Bolton Markets

Bolton has a rich 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.

Bolton's Markets are still going strong today and there are four to choose from. One is located in the town centre on Ashburner Street. The three others are located in Farnworth, Horwich and Westhoughton.

Bolton Market

Over 300 stalls including fish, fruit and vegetables, household goods, clothing, electrical goods, delicatessen, flowers, meat and café.
Open: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (car boot sale), 9am to 5pm

Farnworth Market

Fruit and vegetables, clothing, meat and fancy goods.
Open: Mondays (flea market), Fridays and Saturdays, 9am to 5pm

Horwich Market

Café, fruit and vegetables, clothing, household goods, meat, plants and flowers, books and second-hand goods.
Open: Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays (flea market), 9am to 5pm

Westhoughton Market

Handbags, greetings cards, cosmetics, teenage and ladies clothing, Hand-made crafts and cards, party goods and balloons, fruit and vegetables, health foods and supplements.
Open: Thursdays and Saturdays, 9am to 5pm

For more information on Bolton's Markets, call 01204 336825 or
e-mail bolton.markets@bolton.gov.uk