Autumn has finally settled in, and for me personally, there’s no better way to spend a lazy Saturday or Sunday than by heading out and whiling away a few hours at one of Suffolk’s many local markets.

Whether you’re looking to get your hands on some vintage threads, source a piece of antique furniture, or sample some of the county's finest fare, we've got you covered. Here are just a few of those markets worth checking out this season.

Food

Bury St Edmunds’ Farmers Market

Take a trip to The Traverse in the centre of Bury and you'll find a regular farmers' market – filled with fresh goodies and local produce galore. Held on the second Sunday of the month, shoppers can enjoy the best that Suffolk has to offer, including honey from HoneyBee, freshly-baked bread from Wooster’s, and some locally-sourced meat, fish and produce. The next markets will be taking place on Sunday, October 9, Sunday, November 13, and Sunday, December 11 between 10am and 3pm.

Snape Maltings Farmers’ Market

If you find yourself on the banks of the River Alde this season, be sure to stop off at the farmers’ market that takes place at Snape Maltings every month.

Showcasing some of the best local and regional producers, you can try cheese, chocolates, gins, juices, fruit, and artisan bakes. There is also a café and bar, as well as a food hall with even more fare to sample.

And once you’ve filled your boots, you can walk around the stunning and scenic surroundings that Snape Maltings finds itself in.

The next upcoming Snape Maltings Farmers’ Markets will take place on Saturday, November 5 and Saturday, December 3 between 9.30am and 1pm.

Lavenham Farmers' Market

This longstanding market has led the way in bringing local food to local communities - and has even won many awards most notably `Best Farmers Market in the UK 2022. Held on the fourth Sunday of every month at Lavenham Village Hall, everything sold comes from a 30-mile radius, with some of Lavenham, Boxford, Sudbury, and Ipswich’s finest in attendance. The next upcoming events are taking place on Sunday, October 23, Sunday, November 27, and Sunday, December 18.

Needham Market Farmers' Market

Held every month, the Needham Market Farmers Market will make its return on Saturday, October 15 and Saturday, November 19. Open between 10am and 2pm, it is held just outside of the Needham Market Community Centre and prides itself on its range of local and independent makers, bakers, brewers and more. Expect some of the best meat, baked goods, beers, produce, and more at this free entry event.

Beccles Farmers’ Market

Celebrating over two decades of bringing fresh produce direct from local farmers and artisans straight to the local community, this north Suffolk farmers' market boasts around 30 stalls – making it one of the biggest undercover rural markets in the country.

Taking place the first and third Saturday of every month between 9am and 1pm, the market’s founders are committed to ensuring its stallholders are all based within a maximum of a 30-mile radius – making the fare on offer the freshest around. Just some of the traders you can expect to see include Hundred River Beef, Clinks Care Farm, Chaat Man, ES Burroughs & Son, Samphire, Lowestoft Distillery, and many more. Hot food and drink are also available in the care area, and parking is free.

Wyken Farmers’ Market

Dubbed one of the top 10 farmers’ markets in the country by The Times, this weekly market brings together some of the best British produce around. Located at Wyken Vineyard near Bury St Edmunds, it takes places every Saturday between 9am and 1pm and showcases local butchers, fishmongers, cured meat and cheese delicatessens, fruit and veg, ales, and chocolatiers.

Sudbury Farmers’ Market

The perfect place to stock up on all of your shopping for the week, this town’s farmers’ market attracts hundreds of shoppers every month. Expect to find local meats, homemade pies, regional cheeses, homebaked cakes (including gluten-free options), chocolate, and freshly-grown produce – as well as street food from Beats & Bagels and Mena’s Indian Dishes.

Held on the last Friday of the month at Market Hill between 9.30am and 2pm, the next market dates are October 28, November 18, and December 16.

Ipswich Artisan Market

Taking over The Cornhill on Sunday December 4, this artisanal market brings the best of Suffolk to the centre of Ipswich between the hours of 10am and 3pm. Discover a selection of local produce including jams and preserves from The Jam Shed, regional cheeses and pasties from The Cheese & Pie Man, vegan pastries from the Norwegian Bakers, and gins and runs from Sunfire Spirits. There will also be plenty of street food to eat on the day as well, including TFI Vegan Burgers, Otis Breading, Simply Lahmacun, and Smoke Box.

Suffolk Farmers’ Market at Trinity Park

The Cattle Sheds at Trinity Park is where you will find one of the county’s biggest foodie markets. With nearly 50 stalls to peruse, enjoy the best Suffolk has to offer. And it’s all under cover – so no need to worry about inclement weather!

Just some of the traders who will be making an appearance include Wooster’s Bakery, Colletts Farm, PG Oils, Stokes Sauces, and Old Felixstowe Brewery. Expect to see a number of crafters and makers too, as well as hot drinks and street food vans, too.

