Discover the delights of the brilliant local farmers' markets in Cornwall, selling delicious local Cornish food and drink
Once only a few stalls selling vegetables, today’s farmers’ markets are often a grand day out, offering visitors the chance to get to know local produce and its producers and discover more about what you put on your plate.
On the right day, in many of our towns and villages you will find a cornucopia of local seasonal produce as well as a chance to chat to the growers and farmers themselves who take pride in their knowledge and their produce.
Today’s farmers’ markets are often a grand day out, turning the chore of a weekly shop into a pleasurable day, getting to know local produce and its producers while discovering more about what you put on your plate.
The produce served up at your local farmer’s market will generally come from no more than 30 miles away, but more often far less than that. Traditional products are a given, as fresh fruit and vegetables bring colour to the stalls, while cheeses, meats, and freshly baked bread and cakes will leave your stomach rumbling.
At Grampound Local Produce Market, sales of certain products help a specific cause within the community. “Our cafe serves delicious coffee and home-made cakes and all the profits go to our village hall refurbishment,” explains Caroline Cudmore.? Other local markets also use the regular meetings as a way to help charities and causes. At Sennen market the coffee shop is run for local charities, whilst a well stocked second-hand book shop raises money for vital local charities. “The book shop has helped raise some £3000 for Shelter box,” says Wynne Jones.
At Coads Green Community Market local groups are given the opportunity to get involved with the market and raise money for their cause. “Refreshments are provided by a different group of people in the village to raise funds for their cause such as the playgroup, primary school, hockey club, pantomime group et cetera,” explains Anne Langley, “It has become a venue for various village committee meetings.”? Coads Green Community market is also taking part in the rise of stalls which sell products other than food. Local industries and crafters set up stalls of gifts and goodies for the public, as well as other obscurities. “We even have someone who researches family trees or the history of property,” says Anne.
The increase in popularity of local’ has meant that farmers’ markets - and their newer cousin, the country market cooperatives - while remaining predominantly food based, have expanded and begun to involve other local trades and independent crafters. The sense of community fills the air at farmers’ markets, particularly at Helston Country Market.
Working together, the producers at this market are an example of what makes local farmers’ markets so great.? And today’s the markets are not just about getting - and giving farmers - a good deal. In Cornwall’s local markets the community comes together to help one another, learn about their local produce, and help charities which affect those around them – not to mention they’re a good place to have a catch up and a taste or two of something delicious! Be inspired and head down to a farmers’ market near you!
FIND A FARMERS' MARKET NEAR YOU:
Camborne Produce Market
Location: Commercial Square, Trelowarren Street, Camborne
Need ideas for lunch? Head to the Camborne Market, open every Friday from 9am-2pm in Commercial Square to check out the freshest produce from local producers. You can find all sorts here, from olives, feta and salads to local honey to plants and flowers to hand-knitted items.
Falmouth Farmers’ Market
Location: Marine Park on Falmouth Harbor, Scranton Ave, Falmouth
Every Thursday from 12pm to 6pm
Situated just a stone’s throw away from the sea is Falmouth Farmer’s market. With a website that is updated weekly on what to expect at the next market keep up to date with what’s in store from stalls selling everything from homemade tomato juice to apple-cider doughnuts. Look out for guest speakers such as Susie Middleton (chef and writer) to inspire you and release your inner chef.
Grampound Produce Market
Location: Grampound Village Hall
Last Saturday of every month from 10am to 1pm
This particular market has been running for seven years now and each year has been more successful than the last. From chilli companies to local artists, Grampound has it all. The market is a great way to find out about local businesses and the opportunities they hold.
Helston Farmers’ Market
Location: Porthleven Road, TR13 0SR Helston, Cornwall
This market and is a South Kerrier Alliance Community Interest Company project and was formed by volunteers. With over 40 stalls on offer to browse, this market currently holds the title for one of the largest farmer’s markets in Cornwall; better still there is free parking available so you can look at leisure. Helston’s market is open the first Saturday of every month from 9:30 am to 1pm. Treat yourself to raw organic chocolate or even some smoked butter provided by the local businesses.
Lostwithiel Farmers Market
Location: Lostwithiel Community Centre
Every other Friday from 10am to 1pm
In the small town of Lostwithel is an award-winning farmers market which has been around since 1999; the market looks onto the King George VI playing field. Run by the Cornish Association of Smallholder and Producers, you can be sure to find locally sourced fruit, vegetables, meats and some arts and crafts to boot.
