Find your nearest farmers' market with our guide to more than 500 local produce markets in the UK

1. St Giles farmers' market, Shipbourne, Kent

St. Giles Church, Stumble Hill every Thursday, between 9.00-11.00 Tel:01732-355325

Voted one of Britain's best farmers' markets in the 2007 BBC Food and Farming awards, this market is held both inside and outside an 11th-century church at the heart of the village. More than 20 stalls offer local fare, including breads, meat, vegetables, mushrooms, smoked fish, pickles, cheeses and fruit, sold direct from the producers. It's a truly local community affair, providing a forum for both shopping and socialising.

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Background

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2. Winchester farmers’ market, Hampshire

Middle Brook Street, second and last Sunday of the month Tel: 01962 845135

This mega FM has been running twice a month since May 1999 and has almost 100 stalls. The produce must be grown, reared, baked or caught in Hampshire or within 10 miles of the border. Hampshire Fare is the county's excellent food and drink organisation and specialities inlude Alresford watercress (the festival is on May 11), water buffalo, Dexter beef, and Manx Loughton sheep.

3. Stroud farmers' market, Gloucestershire

Cornhill Market Place, held on first and third Saturday of each month. Tel: 01453 758060

Gloucestershire first farmers' market is a triple winner of the Cotswold Life Magazine “Best Farmers Market” award and the FARMA certified farmers' market of the year 2008. The elegant central venue hosts demonstrations at 11am by resident chef Robert Rees of the Country Elephant who makes meals using produce from the market. Specialities include Katie Lloyd's Shitake-mushroom growing kits, Annette Eaton's smoked garlic and the superb outdoor cafe run on a rota by different groups. Get there early for organic vegetables. A real social gathering event.

4. Kings Norton farmers’ market, Birmingham

The Green in King Norton held the second Saturday of the month Tel: 07966 434177

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