The best markets in the UK: 25 thriving hotspots to test your business idea

Did you know market stalls have been the testing ground for some of the UK’s best known brands? Innocent Drinks and Pizza Pilgrims are just two.

In the first index of its kind, Startups.co.uk has ranked 723 markets from around the UK to reveal the hottest locations for market stall traders.

Declared ‘the original business incubators’ by London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, markets are both bustling hotspots at the heart of communities AND the perfect place to start a business.

But with more markets popping up around the country than ever before, (there are 280 in London alone), which market is right for you to test your business idea?

In our totally unique study, Startups.co.uk has evaluated six key data points (from the number of stalls to TripAdvisor reviews) to definitively rank the UK’s markets.

Scroll down to find out which markets made the top 25. Of course, where you start will be influenced by geography, but what else should you be looking for when hunting for a stall location?

See full information on all of the markets, as well as the full methodology behind our research.

Ranging from well-known, London tourist traps to regional local favourites, read on to find out the definitive 25 best markets in the UK.

1. Camden Lock and Stables Market

Market type: Indoor and outdoor general retail
Number of stalls: 1,000
When is Camden market open? Seven days a week
TripAdvisor review rating: 4.6
Cost of market stall hire: Casual stall prices start from £15 for a Monday to £65 for a Saturday or Sunday.
Find out about Camden market pitches for rent: Apply here and you’ll hear back within two weeks.

Why Camden is one of the best markets for start-ups:

With 28 million visitors a year, and officially London’s largest market, if you want to get your product in front of lots of people, there’s no better place.

Camden is busy all day, every day – and attracts everyone from tourists to local workers with its eclectic range of stalls.

10% of stalls are reserved for casual stallholders to give new brands the chance to secure a slot, so what are you waiting for?

Check out our video about life as a Camden market trader:

If you’d like to accept card payments at your market stall, as all the traders in the video do, check out our guide on how to take payments.

Examples of Camden market traders: Only Jerkin’, Young Vegans, Poppie’s, Crosstown Doughnuts

2. Old Spitalfields Market

Market type: Indoor general retail
Number of stalls: 84
When is Old Spitalfields market open? Seven days a week
TripAdvisor review rating: 4.5
Cost of market stall hire: Permanent stalls cost £350 per week, while casual stall prices vary depending on day of the week and time of year, starting at £20 per day and finishing at £95.
Find out about Old Spitalfields market pitches for rent: Apply here and, if there is space and the market believes you’ll be a good fit, you’ll hear back.

Why Old Spitalfields is one of the best markets for start-ups:

With a focus on supporting new and local artisans, creatives and independents, Old Spitalfields market calls itself “the perfect antidote to the high street”.

This East London hotspot judges potential traders on the quality of their wares and how responsibly-sourced they are – and it has a soft spot for showcasing the design processes, stories and interesting people behind the brands.

So, if you’re selling unique, responsibly-produced products, this market could provide you with the supportive environment you need to flourish.

Examples of Spitalfields market traders: Pick a Twig, The Last Shop for the Curious, Rebel Rebel

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3. Greenwich Market

Market type: Covered general retail
Number of stalls: 254
When is Greenwich market open? Seven days a week
TripAdvisor review rating: 4.5
Cost of market stall hire: Rates vary depending on what you’re selling and on what day, with prices ranging from £15 to £75 per day. See a full list of prices here.
Find out about Greenwich market pitches for rent: Fill in an application form here.

Why Greenwich is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Upmarket Greenwich is steeped in royal and maritime history, making it quite the tourist trap. Its market champions quality UK-made food, drink and products which are as close to unique as possible and aren’t widely available elsewhere – this, it says, is what visitors come for.

A friend to creatives, the market follows a ‘creative priority system’: if you trade ethically, sell products which are made in Britain, create a good ambience with your stall and, most importantly, have considerable creative input into your products, the market will be keen to support you.

Examples of Greenwich market traders: K&K Labs, Little Leaf Food, Catford Creative Club

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5. Surrey Street Market

Market type: Outdoor general retail and speciality food and drink
Number of stalls: 100
When is Surrey Street market open? Seven days a week
TripAdvisor review rating: 4
Cost of market stall hire: Prices start from £10 per day for a casual license.
Find out about Surrey Street market pitches for rent: Download an application form at the bottom of this page.