Penzance Farmers’ Market
Location: St John’s Hall, Alverton Street, Penzance, TR18 2QR
Penzance has been the home to local trade for many years, especially for farmers and fishermen and so the market is an essential accessory to the town. It is open every Friday from 9am to 1pm. Decorating the forecourt of St John’s Hall are green and white striped tents which hold a range of items from beautiful gifts to tasty treats and local produce. Garden plants and freshly cut flowers to brighten up your home are available too. In October there’s a day dedicated to the apple in celebration of harvest; you will be spoilt for choice with the different varieties, including local Cornish apples.
Sennen Farmers’ Market
Location: Sennen Community Centre, Sennen, TR19 7AW
Every Tuesday from 9am to 12pm
Another popular market in Penzance is the Sennen Farmers’ Market. In the past the local MP has given lectures to engage with the locals and to relieve them of their community-related concerns. Sennen doesn’t only offer a wide selection of food products, but also arts and crafts and much more. On average this event attracts over 700 people and has won many awards in the last 6 years, including the Taste of the West,’ 'Best farmers market' and Cornwall Living's 'Best Cornish Market'.
St Buryan Farmers’ Market
Location: The Village Hall, St Buryan, ?TR19 6ES
The St Buryan market is held twice monthly, on the second and fourth Saturday of the month from 9:30am to 12:30pm. There is everything from locally sourced fish to tasty Indian snacks and even some unusual plants and treats for those garden enthusiasts. You can also enjoy a quiet read with a cup of coffee or tea. It is also situated only 5 miles west of Penzance.
St Ives Farmers’ Market
Location: The Guildhall, Street-an-Pol, St Ives
Situated in the heart to St Ives in a prime position for both locals and holiday makers, this is a place where you can talk directly with the producers and find out more about the products on sale. This market is held on the third Saturday of the month from 9:30am to 2pm. Here you can sample some award-winning and delicious foods from meats to vegetables to baked treats. The produce available at this market is all locally sourced and found within a 30-mile radius. Sometimes you can find musicians busking at the market adding to the community atmosphere.
Truro Farmers’ Market
Location: Lemon Quay Piazza
Prepare to be welcomed by the warming smell of freshly baked bread and tasty pastries, every Wednesday and Saturday from 9am to 4pm. The market where you are spoiled for choice with organic meats and lots of seasonal produce and even local crafts on Saturday. They also work with the farmer’s market on The Moor in Falmouth every Tuesday.
Below you will find 21 more Farmer’s markets in Cornwall to venture to…
Location: Lower Wharf, Bude EX23 8LG
Every other Friday from 10am to 2pm
Location: Camelford Hall, Cleave Road, Camelford
Every Wednesday from 12pm to 4pm
Location: Carnon Downs Village Hall
Last Saturday of every month from 9am ?to 12pm
Location: Coads Green Village Hall
Fourth Saturday of every month from 9:30am to 12:30pm
Location: Constantine Church Hall
Second Saturday of every month from 9:30am to 12pm
Location: Crocadon Sawmill, St. Mellion, Saltash, PL12 6RL
Every third Saturday of the month Tel: 01579 350096
Location: The British Legion, Heamoor, Penzance TR18 3EH
Every Saturday from 9:30am to 12pm
Location: The Guildhall, Helston.
Every Friday from 8am to 12pm
Location: Town Hall or on Holgates Green depending on weather.
First Thursday of every month from 10am to 2pm
Location: St Mary’s Hall, Launceston
Every Friday from 9:30am to 2pm
Location: Mole Valley Farmers, Moorswater Industrial Estate, Liskeard
Every other Friday from 10am to 12pm
Location: Mullion School, Meavor Road, Mullion TR12 7EB
Third Saturday of every month from 9:30am to 1pm
Location: The Centre of Pendeen, Church Road, Pendeen, TR19 7SE
First and third Saturday of every month from 10am to 1pm
Location: Memorial Hall, Perranporth
Every Friday from 10am to 12pm
Location: Aylmer Square, White River Place, St Austell PL25 5LX
Every Friday and Saturday from 9:30am to 3:30pm
Location: St Erth Methodist Church, St Erth, Hayle TR27 6HL
Every Saturday from 10am to ?12pm
Location: Methodist Weslyan Chapel, Trethewey St, St Levan TR19 6LP
First Monday of every month from 10am to 12pm
Location: The Village Hall, St Neot
First Saturday of every month from 9am to 12pm
Location: Stithians Centre, Church Road, Stithians TR3 7DH
Third Saturday of every month from 9:30am to 12:30pm
Location: The Old School, Stoke Climsland PL17 8NY
First Saturday of every month from 9am to 12:30pm
Location: Town Hall, The Platt, ?Wadebridge. Tel: 01208 812643
Every Thursday from 7:45am to 12:30pm
