Express & Star

The top eight market towns in and around the Black Country and the West Midlands to visit and explore in 2025

These historic market towns are all within easy reach from Wolverhampton for people in the West Midlands and Black Country - and they are so worth a visit

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For people in the West Midlands and Black Country these historic and beautiful market towns are all within easy reach

The region is steeped in history and and there are many towns and villages that have preserved these aspects for future generations.

All the towns listed either hold or did in the past hold open air markets. They are all accessible by car or public transport.

Along the River Severn at Bewdley
Along the River Severn at Bewdley

 Bewdley nestles in the Wyre Forest and is nestled on the River Severn, with its official market established in 1376.

Less than 40 minutes from Wolverhampton, it offers a variety of shops, coffee shops, pubs and restaurants and a riverside artisan market takes place in town twice a year.

Stourbridge Town Centre
Stourbridge Town Centre

The town was established in the early middle ages and is particularly known for its history of glass making.

 Less than 20 minutes from Wolverhampton with good public transport access, Hagley Hall is located near here as is Kinver within a few miles.

Stafford Castle
Stafford Castle

The county town of Staffordshire offers a mix of  historical attractions, natural beauty and family-friendly activities.

Stafford Castle is just a short walk away from the town centre.

The historic Market Square still hosts the Farmers Market on the second Saturday of every month. Road and rail links from Wolverhampton are very good, with the town accessible within 20 minutes by both.

The Quayside is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Stourport
The Quayside is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Stourport

Stourport-on-Severn (often shortened to Stourport), is a town in the Wyre Forest and close to Bewdley.

Stourport is a long way from the sea, but has the atmosphere of a true maritime holiday resort. 

While a regular market is not held there at the moment it is a traditional farmers markets are regularly held.

Lichfield City Centre in view of the famous cathedral
Historic Lichfield with the cathedral in the background

Perhaps known more as a cathedral city with it's unique three-spired structure which dates back to the early 13th century, nevertheless the first market charter was granted in 1154.

Lichfield still hosts general markets on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and thousands of people visit the city every year.

 Stone Town Centre
Stone Town Centre

Another Staffordshire offering, further north than Stafford, but easily accessible by motorway or rail is Stone.

The town has an annual Food and Drink festival and regular farmer's market in the Market Square and High Street, with most goods produced from within a 30 mile radius.

There has also just been a floating market on the towpath below Stafford road bridge.

Families enjoyed sunshine and activities around St Georges Day at Dudley Zoo and Castle on Saturday and Sunday
Dudley Zoo and Castle

Dudley is a thriving market town famous for many things not least its zoo and castle.

On the doorstep of Wolverhampton, its open air market dates back to the 12 century and from the outset was located in the heart of the town, which it still is.

The open air market is complemented by a number of indoor ones including Plaza Mall.

Bridgnorth town centre
Bridgnorth town centre

More famous perhaps for the Severn Valley Railway, Bridgnorth  has several markets including the Town Hall and a Sunday Handmade, plus a farmers' market on the first Saturday of every month.

The town features a variety of characterful buildings, pubs, restaurants and shops and is around 14 miles from Wolverhampton.