Canterbury Market & Street Food Tour

This two-hour Saturday morning tour operates during Canterbury Farmer's Market (held second Saturday of each month), introducing you to 20+ stall holders who grow, rear, or produce food within 30 miles of Canterbury. You'll taste seasonal vegetables, locally-reared meats, artisan cheeses, breads, jams, and honey while learning about Kent's agricultural year. The market operates 9am-1pm; this tour typically runs 10am-12pm. Best for local produce enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 2 hours. Group size: 4-12. You meet at Canterbury Farmer's Market entrance. Key highlights: Direct access to 20+ producers during active market trading, Eight to ten food tastings from different producers, Learn which foods are in season and why.

Price: £25

Duration: 2 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 4-12

Best for: local produce enthusiasts

Best time: Second Saturday of each month, 10am-12pm. May to September offers peak seasonal variety (strawberries, courgettes, beans, apples). October to March has root vegetables, stored apples, and winter greens. Avoid August during summer holiday crowds.

Meeting point: Canterbury Farmer's Market entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

10:00am meet Gather at market entrance and receive briefing on stall layout - Guide explains which stalls to visit and introduces the seasonal produce theme.

First 50 minutes Visit vegetable, orchard, and dairy stalls - Sample three seasonal vegetables, two cheeses, and one orchard product with producer stories.

Second 40 minutes Tour meat and bakery stalls - Taste sausages from free-range pork, artisan sourdough bread, and farmhouse butter.

Final 30 minutes Visit honey, jam, and condiment makers - Sample three spreads and learn about bee-keeping and preserve-making in Kent.

The whole experience takes 2 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Canterbury Farmer's Market entrance.

• Direct access to 20+ producers during active market trading
• Eight to ten food tastings from different producers
• Learn which foods are in season and why
• Receive producer contact details and websites for future purchases
• Discover farms within 30 miles of Canterbury
• Accessibility: Flat outdoor market space with uneven ground in places. Wheelchair-accessible routes between stalls exist but crowded on busy mornings. Bring assistance if mobility is limited. Standing required for 90% of tour.

What is included: Guide for full 2 hours, Eight to ten tastings from various stalls, Market trader contact list (email or phone), Seasonal produce guide handout, Access to stalls at market discounts (varies by trader).

Not included: Food purchases beyond tastings, Coffee or drinks, Transportation to market, Parking fees. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Reusable shopping bags (many producers use minimal packaging), Cash and/or card (some stalls cash-only), Comfortable walking shoes, Layers (outdoor market, subject to weather). Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Second Saturday of each month, 10am-12pm. May to September offers peak seasonal variety (strawberries, courgettes, beans, apples). October to March has root vegetables, stored apples, and winter greens. Avoid August during summer holiday crowds..

Tip: Saturday mornings only

Tip: Seasonal availability

Accessibility: Flat outdoor market space with uneven ground in places. Wheelchair-accessible routes between stalls exist but crowded on busy mornings. Bring assistance if mobility is limited. Standing required for 90% of tour..

Operator: Market Discoveries Kent

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Greyfriars Chapel and Gardens (12 min walk)
• Beaney House of Art and Knowledge (8 min walk)
• Canterbury Tales Experience (6 min walk)

This activity is run by Market Discoveries Kent.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 7 days before. Within 7 days, no refund but can reschedule to next market date..

Accessibility: Flat outdoor market space with uneven ground in places. Wheelchair-accessible routes between stalls exist but crowded on busy mornings. Bring assistance if mobility is limited. Standing required for 90% of tour..

Best time to go: Second Saturday of each month, 10am-12pm. May to September offers peak seasonal variety (strawberries, courgettes, beans, apples). October to March has root vegetables, stored apples, and winter greens. Avoid August during summer holiday crowds..

When exactly is Canterbury Farmer's Market?

The market operates on the second Saturday of each month from 9am-1pm year-round. Food tours run 10am-12pm during this window. Check the Canterbury Council website or call ahead to confirm dates, as occasional closures happen during school holidays or bad weather.

Can I buy food directly from the stalls after the tour?

Yes. After the guided tour ends at noon, you have until 1pm to shop at any stall. Many producers offer tour-group discounts (5-10% off) if you mention the Market Discoveries tour. Most accept card payment, but bring cash as backup for smaller traders.

What if the weather is bad or market is cancelled?

Tours proceed in light rain. If the market is cancelled (rare but possible during extreme weather or holidays), you'll be notified 48 hours in advance and can reschedule to the next market date or receive a refund. Check the Canterbury Council website for closure announcements.