Simon Merton
Director, Residential Agency
Britain's market towns have always been popular no matter what is happening in the property market. They are shining lights across our landscape – hubs of creativity and aspiration. They are the settings for some of our most interesting shops and restaurants, our literature and symbols of history. They are quite simply, the heartbeat of the countryside. Here we list our top ten market towns.
Britain's market towns have always been popular no matter what is happening in the property market. They are shining lights across our landscape – hubs of creativity and aspiration. They are the settings for some of our most interesting shops and restaurants, our literature and symbols of history. They are quite simply, the heartbeat of the countryside. Here we list our top ten market towns.
1. Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
This is a Cotswold beauty with a glorious main street of golden stone houses with back lanes running off them.
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2. Ludlow, Shropshire
Ludlow is a prospering market town – surrounded by vast, untouched, hilly countryside and set above the River Teme: perfect for walking and cycling enthusiasts.
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3. Morpeth, Northumberland
The ancient market town of Morpeth combines heritage, history and beauty. A weekly market is held on Wednesday and a farmers' market on the first Saturday of each month.
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4. Harrogate, Yorkshire
The historic spa town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire is well known for its cosmopolitan charms and quaint mews.
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5. Wilton, Wiltshire
Wilton is a quintessential Wiltshire market town which is steeped in history dating back to the Angle-Saxons.
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6. Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Once home to one of the most powerful monasteries in mediaeval Europe, Bury St Edmunds is one of the region’s most-loved market towns and is best known for the traditional street markets that occur every Wednesday and Saturday.
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7. Nantwich, Cheshire
A medieval market town with a modern edge, Nantwich has the largest collection of historic buildings outside Chester in the county.
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8. Chagford, Devon
Sought after Chagford lies on the edge of Dartmoor and close to the beautiful River Teign.
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9. Lewes, East Sussex
Surrounded by the chalk cliffs of the South Downs to the east, Lewes is charmingly overlooked by an imposing Norman hillside castle.
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10. Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Encircled by rolling landscapes, the picturesque market town enjoys bustling streets and winding waterways.