Why Surrey Street is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Back up and running following an extensive £1.1m refurbishment and the launch of a Sunday market, which specialises in alternative artisan goods and hosts special events, Surrey Street is one of the oldest markets in the UK.

Located in the centre of Croydon, this market is thoroughly beloved by locals for its buzzing atmosphere, while traders enjoy a flexible, friendly place to sell their wares.

Examples of Surrey Street market traders: Faith Wok, Matthews Yard

6. Borough Market

Market type: Retail and wholesale food market
Number of stalls: 100
When is Borough market open? Six days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 4.5
Cost of market stall hire: Rates start at £30.35 per day for a three-metre by 2.5 metre pitch.
Find out about Borough market pitches for rent: You can fill in an application form here. Successful applicants will undergo an interview and food businesses will face a tasting panel.

Why Borough is one of the best markets for start-ups:

London’s oldest food market, Borough is famous the world over for its high-quality array of food and drink stalls.

With hot food, treats and produce that ranges from traditionally British to regional specialties from around the globe, the market accepts a huge variety of eats – but wants all traders to be experts in their food and artisanally inclined.

With its 16 million yearly visitors including tourists and regular local workers, this market is perfect for production-conscious food and drink start-ups.

Examples of Borough market traders: From Field and Flower, Bianca Mora, Gujarati Rasoi

7. Brighton Open Market

Market type: Outdoor general retail
Number of stalls: 45
When is Brighton open market open? Seven days a week
Tripadvisor review rating: 4
Cost of market stall hire: You can trade for £5 a day Monday to Wednesday, £8 per day Thursday to Friday and £20 a day on Saturdays.
Find out about Brighton open market pitches for rent: Download an application form here.

Why Brighton open market is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Based in bustling seaside hotspot Brighton, which is famous for the eclectic shopping experiences it offers, the open market sees a lion’s share of local shoppers and sun-seeking tourists, and plays host to a range of events.

Whether your products are traditional or contemporary, edible treats or handcrafted gifts, starting as a casual trader means you can take up a flexible space in the plaza – a busy section of the market ideally suited to those looking to test out their business concept.

Examples of Brighton open market traders: Rainbow Organic Chocolates, Market Florist, The Smallest Bookshop in Brighton

8. Jubilee Market

Market type: Indoor speciality retail and arts and crafts
Number of stalls: 123
When is Jubilee market open? Six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 4
Cost of market stall hire: Costs for trading in the general market range from £40 per day in January, February, and March to £75 per day in June, July and August. See all prices here.
Find out about Jubilee market pitches for rent: Express your interest on this page.

Why Jubilee is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Sitting in the heart of one of London’s busiest tourist destinations, Covent Garden, Jubilee market showcases a range of quality British products and exciting foods, and is famed for its historic archways and colourful, patriotic decorations.

Catering to a variety of different traders, the market runs a specialist antiques and collectables market on a Monday and an arts and crafts market at the weekends – so if you fit either of these categories, this market is a great place to get in the spotlight.

Examples of Jubilee market traders: Moddanio, Roccabella, Sweyn Forkbeard

9. Barnsley Market

Market type: Indoor, outdoor and covered general retail
Number of stalls: 200
When is Barnsley market open? Seven days a week
Tripadvisor review rating: 4.5
Cost of market stall hire: Renting a stall at Barnsley market costs £20 per day.
Find out about Barnsley market pitches for rent: Find out how to apply for indoor or outdoor stalls here.

Why Barnsley is one of the best markets for start-ups:

North Yorkshire’s Barnsley town centre is currently undergoing extensive renovations, in part to attract more visitors to an updated, streamlined market – so stalls are currently set up in temporary locations.

However, this hasn’t dissuaded the market’s many visitors from continuing to peruse its stalls, and the destination – often referred to as the heart of Barnsley – looks set to succeed even more once the town’s facelift is complete.

Whether you sell fresh produce or other products – from clothes to books – joining Barnsley now will give you the chance to benefit from the new visitors its renovation will likely bring.

