Swanage Market is back in business!

The popular Swanage Market has now increased its number of stalls as coronavirus lockdown measures have eased and people feel more confident shopping outdoors, where the risk of transmission of the virus is reduced.

The Swanage Town Council operated market was closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 restrictions but was reopened on Friday 15th May 2020 initially with just the one stall run by Bridget’s Fruit and Veg. Now there are a range of stalls including cheese, olives, plants, a deli and Thai food.

Advertisement 
Swanage Market

Well-spaced out and new queuing measures in operation

Social distancing measures have been introduced, with the stalls in the Main Beach car park off Victoria Avenue, well-spaced out and new queuing measures in operation. To buy fruit and vegetables, there is a one way queuing system that snakes around the produce, allowing people to pick up what they want as they go round and then pay at the end.

The preferred method of payment is contactless card payment but cash is accepted at the market too.

Peppers and tomatoes at Swanage Market

A key visitor attraction and important to many residents

Visitor services manager and business development officer for Swanage Town Council, Culvin Milmer said:

“Swanage Town Council recognises the importance of the Swanage Friday Market as a key visitor attraction and how important it is to many residents. Therefore, we were pleased to be able to bring the running of the market ‘in-house’ after the previous contractors advised us in March 2020 that they were unable to continue to manage the market.

“Due to COVID-19, we are gradually building up the market so that we can ensure it remains as safe for residents as we can possibly make it. Each stall holder is required to produce a detailed risk assessment before gaining approval to trade and we check each stall every week.

“We are looking to develop a ‘crafts and produce’ market and would encourage residents and visitors to see what we have available, as we build up this important asset to the local economy.”

The cheese stall at Swanage Market

The cheese stall offers a range of produce including relishes

The market is held every Friday at Main Beach Car Park, off Victoria Avenue, between 8 am and roughly 1-3 pm, depending on weather and visitor numbers. Parking is available in the car park.

Swanage Town Council is actively seeking new stall holders. It says that if you are a trader and would like to know more, go to the Swanage Town Council website or phone 01929 766018.

Apples and oranges at Swanage Market
Carrots at Swanage Market
Bridget's Fruit and Veg stall at Swanage Market
The Deli stall at Swanage Market with sausage rolls
Cheese for sale at Swanage Market
Plants for sale at Swanage Market
Olives for sale at Swanage Market
Thai Street Food stall at Swanage Market

Share this story

Contact us

Do you have anything to add to this story?

We like to keep everything up-to-date, so if you know more, please help us by getting in touch.

Advertisement 

Top stories

High Speed Train arrives in Swanage As unlikely as it sounds, a High Speed Train formerly known as the Inter-city 125 due to its top speed of 125 mph, visited Swanage station - WATCH VIDEO 6 days ago RNLI treat injured woman on paddle steamer returning to Swanage 4 weeks ago Giant sand lizard migrates to Corfe Castle 4 days ago Major gig rowing championship to take place in Swanage 5 days ago New Swanage home for 130 year old loco saved from scrap yard 1 month ago

Most recent

Police investigate alleged assault on woman cyclist in Wareham An image of a man that police wish to speak to has been issued following a report of a woman on her bike being hit round the head 6 hours ago Corfe Castle sewage works comes clean 16 hours ago New monument marks site of world first for Langton Matravers 2 days ago Purbeck coasteering death was misadventure, inquest jury decides 3 days ago Giant sand lizard migrates to Corfe Castle 4 days ago