8 Markets You’ve Got to Visit at Least Once

The soul of a place is often found where people gather — to trade, to talk, to share the everyday stuff of life. In Greater Manchester, our markets are more than just places to shop. They’re living, breathing parts of our towns. Some go back generations, others are newer, but each one carries its own stories and character. Here are 8 markets that have fed, clothed, and brought us together — places you’ve got to visit, if only to feel that old familiar buzz.

1. Bury Market

Bury Market isn’t just famous in Greater Manchester — it’s known across the UK. People still pile off coaches from all over, just to spend a morning wandering its rows. The covered market hums with traders who’ve been there for decades, selling everything from quality meat to second-hand treasures. But it’s the open market that really hits you — stall after stall of fresh produce, clothes, household goods, and of course, the smell of black pudding cooking in the air. It’s a place where everyone talks to everyone, and you leave with more than you came for — even if it’s just a story. Open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

2. Stockport Market Hall

There’s something timeless about Stockport Market Hall. It sits in the heart of the old town, cobbled streets winding up to its doors. The building itself is a stunner — cast-iron columns, glass panels, a sense that it’s seen everything. Inside, the stalls are smaller, more personal. Vintage clothes, vinyl records, hand-poured candles, old books, artisan coffee. It’s quieter than it used to be, but there’s a warmth in that. Like you’ve stepped into a space where the past is still alive, but there’s room for something new. On Saturdays, the market spills out into the street — and the whole area comes to life. The indoor Market Hall is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

3. Bolton Market

Walk into Bolton Market and the first thing you notice is the freshness. The fish market, especially, is one of the best in the country — full of energy, noise, and choice. You can get your week’s shop done here, but it’s more than that. The food court brings the world to your plate — Indian street food, Caribbean flavours, Greek pastries — and you’ll often see families gathering, sharing a meal, catching up with friends. There’s pride here, in what’s on offer, in what Bolton has built. It’s not flashy, but it’s real. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

4. Altrincham Market

Once a traditional market town, Altrincham has reinvented itself — and its market led the way. The food hall is buzzing every day of the week (except Mondays), long tables full of people sharing dishes from independent traders. Pizza, pies, craft beer, coffee that’s worth the wait. But outside the food, the weekend markets are a treasure trove — local artists, handmade jewellery, homewares with a story. It’s got a bit of a posh edge now, sure, but at its heart, it’s still about bringing people together. The building dates back to 1879, and you can feel the layers of history even as you tuck into something modern.

5. Ashton Market

Ashton-under-Lyne’s market has stood the test of time. It’s one of the largest open-air markets in the region, and there’s something special about the mix you find here — from fresh fruit and veg to fabric stalls, hardware to hot food. The inside market hall was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 2004, but the traders came back strong, and the sense of community never left. It’s busy, it’s bustling, and it’s brilliant for a proper mooch. The outdoor market runs Monday to Saturday, with the indoor hall also open Monday to Saturday.

6. Leigh Market

Leigh Market is one of those places where you feel at home straight away. The traders know their customers, and there’s a friendliness in every transaction. You can pick up everything here — fresh produce, butchers, bakers, fabrics, gifts. It’s got that local, no-nonsense charm, and it’s been at the centre of Leigh life for over a hundred years. There’s something grounding about markets like this — where nothing’s rushed, and people still have time for a chat. Open Monday to Saturday.

7. Ramsbottom Makers Market

Held on the second Sunday of every month, the Ramsbottom Makers Market is a celebration of creativity. Nestled in the heart of this scenic town, it draws in locals and visitors looking for something a bit different. Think hand-thrown pottery, small-batch chutneys, local gin, prints from northern artists. There’s live music, the smell of fresh food cooking, and that lovely buzz you only get from something made with care. It’s not massive, but it’s packed with heart.

8. Rochdale’s New Riverside Market

Rochdale is writing a new story, and its Riverside Market is part of that fresh chapter. The new market hall opened in 2023 as part of the Riverside regeneration, with regular trading Tuesday to Saturday. Blending the old with the new, it’s a space where long-standing traders meet new faces. Local produce, street food, gifts, and more. It’s part of the town’s wider regeneration, and it feels like a market with hope and ambition.

These markets aren’t just about what you can buy — they’re about the feeling you get when you walk through, the voices, the smells, the sense that you belong. Greater Manchester’s markets have always been places where life happens. If you’ve not been to these, maybe it’s time you did.