Markets

Portsmouth is a city with a proud culture of independence. From bars to boutiques, hotels to hairdressers, we have plenty of unique places that you won't find on copy-and-paste high streets everywhere else in the UK.

Nowhere is this more apparent than at our thriving city markets. Here, you can buy tasty local produce, handmade craft items, ethical beauty products and a whole load more. Plus, everything is local and ethical, meaning you won't just be driving down your carbon footprint but also supporting small, local traders.

We have a number of big market events happening throughout the year (such as the Southsea Food Festival), but also a number of regular street markets that are as regular as clockwork. Take a look at the below for some examples of Portsmouth's market offering.

Love Southsea Market

Love Southsea is a fervent champion of all things local in Portsmouth - so it should be no surprise that its market follows suit. Taking place at Southsea's Palmerston Road on the first weekend of the month, Love Southsea Market welcomes traders of all backgrounds. So don't be surprised if you see trinkets next to street food, or art prints nuzzling up to antiques - all is welcome. The market runs from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Love Cosham Market

Following on from its success in Palmerston Road, Love Southsea has expanded up to Cosham. The Love Cosham market takes place on High Street every Saturday from 7 April to November, 9am to 5pm.

Hampshire Farmers' Markets

If it's quality, local produce you're after - you won't go far wrong with the Hampshire Farmers' Markets. An established name across the county, these markets have become hugely successful since their first iteration way back in 1999. The Southsea version hits Palmerston Road on the third Sunday of every month, with an extra-large version to coincide with the annual Southsea Food Festival. Whether you want something to eat on the go or make at home, you're certain to find it here. The market runs from 10am to 2pm.

Commercial Road Market

Fruit, veg and other kitchen staples are on offer at the Commercial Road, as well as flowers, mobile phone accessories and plenty more. The city centre market runs every week on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 9am to 5pm.

Cosham High Street Market

Every Monday, Cosham High Street welcomes its market traders. Here you can nose around some of the gifts and homewares.

Hotwalls Open Studios

Though not a market in the traditional sense, the Open Studios event has established itself as a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike. The Hotwalls Studios project saw old fortifications along the seafront turned into modern workspaces for emerging artists. Once a month (on the third Sunday), these artists then throw open the doors to their studios for visitors to come and browse. It allows people the chance to speak to the artists and find out about their work. Items can also be purchased or commissions offered. Plus, the on-site Canteen cafe offers sweet and savoury treats - plus tea and coffee - to complete the afternoon out. Open Studios runs from 11am to 4pm.

Crafts in the Tower

On the same day as Hotwalls Open Studios, and just a stone's throw away, is Crafts in the Tower. Here, local creatives sell their handmade goods, covering everything from trinkets to clothing, gift cards and loads more besides. It's the ideal place to pick up something you simply will not find anywhere else. You can browse and buy within the majestic surrounds of the historic Square Tower from 11am to 4pm on the third Sunday of each month.

Antiques and Collectables Market

The Antiques and Collectables Market in Cosham and Southsea is your opportunity to purchase some rare finds or some really special items. It takes over Palmerston Road on the fourth weekend of the month (between March and November) and in High Street on the second Sunday of each month (from April). In addition to the quirky antique finds there's also food and drink vendors as well as local makers on hand to ensure there's everything you should need.

Taste of the South

Portsmouth's newest market, Taste of the South promises to bring something new and exciting to both Palmerston Road in Southsea and Cosham's High Street (plus Hythe Village Centre). The event, run by Southern Market Traders, offers top quality produce and food to go. It runs on the second Saturday and Sunday of the month on Palmerston Road (from March) and every Friday on Cosham High Street (from 6 April).

Port Solent Waterside Market

You'd be hard pushed to find a market with better views and surrounds than the one which takes place at Port Solent. The Waterside Market offers quirky, locally produced items at the marina's edge. Whilst you're there, you can also pay a visit to Port Solent's numerous shops, restaurants and cafes, or even see a film. Plus, parking is free! Markets run from on the second Sunday of the month, between April and November.