Whether it’s freshly-caught oysters off the Whitstable coast or sparkling wine from the North Downs, Kent is known for its mouth-watering food and drink - and where better to visit a farmers’ market than the Garden of England?

We’ve got a list of some of the best in the county, so why not grab your shopping bags and spend a crisp autumn morning browsing the very best local produce…

BEARSTED: Visitors can help the village of Bearsted take a more environmentally-friendly approach by buying locally, reducing plastic and cutting down on ‘food miles’ at the monthly farmers’ market. There’s a wide range of produce and it’s just a small charity donation on the door.

Details: Every first Sunday of the month from 9.30am to 1.30pm at the Village Green in Bearsted, near Maidstone

BRIDGE: This bustling market offers everything from artisan bread and tangy olives to fresh vegetables and mouth-watering cheesecakes. It’s an eco-friendly market, inspired by the work of local community group Bridge Going Green, and can easily be reached by bus from the city centre. You can also stop off in the pub for a pint or hot drink before heading home.

Details: Every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 9am to 12 noon at the Red Lion Inn in Bridge, near Canterbury

CAPEL-LE-FERNE: It’s a relatively new addition, but this farmers’ market has become something of a social occasion in the village. It’s been run by volunteers since 2023 and raises money for the local village hall with food, drink and craft stalls available. There’s plenty of parking on nearby roads and the site is wheelchair accessible.

Details: Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm at the Village Hall in Capel-le-Ferne, near Folkestone

CHATHAM: Once a month, the town’s shopping centre is taken over by a vibrant farmers’ market. When you’ve finished shopping downstairs, head up the escalators and visit the stalls selling a range of locally-sourced food and drink.

Details: Every first Saturday of the month from 10am to 4pm at the Pentagon Shopping Centre in Chatham

CLIFTONVILLE: This multi-award-winning market has been up and running for more than 20 years. It’s entirely self-funded by volunteers and is surrounded by great coastal and clifftop walks to help burn off all those tasty treats. You can expect to find beer, cider, cakes, fish, fruit, vegetables, pastries, spices, herbs and more.

Details: Every last Sunday of the month (excluding December) from 10am to 1pm at Walpole Bay Lawns in Cliftonville, near Margate

DEAL: Dating all the way back to 1699, this chartered market has been a staple of the town for generations. Browse the local stalls and pick up some tasty food, including bread, eggs, meat, fruit and vegetables, or a hand-crafted gift. If you’re lucky, there might even be some second-hand furniture, bric-a-brac, CDs and DVDs on offer.

Details: Saturdays from 9am to 2pm at Union Road Car Park in Deal

GRAVESEND: Treat yourself to a tempting cake from Boozy Baker, test your spice levels with a bite from Direct Chillies and indulge in some savoury nibbles from Heritage Cheese. You can find these stallholders, and more, pitching up their regular spot at Gravesend’s farmers’ market.

Details: Saturdays from 10am to 2pm at the High Street in Gravesend

HAWKHURST: Find yourself a cosy little spot inside the beautiful walled garden and enjoy some delicious food and drink. Start the day with a hot breakfast wrap and coffee from the onsite kitchen before visiting the local producers to see what you can find to take home.

Details: Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon at Water Lane Walled Garden in Hawkhurst, near Cranbrook

HIGHAM: This brand new farmers’ market launched in September and is still looking for stallholders to take up pitches. However, there’s already a pretty decent offering of handmade jams, sauces and chutneys and locally harvested vegetables.

Details: Every third, fourth and last Saturday of the month from 11am to 2pm at Sir John Falstaff in Higham, near Rochester

HILDENBOROUGH: This market was launched by Hildenborough resident and former Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes in 2008 and it’s been going strong ever since. There are now around 20 stalls each week with fresh produce and seasonal items. The market is also close to two public car parks.

Details: Tuesdays from 8.30am to 11am at the Village Hall in Hildenborough, near Tonbridge

HYTHE: Situated in a handy location near the town centre, this farmers’ market is a great place to start your weekend shopping. Pick up some high-quality produce, including game, smoked salmon and speciality bread, and enjoy a range of in-season fruit and veg. There’s parking nearby within easy walking distance of the market and town.

