollie Brown and Not For Ponies.
As it is the first market that is dedicated solely to fashion in the north-west, this could be a great place to get one-off items you simply won’t find anywhere else!
The market is open every Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and is right in front of the Market Street Metrolink stop, as well as being close to the Piccadilly Gardens and Shudehill bus terminuses.
Not too far from here is the Manchester Flower Market, where you’ll find a number of stalls offering fantastic flowers and plants, including cacti and bonsai trees.
Something for every occasion can be bought here, whether you want a potted plant for the office or a bouquet to cheer up a loved one, while the expert traders can give advice if you’re unsure about what to buy.
Open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, you can also purchase a selection of fresh fruit and vegetables from the Piccadilly Gardens-based market and it is just a short distance from Piccadilly train station and several bus stops.
If you’re a bookworm searching for something new to read, stop by the historic Church Street Market. Situated opposite the Arndale Centre, it is home to a second hand bookshop that has been run by veteran trader Eddy Hopkins for over 40 years. Here, you’ll find a range of classic and modern literature, including several rare titles.
There is plenty more to be found at the 11-stall market including a pet food store, a greengrocery and several fashion retailers. The Church Street Market is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.
Although the complex you see today is fairly modern (it was built in 2010), the market has actually been in existence for much longer than this – it has been trading for 100 years.
If you’re planning an entire day of shopping in the city you’ll soon work up an appetite, so a trip to the fortnightly Manchester Real Food Market could satiate your hunger.
Specialising in local produce, everything from award-winning pies and cheeses to freshly-made cakes can be bought and eaten here. You’ll also be able to purchase some great ingredients to cook up your own feast when you get home.
Held on the second and fourth Friday and Saturday of each month, the Piccadilly Gardens market is open from 10 am to 6 pm and as well as food you can buy handmade jewellery and gifts.
Not all of Manchester’s best markets are found in the city centre however. You’ll find a wide selection of items can be bought at Gorton’s Market on Garratt Way.
Open from 9 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Saturday, everything from electrical equipment and speciality cheeses to smoothies and cards can be picked up here.
There is also a twice-weekly carboot sale held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Should you feel the need to take a breather from browsing the dozens of stalls here you can have a pedicure or visit Sivori’s, a family-run Italian cafe.
If you’re travelling to Gorton Market from the city centre by train you will need to get off at Belle Vue station, with the retail complex a short walk away. You can also reach Gorton by taking the 201, 203 and 206 Stagecoach bus from Piccadilly Gardens.
Written by the team at travelsupermarket.com, a travel comparison site that has great deals available on weekend breaks.