Examples of Barnsley market traders: Mellon Colley

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10. Altrincham Market

Market type: Indoor and outdoor general retail
Number of stalls: 10
When is Altrincham market open? Five days a week (Tuesdays, then Thursday to Sunday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 4.5
Cost of market stall hire: Prices available on request.
Find out about Altrincham market pitches for rent: You’ll need to send an email detailing your availability and products. Find out more here.

Why Altrincham is one of the best markets for start-ups:

A town on the rise, Altrincham, Trafford is enjoying its new reputation as a food hub: which it has gained thanks to the immense popularity of its market. Here, street food and local produce abound and footfall is soaring year on year.

But it’s not just about food: Altrincham welcomes traders selling all sorts of other products – including those who can join its thrift and antiques market on a Thursday.

On each of the four weekends of the month, Altrincham shines a spotlight on a different kind of product; with the first weekend’s focus being design, the second weekend’s food, the third’s vintage, and the fourth’s craft – giving you a fantastic platform if you trade in these areas.

Examples of Altrincham market traders: The Plucky Pickle, The Great North Pie Co., Sam Joseph

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11. Lewisham High Street Market

Market type: Outdoor general retail
Number of stalls: 30
When is Lewisham High Street market open? Seven days a week
Tripadvisor review rating: 4.3
Cost of market stall hire: Prices available upon request.
Find out about Lewisham High Street market pitches for rent: Contact the market team using the details on this page.

Why Lewisham High Street is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Sitting outside Lewisham’s bustling shopping centre, this market benefits from footfall from high street shoppers as well as those who have come solely to peruse its stalls.

Dealing in everything from clothes to street food, the market is hugely popular among locals and often referred to as the hub of Lewisham. And with easy transport links nearby (the DLR and overground are five minutes away, while plenty of buses stop in the vicinity), this fast-paced but friendly market is busy every day of the week.

Examples of Lewisham High Street market traders: The Sausage Man

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12. Tooting Market

Market type: Indoor general retail
Number of stalls: 51
When is Tooting market open? Six days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 4.4
Cost of market stall hire: Permanent stalls start at £120 per week, with prices depending on size and location.
Find out about Tooting market pitches for rent: Get in touch with the team to inquire using the details here.

Why Tooting is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Calling itself “London’s original indoor market”, this award-winning market and its unique red facade easily draws customers in from the street.

Famed for mouth-watering street food and quirky bars, in the former half of this year the market underwent extensive renovations and now plays host to a huge variety of different traders – from arts and crafts to fashion to pop-up salons.

So, if you’re looking to be part of the emerging South London success story of what aims to be the Camden market of the south, this might be the place for you!

Examples of Tooting market traders: Unwined in Tooting, Harry’s Chocolate Emporium, Panda Noodle Bar

13. Berwick Street Market

Market type: Outdoor general retail
Number of stalls: 25
When is Berwick street market open? Six days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 4
Cost of market stall hire: You can trade here for £10.61 per day Monday to Thursday, £20.16 a day on Fridays, and £24.40 on Saturdays.
Find out about Berwick street market pitches for rent: Find out about vacancies here.

Why Berwick is one of the best markets for start-ups:

One of London’s oldest markets, Berwick street market has a long-standing reputation as a prime destination for foodies. And, situated in the thriving West End, traders find themselves busy selling to both locals and tourists looking to fill up before a show.

Specialising primarily in street food, fresh flowers and fruit and vegetable stalls, if your start-up is in the food and drinks business you may well find a very successful home here.

Examples of Berwick street market traders: Lord of the Wings, Paella Fellas, Afghan Delights

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14. Shepherds Bush Market

Market type: Covered general retail
Number of stalls: 90
When is Shepherds Bush market open? Six days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 3.5
Cost of market stall hire: Casual pop-up space starts at £30 per day.
Find out about Shepherds Bush market pitches for rent: Download an application form and find out more here.

Why Shepherds Bush is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Located between Goldhawk Road and Shepherd’s Bush Market Underground stations, this market is easily accessible and – if the fact that it has its own tube stop is anything to go by – in high demand.

