English Market Towns to Visit in the UK

English market towns come in many shapes and sizes. Each has a personality shaped by the goods and services produced and traded for centuries. But each town has more to do than shop.

Hereford, Herefordshire

Hereford has remained a lively market town since 1189. Skirting the town square, you’ll find lovely shops, eateries, and the Black and White House Museum. The Hereford Cathedral is the most impressive building in town. It’s also home to an ancient library. One of the four original copies of the Magna Carta is displayed there.

Ludlow, Shropshire

Ludlow is known as the Foodie Center of England. Butcher shops, greengrocers, bakeries, and cheese shops line the town square. Bordering the square, the Ludlow Castle is a “must explore” medieval stronghold. The three-day Ludlow Food Festival is held each September.

Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Getting to Shrewsbury Town Center from London is challenging but worth the anxiety. The River Severn has a significant turn through town, almost making an island of Shrewsbury Town Center. The shape creates a perfect market where goods could be shipped and received using the river as a highway. Flowers are everywhere-hanging baskets, window boxes, and planters-just what you imagine in an attractive English market town.

Mevagissey, Cornwall

Even if you haven’t been to the small fishing village Mevagissey, you’ve probably seen it in a movie or British TV show. The working harbor(港口) took shape in 1774. Fishermen go out to sea daily and sell their fish in harbor-side markets. Don’t leave the harbor without a traditional Comish pie. It’s delicious.