Christchurch Market

I love going shopping in Christchurch; it’s compact but has everything you need, from high street chains to small shops, plus a range of restaurants, bars and cafes.

Event	Christchurch Market
Venue	Christchurch High Street
Day	Monday
Time	9 am – 3 pm

On Mondays, the High Street is closed to vehicles and Christchurch Market takes over. It runs from 9 am until 3 pm and there are around 50 stalls selling a variety of goods.

Christchurch High Street is easily accessible by train and bus. There are several car park options. I usually choose Bank Close Car Park, at the top of the High Street. Parking costs £1 for two hours, which I find is sufficient time to combine a walk through Druitt Gardens, along the Quay, back through the Priory, finishing with a wander up the High Street for shopping.

There’s a wide range of stalls at the market, from food to plants to books to furniture. There are also street food and beverage vendors. Here are some of my favourites:

Bakery

A wide variety of bread and other baked goods, such as pies and pasties are on sale at this stall. All freshly baked and smelling amazing, it’s difficult to walk past without stopping to purchase something.

Indian Food

Like it says on the stall – delicious and tasty. I love the samosas and bhajis from this stall and can’t resist starting the week with some Indian snacks.

Fruit & Veg

In my opinion, the produce on sale here is so much nicer than supermarket fruit and veg. And usually cheaper too. And there’s way less plastic packaging involved, so it’s better for the environment too. So shopping here is a win-win-win situation.

Boscombe Market

Boscombe Market is somewhat smaller than Christchurch Market. It takes place on Thursdays and Sundays in the Pedestrian Precinct. The website says it runs from 9-5, but to be honest, stallholders seem to pack up somewhat earlier than this. Stalls include Fruit & Veg, fish, plants, clothes and street food. The smell of goat curry often pervades the precinct and smells divine.

Event	Boscombe Market
Venue	Boscombe Pedestrian Precinct
Day	Thursday and Saturday
Time	9 am – 5 pm *

The Precinct is adjacent to Boscombe Bus Station, so the market is very easy to reach by public transport. Parking in the Sovereign Centre Car Park costs £1 for an hour (£1.50 for 2 hours).

Poole Market

Event	Poole Market
Venue	Poole High Street
Day	Thursday and Saturday
Time	9 am – 4 pm

Poole Market also takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays, in Poole High Street from 9 am to 3 pm.