The seasonal Haddon Hall artisan market is a regular feature at this stunning period property. For full transparency, a year ago I received gifted entry to Haddon’s late summer Mercatum. We enjoyed it so much that we have returned to every market since as paying customers – and I haven’t received any incentive for writing this blog post.
Set in the stunning grounds of Haddon Hall, the river and ancient hall made a delightful backdrop for the open air market. There are always an excellent range of stalls selling quality artisan products. The highlight for me is usually the street food stalls!
What is Haddon Hall artisan market like?
There are usually around eighty carefully selected artisans selling everything from make your own ice cream kits to alcoholic tea. There are always a good range of street food stalls, including barista coffee and cocktails or mulled wine at the winter events. There are always vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. If Toastie the Difference are there you must try their halloumi fries – they’re perfectly crispy, not at all greasy and drizzled with a yogurt and mint dressing and pomegranate seeds. Divine!
We’ve been to every market this year and the range of stalls varies each time so there’s always something new to look at.
Each market is thoughtfully decorated to reflect the season. It’s always lovely but the Christmas market is particularly special.
There’s seating available, spaciously laid out and with live music performances throughout the day. There’s a lovely relaxed atmosphere to catch up over a coffee and cake.
Is Haddon Hall artisan market family friendly?
I always go with a friend and have a gloriously civil childfree morning. You could definitely take the family though (and children are free), there’s plenty of space although not necessarily much for children to do. I always see people with prams/buggies – but you wouldn’t be able to take a pram up to the upper gardens or when the hall is open, which in my experience has only been the Christmas market, but for that reason it might be better to use a baby carrier. Sadly dogs are not permitted.
Coronavirus precautions
The event is usually all outside (only the Christmas market had any inside stalls and there was a clear one way system for this). The stalls were very well spaced out so crowds didn’t form. Hand sanitiser was readily available, as were toilets which were clean and well managed to ensure social distancing was adhered to. It never feels overally busy and I’ve always felt completely safe.
Go for:
Carefully curated artisan makers, yummy street food and just a lovely, seasonal atmosphere.
Details:
Mercatum Winter Artisan Market – 18 Nov, 19 Nov, 20 Nov, 21 Nov, 25 Nov, 26 Nov, 27 Nov, 28 Nov
It’s £5.50 each for adults, under 15s are free and parking is £3.50. Dogs are not permitted. Be aware that some of the parking is on grass so for the winter events you might want wellies and to wrap up warm.
To find out more and book tickets click here for Haddon Hall’s website.
You might also be interested in my guide to the most festive Christmas markets in Derbyshire or head straight to my blog on Chatsworth Christmas market
Haddon Hall is just outside Bakewell. You could easily combine a visit to the artisan market with a trip to Thornbridge Hall gardens and/or Riverside Kitchen Bakewell.
You might also be interested in 7 Reasons to Shop Local.
3 replies on “Why I Love Haddon Hall Artisan Market”
I love those artisan markets! Such a wide range of stalls for foodie snacks and stocking up on gifts. Plus a lovely backdrop for photos with the stunning Hall and grounds.
Absolutely! Thanks for being a great market buddy.
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