1. St Giles farmers' market, Shipbourne, Kent

St. Giles Church, Stumble Hill every Thursday, between 9.00-11.00 Tel:01732-355325

Voted one of Britain's best farmers' markets in the 2007 BBC Food and Farming awards, this market is held both inside and outside an 11th-century church at the heart of the village. More than 20 stalls offer local fare, including breads, meat, vegetables, mushrooms, smoked fish, pickles, cheeses and fruit, sold direct from the producers. It's a truly local community affair, providing a forum for both shopping and socialising.

2. Winchester farmers’ market, Hampshire

Middle Brook Street, second and last Sunday of the month Tel: 01962 845135

This mega FM has been running twice a month since May 1999 and has almost 100 stalls. The produce must be grown, reared, baked or caught in Hampshire or within 10 miles of the border. Hampshire Fare is the county's excellent food and drink organisation and specialities inlude Alresford watercress (the festival is on May 11), water buffalo, Dexter beef, and Manx Loughton sheep.

Top 12 UK farmers' markets - Times Online