With a broad range of multicultural offerings, this West London hub is known for its fabrics, fresh food and fashion traders – though they’re by no means the only sectors welcome here.

With a hugely diverse variety of local businesses in operation in this friendly, community-focused market, it’s likely your start-up will be supported here.

Examples of Shepherds Bush market traders: Momo Hut, Bush Store Jewellers, The Grill Master

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16. Lower Marsh Street Market

Market type: Outdoor general retail
Number of stalls: 29
When is Lower Marsh street market open? Six days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 4.5
Cost of market stall hire: Takeaway food stalls cost £45, stalls selling produce cost £20, and arts, crafts and other stalls cost £10.
Find out about Lower Marsh street market pitches for rent: Fill in an application form here, and you’ll hear back within 30 days.

Why Lower Marsh is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Another of the capital’s oldest markets, Central London’s busy Lower Marsh street market offers a range of street food, vintage products, fresh produce and arts and crafts.

With street food a definite focus on weekdays (alongside other general retail stalls), Saturday is the flea and handmade market’s day – and the market office has recently opened this event up to even more traders and made it very simple to apply to sell here.

Alongside these, vintage-themed stalls will also find a good home here: on the third Saturday of every month the “Waterloo Classics” Car Show takes place at the market, attracting vintage fans from across the city.

Examples of Lower Marsh street market traders: Daddy’s Japan Soul Food, Rio Tropical, Merrybox

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17. Gravesend Borough Market

Market type: Indoor and outdoor general retail
Number of stalls: Seven
When is Gravesend Borough market open? Six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 5
Cost of market stall hire: Casual pop-up stalls cost £15 per day (or £25 if you’re selling street food) Tuesday to Friday and £20 per day (or £40 for street food) Saturday and Sunday.
Find out about Gravesend Borough market pitches for rent: Apply to become a trader here.

Why Gravesend Borough is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Though Kent’s intimate Gravesend Borough market doesn’t boast swathes of stalls as far as the eye can see, it certainly doesn’t lack variety – with everything from beauty products to pet accessories sold there.

Centrally located right next to Gravesend’s high street, the newly-refurbished market is frequented by the shoppers who visit the area on a daily basis. Overlooking the Thames, it’s the only market in Gravesham and so draws in visitors from across the region.

Examples of Gravesend Borough market traders: Glitz and Glam, White Cat’s Curiosities, Rico Sabor Café and Bakery

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18. Ulverston Market

Market type: Indoor and outdoor general retail
Number of stalls: 20
When is Ulverston market open? Six days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 5
Cost of market stall hire: Prices available on request.
Find out about Ulverston market pitches for rent: Get in touch with the market team using the contact form on this page.

Why Ulverston is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Situated in beautiful tourist hotspot the Lake District, Ulverston’s historic market hall is famous for its variety of stalls, which range from haberdashery to book sellers.

In particular, the market is well-known as a lovely place to eat – especially when it comes to cake, with the hall’s iconic Market Cafe, delis and bakery stands attracting hordes of hungry locals and tourists on market days.  

Examples of Ulverston market traders: Grange Bakery, The Book Shack, Varykino

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19. South Harrow Market

Market type: Indoor general retail
Number of stalls: 100
When is South Harrow market open? Six days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 5
Cost of market stall hire: Unit prices start at £75 per week.
Find out about South Harrow market pitches for rent: Get in touch with the team to discuss availability. Contact details can be found here.

Why South Harrow is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Harrow, Middlesex’s thriving and colourful indoor market, South Harrow market features a staggering variety of traders – from those selling electrical products to entrepreneurs offering African foods and Somalian products.

A busy mulitcultural hub, the market is open to traders operating across all sectors – though clothing stalls in particular have made a well-known home here.

Located near to South Harrow station, the area sees plenty of footfall from both locals and local workers.

20. North End Road Market

Market type: Outdoor general retail
Number of stalls: 150
When is North End Road market open? Six days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 3.5
Cost of market stall hire: Pitches start at £10 per day, and the market is currently running a ‘buy one day get the next day free’ offer.
Find out about North End Road market pitches for rent: Download an application form on this page.

