Wile away an hour or two at the Friday Market in Swanage – pick up seasonal fruit, veg & cooking ingredients, grab some homeware bargains, and connect with your local community.
With great value items, a lovely community buzz and a good range of regular, visiting and occasional traders, the market is a cost-effective and sociable way to stock up on your weekly grocery & household essentials.
There’s a bustling, yet distinctly relaxed atmosphere and friendly vibe, with ‘market’ style music in the background as shoppers browse the stalls and catch up with neighbours.
Shopping at the Friday market is also a great way to support local and emerging businesses from both Swanage itself and the wider Dorset area, as stallholders come from across the county to sell their products.
After you’ve finished shopping, grab some tasty hot food or relax with a coffee at the pop-up café seating area, or stroll down Victoria Avenue to the beach or into town to continue your shopping.
Whilst most stalls accept card payments, note that some may be cash only.
What’s at the market
As well as a large fruit & veg section, you’ll find various stands selling a great range of products for the home, as well as clothing & accessories, and even some ideas for a last-minute budget gift.
There’s often charity stalls and craft stalls depending on the time of year and what other events are going on around town, and the market welcomes local artisans on the first Friday of the month (Apr – Oct), where you can find locally-made arts & craft items.
Fresh Food & Ingredients
Fruit & Veg
Browse the excellent array of seasonal fruit and find some unusual vegetable varieties to complement your Sunday roast.
Simply choose your fruit & veg and take them to be weighed to pay.
Cooking Ingredients
Buy locally-produced cheeses, chutneys, meats and fish, or find your new favourite spice or olive flavour to add a twist to your cooking.
Convenience Food
You’ll find a range of Dorset-made food for snacking & picnicking, or to take home for an easy meal at the market, such as handmade pasties, freshly-baked pastries and artisanal breads.
Grab a sausage roll to go, or pair a homity pie with some cheese and olives for an easy meal without having to go to the supermarket.
For a sweet treat, you can pick up handmade donuts, Turkish Delight and a range of other confectionery to take home for afternoon tea.
Homeware & Garden
Buy your weekly fresh cut seasonal flowers & plants for your home and garden at the market, along with a range of home essentials, from natural cleaning supplies to car maintenance products.
And you might find a hidden treasure at the second-hand stalls or monthly maker’s market.
Order ahead with The Flower Factory to ensure your home or local business has beautiful, seasonal blooms ready to pick up from the Friday market: 01202 900670
Clothing & Accessories
Refresh your wardrobe with Swanage Market’s ranges of value clothing brands that change through the seasons.
There may be a chance to grab some pre-loved items, too, as well as a selection of affordable and bright children’s clothing and accessories.
Services
Regular services visiting the Friday Market include Purbeck Auto Locksmith and the local branch of Citizens Advice, with its mobile Advice Bus.
Purbeck Auto Locksmith is your local one-stop-shop for all your locksmith needs – Get replacement batteries for watches and car key fobs fitted while you wait.
Swanage-based Purbeck Auto Locksmith can also come to your home or car whenever you need a spare key.
- Find out more online www.facebook.com/purbeckautolocksmith or call 07460 936635
Pop along to Citizens Advice for some free, confidential and impartial advice – no appointment necessary.
Help and support is available across a range of areas, including housing, welfare, money and health.
A full list of services and points of help and contact can be found online:
- East Dorset & Purbeck Citizens Advice website & further information: edpcitizensadvice.org.uk
Catering Stands
Enjoy hot & cold food and drinks at Swanage Market while you shop.
Visiting catering vans include Thai cuisine, burgers & hot dogs, and sweet & savoury crêpes.
Artisans at the Market
Check out the latest handmade offerings by the Swanage Artisans – a group of local makers.
You’ll find their displays at the market on the first Friday of every month, typically between April – October inclusive.
Find unique handcrafted items of home decor, jewellery, artwork and more.
Opening times
Swanage Market is open every Friday throughout the year, unless significant adverse weather is forecast.
- Timings – Weekly between 8am – 1pm
Location
📍Main Beach Car Park, Victoria Avenue, postcode BH19 1AP
Find the Swanage Friday Market every week at Main Beach Car Park.
Contact details
For general enquiries and if you’re interested in having a one-off or regular spot at the market here in Swanage, call or email:
- 📞 01929 766018
- 📥 welcome@swanage.gov.uk
- ℹ️ www.facebook.com/swanagemarket/ (for the market’s latest updates)