Details: Every second and fourth Saturday of the month from 9am to 1pm at the Methodist Church Hall in Hythe

KNOCKHOLT: Sample produce from the local greengrocers, drinks from Kent-based breweries and cakes from delicious bakeries at this monthly market. There’s free parking on site and the market runs whatever the weather, so bring a brolly if it’s a rainy day.

Details: Every fourth Saturday of the month from 10am to 3pm at Coolings Gardener's Garden Centre in Knockholt, near Sevenoaks

LENHAM: After being named a finalist for the Best UK Market at the Farm Shop and Deli Awards, this busy shopping spot has cemented itself as one of the county’s top farmers’ markets. It’s a traditional market, dating back to the 1200s, and every now and then you might even catch the town crier making an appearance.

Details: Every second Sunday of the month from 9am to 1pm at Lenham Square, near Maidstone

PENSHURST: You’ve probably heard of Penhurst’s farmers’ market as it’s regularly ranked up there as one of the best in the country. It’s definitely one of the most picturesque as it is surrounded by Penshurst Place, the village’s stunning stately home. There are an impressive 25 stalls, the majority of which sell produce that has been caught, grown or brewed in Kent and Sussex.

Details: Every first Saturday of the month from 9.30am to 12 noon at Penshurst Place Car Park, near Tonbridge

ROCHESTER: This historic town might be known for its annual Christmas market, but you don’t have to wait until the festive season to pick up some goodies from Rochester. The monthly event has regular stalls from the likes of Hops and Hampers, Joanne's Preserves, Sussex Smokers and the Kent Cider Company.

Details: Every third Sunday of the month from 9am to 1pm at Blue Boar Lane Car Park in Rochester

ROLVENDEN: After 15 years, this market has racked up quite a decent selection of stalls. Visitors can pick up fresh fish caught just off of Rye Harbour, home-produced honey, organic coffee beans and a selection of chutneys and pickles. There are also some great gifts available, from beeswax candles to knitted baby clothes.

Details: Thursdays from 9am to 11am at the Village Hall in Rolvenden, near Tenterden

SANDGATE: Despite a brief online stint during the pandemic, this market has been going strong for 15 years. It’s not only a place to sniff out some decent food and drink, but it’s also a maker’s market for local crafts and handmade items.

Details: Every first and third Saturday of the month from 10am to 12.30pm at Chichester Memorial Hall in Sandgate, near Folkestone

SHIPBOURNE: This village can trace its market roots all the way back to the 13th century. In 1285, records show that Edward I granted Shipbourne residents permission to hold a weekly market and, in 2003, the market was reinstated and has been running ever since. It’s all run by volunteers and, in December, there’s a Christmas market as well.

Details: Thursdays from 9am to 11am at St Giles' Church in Shipbourne, near Tonbridge

STAPLEHURST: Described as a ‘truly artisan market’, this event makes a real effort to keep things local. Whether it’s the small batches of free-range eggs or the organic nut butters, the farmers’ market has lots of unique goods up for grabs. There are also plenty of arts and craft stalls and parking is available on nearby residential streets.

Details: Every third Sunday of the month from 10am to 1pm at the Village Centre in Staplehurst, near Maidstone

TONBRIDGE: It boasts the title of largest farmers’ market in Kent and, with more than 50 stalls each month, it might just have earned that right. There’s everything from deli meats and pies to fruit juice and ice cream, and visitors can also catch a cooking demonstration.

Details: Every second Sunday of the month from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Sovereign Way in Tonbridge

WATERINGBURY: It’s a small market, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have a lot to offer. The regular stalls that set up shop here include Redhill Wines, Independent Trotters and Cathy's Conserves Chutneys and Chocolate Fudge.

Details: Every third Sunday of the month from 11am to 1pm at Tonbridge Road in Wateringbury, near Maidstone

WHITSTABLE: This monthly market raises money for the Umbrella Centre, a Whitstable-based charity that helps to support people with mental health issues and is a community hub for residents. The market boasts vegan stalls and a wine from Warehorne Vineyard.

Details: Every fourth Saturday of the month from 10am to 2pm at the Umbrella Centre in Whitstable