The next markets will be taking place between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, October 15 and Saturday, December 10. Parking is free of charge, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.

Antiques and vintage

Long Melford Antiques and Vintage Fair

One of the county’s best-known antiquing events, this monthly fair is held on the last Saturday and Sunday of every month – and since its inception in 2014 has become a staple in the vintage calendar. Organised by Pearl Gee and Laure Bonner, visitors can get their hands on all sorts of antiques, collectibles and vintage pieces including (and not limited to) ceramics, jewellery, militaria, books, clothes and accessories, toys, collectables, and kitchenalia. With over 30 dealers coming in from across the region, you’ll never know what you could get your hands on!

The next fair will take place on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30 from 9.30am until 4pm and takes place at The Old School. This dog-friendly fair has free parking, and admission is £1 per adult (but free for under-16s).

Woodbridge Antiques, Vintage & Collectors Fair

Set in the heart of Suffolk at Woodbridge Community Hall, this fair is filled with fascinating wares and buys galore. Open between 10am and 3pm, there will be over 40 tables of some of the best in collectibles from various eras. Admission is £1.50 until 12pm, and £1 after. Parking in £1.10 for two hours. On-site catering will also be available. The next fairs are on October 2 and December 4.

Ipswich Antiques & Collectors Fair

One of the oldest family-run antiques fairs in Suffolk, this fair specialises in a variety of collectibles ranging from antique jewellery and objet d'art to militaria and clocks. This monthly fair welcomes anywhere between 20 and 30 dealers who are all able to share their expertise and lend a hand. Its next event is Sunday, October 2 and will take place at Copdock & Washbrook Village Hall. Entry is £1.

Suffolk Antiques & Collectors Fair

Explore beautiful, rare, and fine collectables in the picturesque village of Lavenham. The Suffolk Antiques & Collectors Fair takes place every month at Lavenham Village Hall, with its next events taking place on Sunday, October 9, and Sunday, November between 9.30am and 4pm. Entry is £1, and refreshments will be available.

Clare Antiques & Vintage Fair

Take a trip to this two-day fair this autumn – where you can get your hands on some of the finest finds this side of East Anglia. Located in the Old Town Hall, there will be over 30 tables of expert dealers, all on hands to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Taking place on Saturday October 22 and Sunday October 23, it is open 9.30am until 4pm on Saturday and from 10am until 4pm on Sunday. Admission is £1 (free for children under 16), and there will be homemade food and hot drinks in the café. There is also ample parking nearby.

Newmarket Antiques & Collectors Fair

Running for over two decades, this fair has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors over the years – all looking to snap up some rare, special, and vintage. Peruse a range of furniture, china, glass, clocks and watched, sculptures, objet d’art, lace ad linens, ceramics, gold and silver, lighting, toys and games, prints and paintings, vintage clothing, postcards, stamps and more. This prestigious fair boasts over 200 indoor stalls and up to 50 outside dealers. Taking place at Newmarket Rowley Mile Course on Sunday, November 13, it will run between 9.30am until 4pm. Admission is £4 for the public and £7 for trade.

Crafting, clothes, and miscellaneous

Little Makers Market

This autumn, head down to this Suffolk artisan market which showcases the very best of local curators, artisans and makers. Located in the Bury St Edmunds’ Unitarian Meeting House, it has grown since its inception in 2015 and now plays host to over 70 different small businesses all under one roof.

Its vision is to champion, support and showcase the diversity of talent and independents businesses in the local community. The result is an inspiring line-up of traders to explore all manner of artisan producers selling handcrafted and curated items to gift, take home and love. The next two Little Makers Markets will take place on Saturday, October 1 and Saturday, November 26 between 10.30am and 3pm.

Clare Craft Market

Everything sold at this craft market is handmade by the person selling it, and you can guarantee you will find a stunning range of items on offer including ceramics, original artwork, papercrafts, felting, handmade candles, silver jewellery and so much more. There is also a pop-up café to enjoy, too. This market will take place on Saturday, October 29 between 10am and 4pm at Clare Town Hall.

Christmas Craft Market

New for the 2022 festive season, over 40 crafters and makers will bring their Christmas spirit and unique gifts to Nayland’s Littlegarth School for one day only. Pop along on Saturday, November 19 to see some what some of the region’s best crafters and makers have to offer.

Mannings Amusements

Every Sunday, Mannings Amusements in Felixstowe holds its weekly market in The Shed – its covered, versatile space that’s used all-year round. Situated just at the rear of the amusement park, visitors can find a wide range of goods on sale including plants, homeware, gifts, fashion, pre-loved and vintage, haberdashery, bikes, beauty, and more.