The Best Cotswold Farmers' Markets to Visit in Summer

Celebrating Local Flavours, Fresh Produce & Countryside Charm

Summer in the Cotswolds is a feast for the senses. The fields are alive with colour, the days are long and warm, and the region’s farmers’ markets overflow with seasonal produce, artisanal treats, and community spirit. For food lovers and visitors looking to experience authentic local culture, the Cotswolds' farmers' markets are a must-visit.

These markets offer more than just groceries—they’re vibrant hubs of regional pride, where local growers, bakers, cheesemakers, and brewers come together to share the best of what the season has to offer. From juicy strawberries and heirloom tomatoes to small-batch gin and handmade breads, summer is the time to savour it all.

Here’s a guide to some of the best Cotswold farmers’ markets to visit in the summer, along with highlights of the seasonal produce you can expect.

1. Stroud Farmers’ Market

📍 Cornhill Market Place, Stroud – Every Saturday, 9am–2pm

Often hailed as one of the best farmers’ markets in the UK, Stroud Farmers’ Market is a vibrant, award-winning showcase of organic and locally produced goods. The market has a brilliant atmosphere, with over 50 stalls filling the town centre with the scents of freshly baked goods, cheeses, and summer herbs.

What to Try in Summer:

• Freshly picked soft fruits like gooseberries, raspberries, and strawberries
• Organic sourdough loaves and focaccia
• Local cheeses like Single Gloucester and Cerney Ash
• Wildflower honey and cold-pressed rapeseed oil

Why Go:
It’s a foodie haven with an eco-conscious ethos. Great for stocking up on picnic essentials or picking up gifts.

2. Cirencester Farmers’ Market

📍 Market Place, Cirencester – 2nd & 4th Saturdays of the month, 9am–1pm

Set in the historic market town of Cirencester, this market is packed with seasonal produce, artisan bakes, and locally raised meats. The backdrop of beautiful Georgian architecture adds to the charm, and the market is often accompanied by live music.

What to Try in Summer:

• Locally reared lamb and pork for summer barbecues
• Heritage tomatoes, courgettes, and broad beans
• Small-batch cider and elderflower cordial
• Handmade preserves and chutneys

Why Go:
Ideal for combining with a day out in town—browse the shops, enjoy a coffee, and fill your basket with Cotswold goodness.

3. Cheltenham Farmers’ Market

📍 Promenade, Cheltenham – 2nd & last Friday of the month, 9am–2pm

Cheltenham’s elegant Promenade becomes a bustling marketplace twice a month, showcasing a great mix of gourmet street food and fresh local produce. This market is smaller but carefully curated, with a high-quality selection of goods.

What to Try in Summer:

• Fresh artisan pasta and pesto
• Summer berries and sweet cherries
• Local charcuterie and picnic-ready scotch eggs
• Kombucha, craft beers, and farm cider

Why Go:
Perfect for grabbing supplies before a picnic in nearby Pittville Park or the Cotswold Hills.

4. Chipping Norton Farmers’ Market

📍 High Street, Chipping Norton – 3rd Saturday of the month, 8.30am–1.30pm

This charming market reflects the friendly, small-town feel of “Chippy,” offering everything from homegrown veg to handcrafted gifts. It’s a favourite with locals and a great spot to chat with producers.

What to Try in Summer:

• Free-range eggs and local cream
• Fresh garden peas, radishes, and salad leaves
• Jams, jellies, and local lavender products
• Home-baked cakes and slices

Why Go:
It’s a more intimate market with a strong community vibe and a great coffee-and-cake scene nearby.

5. Moreton-in-Marsh Market (Bonus: Not just farmers’ market, but a weekly tradition)

📍 High Street, Moreton-in-Marsh – Every Tuesday, from 9am

While technically a traditional street market, Moreton’s long-running Tuesday market includes excellent farm produce, cheeses, plants, and baked goods. It’s one of the oldest in the Cotswolds and offers a wonderful mix of everyday essentials and local treats.

What to Try in Summer:

• Punnets of strawberries and blackberries
• Potted herbs and vegetable plants
• Handmade pies and fresh quiches
• Locally churned butter and fresh dairy

Why Go:
Combines history with variety—ideal for a relaxed morning shop followed by a pub lunch or garden centre visit.

Seasonal Summer Stars to Look For:

Here are some of the best summer ingredients you’re likely to find across all Cotswold markets:

• Strawberries & soft fruit – grown just miles away from the stalls
• Heritage tomatoes – vibrant, juicy, and perfect for salads
• Courgettes & squash – great grilled or spiralised
• New potatoes – delicious simply boiled with mint and butter
• Goat’s cheese & feta-style local cheeses – fresh and tangy
• Cotswold honey – floral and aromatic, straight from local hives
• Craft ciders & local ales – ideal for warm-weather sipping

In Summary:

Cotswold farmers’ markets are about more than just fresh food—they’re a celebration of rural life, local pride, and seasonal eating. Whether you’re picking up picnic treats, planning a summer supper, or simply enjoying a Saturday morning browse, these markets offer a real taste of the region.

So this summer, skip the supermarket and head to the heart of the Cotswolds. You’ll come away with a basket full of the freshest flavours and a deeper connection to the land and people that make this region so special.

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