Markets 

The history of Bolton markets

Bolton is one of the North West’s shopping hot spots, with a long heritage as a bustling market town that stretches back to the 13th century. In 1251, during the reign of King Henry III, Bolton obtained its Royal Charter to hold a market in the manor of Bowelton every seventh day and to hold a fair at the same place once a year, over three days.

The first markets (retail, fish and wholesale) were held in the vicinity of the Parish Church, Churchgate and in New Market Place between 1826 and 1871. In 1855, the Market Hall was opened and in 1871, the wholesale market was moved to Great Moor Street. Between 1890 and 1932, wholesale and retail markets were operating at Great Moor Street and in 1932, Ashburner Street Market opened offering wholesale, retail, fish, fruit, vegetables and miscellaneous trading. 

Shopping at Bolton markets today... 

Bolton’s traditional markets are still going strong today and there are four to choose from.

Bolton Market

The main market is located on Ashburner Street, next to the bus station. Offering over 300 stalls across an indoor and outdoor location with 17,000 sq ft of fresh food from exotic fruit and veg, Mediterranean delis, locally sourced meats and cheeses to the regions best outlet for fresh fish.

Featuring an in-store cookery demonstration kitchen with regular events and seasonal food tastings.

Recently named as ‘Best Indoor Retail Market 2010’ by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) and ‘Tourism Retailer of the Year’ in the Manchester Tourism Awards 2009.

• Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm
• Friday second-hand section and Sunday car boot/flea market 7.30am-3pm

Farnworth Market

Well established traditional street market selling everything from fruit and vegetables to meat clothing and fancy goods.

• Open Monday, Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm
• Saturday second hand/flea market 7am-2pm

Horwich Market

Outdoor market selling a wide range of products including fruit and vegetables, meat, clothing, household goods and second hand goods.

• Open Friday 9am-5pm

Westhoughton Market

Traditional indoor market featuring fruit and vegetables, hand made crafts and cards, clothing and household goods.

• Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 9am-5pm
• Saturday second-hand section 9am-4pm

I’d like to trade at one of Bolton’s markets

Some stalls can be run on a casual basis whereby the trader can attend on any of the four trading days subject to stall availability or on a regular basis on any of or all of the four trading days from a stall registered to the trader. However, in order to trade whether on a casual or regular basis we’ll need to see:

• Two forms of identification (e.g. passport and driving licence)
• A copy of your public liability insurance. This can be obtained from your local insurance company or from The National Federation of Market Traders on 01226 749021.
• A passport sized photograph of you.

Note: without all of these, you will not be permitted to trade.

Additionally, you’ll be required to complete a ‘trader details’ form. Once these have been completed and accepted you’ll be eligible to trade. Please note that for casual traders stalls are allocated each day at 8.30am.

It is possible to lease a stall, but only at Bolton Market. Such stalls are not readily available however from time to time they will become vacant. To find out more about leasing a stall contact the market office on 01204 336825, or pay us a visit.

Details of traditional markets and fees

Details of car boot / second hand flea markets 

*Payment collected on site.

Note: (1) Traders should arrive between 6.00am and 7.30am as failure to do so may result in the stall being relet.

Note (2) Traders should arrive between 8.00am and 08.30am as failure to do so may result in the stall being relet. 

How do I book for one of the car boot/second hand markets?  

These markets are very busy, so it’s advisable to book a stall in advance by calling 01204 336825 or by visiting the markets whilst they are open. Please note that there are different booking periods for the markets as shown above. You can simply turn up on the day but there’s no guarantee that a stall will be available.

At Bolton Market the majority of available stalls are on the outdoor market, however, they are undercover. There are also a small number available in the indoor Miscellaneous market. When you book, you’ll be allocated a stall reference consisting of a number and letter. This is displayed on the fascia of each stall.

You will be allocated one table with your stall but if you have a trestle table or clothes rail, you may bring them with you.

At Farnworth Market the stalls are outdoor but are undercover. When you book, you’ll be allocated a stall reference consisting of a number and letter which is displayed on the stall. 

At Westhoughton Market the stalls are indoor. You’ll be allocated one table with your stall but if you have a trestle table or clothes rail, you may bring them with you.

Markets cleaning  

The council is responsible for keeping the local market grounds clean and free from litter.

If you wish to report a problem with cleanliness on one our market grounds, please do so by contacting our Waste management team. 

Parking at the markets 

Coach parking in Bolton

Bring your coach party to Bolton and enjoy free coach parking and drop off at Bolton Market. Call 01204 336825 to secure up to 3 spaces at Bolton Market (available 6 days per week). Coach spaces must be booked in advance.

Check out our Visit Bolton group travel dedicated website for more information and itineraries for your visit to Bolton, see links on the right handside.

Advice about purchases

If you want specific advice about a purchase made at the market you may contact the Consumer Advice Centre at 74 Ashburner Street, directly opposite Bolton Market. To contact the Centre by phone, call 01204 336593.