Shop local at Leeds Markets

Written by Carol Ferndale

Leeds Markets - Farmer Markets in Leeds
Kirkgate Market in Leeds

Not only is Leeds home to one of Europe’s largest indoor markets, but in the environs of Leeds you will also find some very pretty market towns that hold regular indoor and outdoor markets, where you can shop for a bargain and stock up your veg rack.

Leeds Kirkgate market

Housed in a beautiful domed Edwardian building on Vicar Lane, and extending all the way back to the bus station, Leeds Kirkgate Market has over 400 stalls selling everything from fine foods to flowers, haberdashery to electrical goods, along with a good selection of little cafes and eateries.

You can buy a profusion of goods here that includes toy walking elephants, delicious cream cakes, furry textiles, Caribbean vegetables and carnivores will be glad to see that there is even an entire row of butchers, all competing with each other to offer you a good bargain.

There is a traditional outdoor market too, with stacks of fresh fruit and vegetables, electrical goods, army surplus gear, and budget clothing. At the outdoor market you’ll find lovely vintage clothing on Mondays, and an interesting flea market on Thursdays. Look out too for the farmers market selling fresh produce on the first and third Sundays of the month from 9.00 till 2.00.

Pudsey market

The attractive stone built market town of Pudsey was listed in the Domesday book, and its traditional market place is still thriving with a lively open market on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Here you’ll find fruit, veg, flowers, household goods, clothes, arts and crafts, and other items at reasonable prices. Watch out too for the farmers’ market on the last Thursday of every month from 9.00 till 2.00pm.

Morley market

Morley Market is known for being good for food, and also has a cafe where you can draw breath over a coffee and a sandwich in between doing the shopping. The market is in the centre of Morley and has two sections, with the original market hall and its new extension. In the old market hall you can buy fine foods including fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and deli items.

In the new hall you will find textiles, electricals, tanning and piercing salons, nail bars, and other interesting stalls and shops. The market also has a generous number of delis and bakeries, so you won’t be short of something to snack on as you wander around.

Otley market

On the serene River Wharfe and close to the green countryside, the pretty market town of Otley is renowned for its number of pubs and (amazingly) its number of troupes of Morris dancers. There are claims that Otley Market has been on the go for some thousand years, and the market even received a mention in the BBC’s League of Gentlemen.

The market is to be found, not surprisingly, on the Market Square, with a small market on Tuesdays, and then a larger one on Fridays and Saturdays that spills over into the adjacent streets with almost 100 stalls. You’ll find all the traditional market foodstuffs and household goods here, as well as a more modern twist with stalls selling clothing, jewelry, essential oils, and even Mediterranean produce. There is also a farmer’s market on the last Sunday of each month, 9.00am till 1.00pm.

Yeadon market

The charming old mill town of Yeadon, has a market in the Town Hall Square every Friday, 9.00am till 4.00pm. Here you’ll find fruit, vegetables, and other foods, as well as clothes, tools, books, plants, flowers and household goods. And if you need a break from all this shopping, Yeadon is home to The Oldest Fish and Chip Shop in the World, where you can grab a cod and chips to eat al fresco.

Rate this Leeds guide