25 Years of Cliftonville Farmers Market – A Community Gem by the Sea

This month marks 25 years of Cliftonville Farmers Market bringing fresh, local produce, independent traders and a real sense of community to Thanet. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Walpole Bay, it has become a much-loved monthly destination for local residents and visitors alike.

The community-run market was founded in September 2001 by the Cliftonville Residents Association, which continues to run it today. The team gives their time voluntarily, helping to create a market that is firmly rooted in the local community.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this month, the market has certainly earned its place as one of Thanet’s community gems. It is a multi-award-winning farmers market, having now been voted ‘Best in Kent’ on seven occasions, alongside receiving three other prestigious awards.

Today, between 54 and 62 stalls attend each month, offering an impressive choice of food, drink and plants. Four farmers attend regularly, helping to maintain the market’s traditional farmers-market character.

Shoppers can pick up everything from fresh vegetables, free-range eggs, raw honey and farm-reared meats to Kentish cheeses, British cheeses, fresh fish and shellfish. There are also olives and oils, jams and preserves, kimchi, mushrooms, fresh fruit, plants and flowers.

For those with a sweet tooth, there is plenty to tempt you, including cheesecakes, cookies, chocolates, fudge, cakes, blondies, brownies, tiramisu, crumbles, Turkish delight, baklava, sugared nuts and more. Bread lovers can enjoy sourdough and croissants, while specialist stalls offer gluten-free, Cypriot, Venezuelan, Japanese, Russian, Asian and Caribbean-inspired produce.

There is also a fantastic choice for vegan shoppers, including vegan bakes, plant-based ‘cheezes’ and vegan hot food. Three hot food stalls provide something delicious to enjoy while you browse, alongside two coffee and tea stalls.

Drinks include speciality teas, kombucha, juices, Japanese yuzu drinks, Kentish beers, ciders and spirits. There are even treats for four-legged visitors, with dog treats available too!

The market offers more than food. Visitors can find a mobile sharpening van, an eco-refill stall and a selection of plants and fresh flowers, making it a great place to shop for everyday essentials while supporting independent traders.

The setting is another part of the market’s charm. Located on the green behind the iconic Walpole Bay Hotel, the market overlooks the sea and is just a stone’s throw from the lower promenade, sandy beach and tidal pool. The Bishop family at the hotel are hugely supportive of the market and its community spirit.

Many visitors travel from outside the area to enjoy the market, often combining their visit with afternoon tea or drinks on the hotel’s veranda. There is free parking along Palm Bay Avenue, while toilet facilities are available at the Walpole Bay Hotel.

Perhaps most importantly, the market is a wonderful place for families. It is lovely to see children enjoying the open space while their parents’ shop. They can discover where food comes from and see that not everything is pre-packaged or bought from a supermarket.

After all, today’s young visitors are tomorrow’s shoppers, and Cliftonville Farmers Market is helping to introduce them to the value of fresh, local produce and independent businesses.

So, whether you are a regular shopper or have never visited before, why not make the next market part of your Sunday? Come along, support local producers, enjoy the seaside setting and discover one of Thanet’s true community gems.

Cliftonville Farmers Market
10am–1pm, last Sunday of every month

December: held on the Sunday before Christmas

Walpole Bay Lawns, Cliftonville