The seven best markets in Newcastle

There's nothing quite like a good market is there? They come in all shapes and sizes, are named after things like fleas and farmers, and are ripe for a spot of bargain hunting. We just love 'em here at Euro Hostels.

If you're staying in our Newcastle hostel, you've got a particularly special selection on your doorstep, and we thought it only fair to make sure you know all about them before you visit the city so you can truly make the most of them.

Most of the city's markets happen over the weekend and some are monthly affairs, but they're all quite different and all rather lovely. From the permanent, covered Grainger Market that has been around for more than 150 years, to the rather bohemian and very independent Make and Mend Market – there is something for every taste and occasion.

Whether you're looking for fresh fruit and veg from a family-owned green grocer, a stack of old vinyl from a second-hand music stall, some sheep's cheese from a farmers market, or maybe even a Peruvian alpaca hair hat from an ethnic trade stall, you will find it at one of the city's markets.

So naturally, to help you navigate the city's bizarre bazaars, we've drawn up a little guide to the seven best markets in Newcastle for your perusal. Happy hunting... 

Tynemouth Market

Housed in the beautifully Victorian Tynemouth Metro Station, Tynemouth Market is one of the busiest of its kind in the north-east. Having been built in 1982, the wonderful station is a picturesque setting for a market, with a range of general stalls selling all kinds of arts, crafts, clothes, music, antiques and bric-a-brac.

On the third Saturday of every month the market is descended on by farmers selling fresh, local produce and the station is only five minutes away from the beach too. You can get there easily by hopping on the Metro from Newcastle and when you get off you literally find yourself stepping off the train into the market. Delightful.

Every Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 4pm. Tynemouth Metro Station, Station Terrace, Tynemouth, NE30 4RE.

Grainger Market

The famous Newcastle architect John Dobson and developer Richard Grainger were personally responsible for building much of the city centre during the 19th century, and the Grainger Market is no different. The covered arcade first opened its doors in 1835 and is divided into a grid of aisles that is home to many different businesses selling all kinds of wares.

While the Grade I listed market is still home to one of the original Marks & Spencer Penny Bazaar stalls from which the famous store began its journey, today you will also find everything from green grocers, butchers and general stores, to video game retailers, hardware shops and tobacconists.

Monday and Wednesday, 9am to 5pm; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm. Grainger Market, Grainger Street, Newcastle, NE1 5QG.

Armstrong Bridge Arts Market

Every Sunday Armstrong Bridge is home to a lovely craft market that is a regular fixture in many locals' diaries. Located on an iron bridge overlooking the lush park that is Jesmond Dene below, it is a wonderful setting for a market and is a great place to start a day out exploring the vast park.

The market itself has been running for nearly 50 years since the bridge was first closed to traffic back in 1963, and it regularly attracts some top notch arts and crafts stalls that might just offer the perfect gift to take home for someone special.

Every Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Armstrong Bridge, Jesmond Dene, Benton Bank, NE7 7BH.

Quayside Market

Trade coming in on the Tyne helped Newcastle become the city it is today, so it is hardly surprising that the banks of the river are now home to a great local market. The vibrant Quayside Market is a great place to visit on a Sunday, with arts and crafts stalls setting up shop alongside local food producers on the riverfront.

As well as the usual ceramics, photographers, jewellers and the like, you will often be treated to some impromptu performances by street artists and musicians too – giving the market the dynamic atmosphere that makes it so popular.

Every Sunday, 9.30am to 4pm. Newcastle Quayside, NE1 3DE.
 
Newcastle Farmers' Market

Though it's only held once a month, the Farmers' Market is well worth checking out if your stay at a hostel in Newcastle happens to coincide with it. Certified by the National Farmers' Retail & Markets Association (FARMA), the outdoor event is held around the city's Grey Market and has strict guidelines about what can and can't be sold.

All stalls are only allowed to sell food that has been produced, grown or raised within 50 miles of the market site, making it a truly environmental affair. Handmade cheese from the Northumberland Cheese Company and handmade chilli sauces from Spicy Monkey are just some of the amazing local products on show.

First Friday of every month, 9.30am to 2.30pm. Grey's Monument, Newcastle, NE1 7AL.

The Continental and Christmas Markets

In the run-up to Christmas Newcastle city centre becomes a hive of activity with market traders from across Europe descending on Grey's Monument for a truly continental take on proceedings.

The Continental Market kicks it off at the end of November with all kinds of arts, crafts, fashion and food stalls. Expect bratwurst, waffles, Russian dolls, all kinds of weird and wonderful clothing stalls and much, much more. Not long after the first traders pack up shop at the start of December then a new bunch descend on the same spot for the Christmas Market – essentially more of the same but with a more, er, Christmassy vibe. 

Monday Nov 20th – Saturday Dec 1st; Wednesday Dec 5th – Sunday Dec 9th; 9.30am to 5pm.

Make and Mend Market

Definitely the best indie market going in Newcastle, Make and Mend is a unique take on a flea market that is home to a great range of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to second-hand vinyl. With a strong ethic that emphasises recycling and DIY (the clue is in the name), it is not your average market and you often find traders willing to barter goods and services.

Because it is run by volunteers who do it for the love, it has a really social and open-minded atmosphere that makes it worth going to if you just fancy grabbing a cuppa and a cake from one of the food stalls and finding some people to have a natter with.

First Saturday of every month, 9am to 5pm. Alternates between the Grainger Market and the Star & Shadow Cinema, Stepney Bank, NE1 2NP.

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