Markets

The seaside towns of Bournemouth, Boscombe, Poole, and Christchurch have a thriving market scene offering a wealth of goods, from locally sourced produce, hand-crafted items, and beautiful antiques, to gift ideas and stunning flowers and plants to take home with you. Enjoy the warm and welcoming ambience at our local markets; strike up a conversation with the friendly stall holders for that personal touch!

Here is a list of some of our markets along the ‘Coast with the Most’.

Boscombe Open Air Market

Thursdays and Saturdays on the pedestrian precinct in front of the Sovereign Shopping Centre.

Established in 1992, Boscombe Open Air Market offers an ever-changing range of stalls and there’s something for everyone – from fruit & veg, fresh fish, and meat produce, to clothing, plants, flowers, bags, watches, jewellery, and much more, including a wide range of ‘Food on the Go’ – Brazilian, Thai, Indian - and a delicious range of cakes and pastries.

While you are visiting Boscombe Open Air Market, enjoy a visit to the beautiful Victorian Royal Arcade, Sovereign Shopping Centre, and high street stores with a great choice of cafes and restaurants. Pop down to ‘Pokesdown Mile’ and discover the antique stores, independent shops, and retro and vintage stores.

Boscombe Chine Gardens and the beautiful beaches and Grade 11 listed Pier are just a short walk from the town centre. Local bus services operate from Christchurch, Bournemouth, and Poole to Boscombe or perhaps hire a bike.  

Poole Market

Thursdays and Saturdays.

Visit Poole Outdoor Market in the pedestrianised part of Poole High Street every Thursday and Saturday, set amongst the high street’s independent and high street stores.  Poole Market offers a great shopping experience for all, with a chance to chat to the friendly stall holders about their wares. The market offers something for everyone at great prices. From local produce, fruit and veg, books, clothing, and children’s toys to flowers and plants, and takeaway food stalls

While you are visiting Poole Market, head up the high street and visit the indoor Dolphin Shopping Centre and The Dolphin Centre’s shopping district of 10 hand-picked independent retailers, ‘The KINGLAND’ development, which has brought together Dorset’s most innovative young entrepreneurs to create an exciting, curated retail environment in Poole town centre.

Don’t forget to head down to Poole Quay, passing through Poole Old Town Lower High Street to enjoy the delights of the harbour and its shops, attractions and activities, boat cruises, and not forgetting the abundance of cafes, bars, traditional inns, and restaurants along the way.

South Coast Makers Market

Independent, curated, monthly market that champions hand-crafted, sustainable businesses

Bournemouth's Monthly Independent Makers Market happens at The Makers Store, 1st floor, Bobby's & Co, The Square, Bournemouth open every Saturday 10am - 4pm.

Showcasing over 35 Makers and Artists alongside / Craft Beer / Local Gin / Pop Up Cafe / Bakery + Street & Vegan Food / Local Good Cause / Craft Demonstrations

Visit southcoastmakers.com for more information.

Pine Walk Art Exhibition: Art and Makers Market

Situated in the Lower Gardens in the Pine Walk.

One of the longest-running open-air exhibitions in the country, enjoy art in the gardens.

Art @ Pine Walk was set up almost 60 years ago and is a popular place for artists to show their work, and art lovers to browse and buy it. Displays include painting, photography, sculptures, and digital art. It is now called Westover Art and Makers Market.

This year Westover Art and Makers Market will initially reopen on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. The exhibition is open to a wide range of artists: painters (watercolour paintings, oil paintings, and much more), photographers, sculptors, and all artists creating a broad range of art for all to enjoy.

Christchurch Open Air Market

Mondays on the traffic-free High Street and Saxon Square.

Christchurch Market offers a wide range of market stalls selling a variety of produce, including fresh fruit and vegetables, books and household wares, gift ideas, jewellery, clothes, flowers, and plants. This bustling classic street market has been in the heart of this Saxon Market Town in the Dorset area for more than a hundred years. Open 52 weeks of the year, it is a destination venue for locals from Christchurch and the surrounding towns and villages and a popular day out for the many tourists to the area.

While you are visiting Christchurch Market, don’t forget to stay longer and visit the local attractions, from the beautiful Christchurch Priory to the Red House Museum and art deco Regent Centre offering entertainment for all. The shopping quarter of Christchurch offers a mix of high street stores, independent boutiques, and many cafes, bars, and restaurants to enjoy.

Don’t forget to wander down to the quayside, where you can hire a boat or simply watch the boats, paddleboarders, and local wildlife pass by.

On our doorstep and more …

There are plenty of markets to discover and explore in the counties of Dorset and Hampshire, from traditional outdoor weekly markets, Farmers Markets, Antique Markets, to our Christmas Markets just waiting to be discovered on our doorstep.

The Bridge House Antiques Market which was featured on the BBC1 'Make Me a Dealer' programme, is a large warehouse next to the River Stour in Longham, near Ferndown, and is home to a real mix of antique, retro and vintage stalls.

Visit our What’s On pages for further information.

‍