Why North End Road is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Having recently celebrated 130 years in service with a live music event, this popular west London market is favoured among locals for its variety of stalls.

With a huge range of street food (it’s known in particular as a vegan hotspot) plus products such as artwork and handmade gifts for sale, traders from many sectors are embraced here.

Starting in Kensington Olympia and stretching to Fulham Broadway, this market isn’t widely-known among tourists (especially when compared to other London markets) – but the locals are such fans that you won’t notice any decline in footfall or sales due to this.

Examples of North End Road market traders: Picky Wops, Jaffa Bake House

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21. Widnes Market

Market type: Indoor general retail
Number of stalls: 189
When is Widnes market open? Five days a week (Mondays, then Wednesday to Saturday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 4.8
Cost of market stall hire: Prices range from £13 on Mondays and Thursdays to £19 on Fridays and £21 on Saturdays.
Find out about Widnes market pitches for rent: Download an application pack here.

Why Widnes is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Located in Halton, Cheshire, Widnes’ sprawling indoor market is “always looking for new unique businesses” to join and contribute to the diverse array of products for sale here.

Featuring fashion, food and drink, entertainment products, homeware, gifts, specialist hobby stalls and more, this market is a staple of the local community and a popular shopping destination for those who live there and visitors alike.

Examples of Widnes market traders: Noah’s Ark Pet Shop, Glamboozle, Hankins Old Fashioned Sweet Stall

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23. Derby Market Hall

Market type: Indoor general retail
Number of stalls: 90
When is Derby Market Hall open? Six days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 3.9
Cost of market stall hire: Casual trading costs £18 per stall per day.
Find out about Derby Market Hall pitches for rent: Get in touch with the team to request an application form. Contact details can be found here.

Why Derby Market Hall is one of the best markets for start-ups:

Sitting behind Guildhall shopping centre, Derby Market Hall describes itself as “a hidden gem”. But nowadays this is something of a misnomer – in the heart of the city centre’s shopping district, the market is actually a popular and busy destination.

The market hall takes pride in supporting the small businesses who trade there, with street food, fresh produce, homeware, clothing, beauty services and bicycles among the products to be found. No matter what you sell and whether your style is traditional or contemporary, you’ll likely be welcome here.

Examples of Derby market hall traders: Dragon’s Lair, Wonki Pot, Bunny’s Caribbean Food

24. Leather Lane Market

Market type: Outdoor general retail
Number of stalls: 21
When is Leather Lane market open? Five days a week (Monday to Friday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 4.5
Cost of market stall hire: Prices available on request.
Find out about Leather Lane market pitches for rent: Get in touch with the Friends of Leather Lane to find out more about the market.

Why Leather Lane is one of the best markets for start-ups:

A true East London market, Leather Lane has been going for 400 years and was initially known for clothing and footwear (hence its name).

In recent years, however, it has flourished as a street food hub – though traders who deal in clothes, jewellery, gifts and more are equally welcome.

In particular, the market is a hugely popular weekday lunch spot for the hordes of people who work in nearby Hatton Garden, Holborn and Farringdon – so if you provide a tempting lunch offering this could be the place for you!

Examples of Leather Lane market traders: Grill My Cheese, Yum Bowl, Chick

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25. Stratford Outdoor Market

Market type: Outdoor general retail
Number of stalls: 30
When is Stratford outdoor market open? Six days a week (Monday to Saturday)
Tripadvisor review rating: 5
Cost of market stall hire: Casual trading costs £27.81 per pitch, while a permanent stall will cost £89.61 per week.
Find out about Stratford outdoor market pitches for rent: Express your interest by completing this application form.

Why Stratford is one of the best markets for start-ups:

A stone’s throw from Stratford’s two major shopping centres, Stratford outdoor market benefits from the footfall of shoppers who come from far and wide, as well as locals.

Opposite historic buildings including St. John’s Church and the Old Town Hall, the market is based on a pedestrian walkway, and multiple bus routes stop just yards from its stalls – giving the public fantastically easy access to the traders there.

With stalls selling toys, CDs, handmade gifts and jewellery, hosiery and both hot and cold food, the market embraces a variety of traders.

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