Bargains and unique finds at Chelmsford’s markets

Thinking about Christmas? For some great bargains and unique presents, why not visit Chelmsford’s popular High Street and indoor markets? You could find some great ideas under £10.

Chelmsford’s indoor market

Chelmsford’s indoor market has a wide selection of family-run stalls, lovely food options as well as eye catching flowers to buy. 

If you haven’t visited before, the market is just behind the High Chelmer Shopping Centre. During December, the majority of stalls will be open seven days a week, giving you ample opportunity to get your Christmas presents sorted. Opening hours are 8:30am-4pm on weekdays and 8:30am-5pm at weekends. On Christmas Eve, opening hours will be from 8:30am-3pm. 

One-of-a-kind gifts

Chelmsford’s indoor market is made up of many small businesses, all selling something completely different.

If you like to create your own Christmas presents, stalls such as Handley’s Haberdashery offer a great range of colourful materials and threads. Or if you love making jewellery, visit Bertie’s Beads for a beautiful array of beads, pendants and accessories, perfect for making a one-of-a-kind gift this Christmas. 

Vintage lovers should head to Podsher Vintage Clothing for retro jeans and jackets and music enthusiasts can find a vast selection of vinyl records for just £10 each or 3 for £25. Avid readers will be pleased to find paperbacks and hardbacks galore at the book stall, for as little as £2 each. 

You will be spoilt for choice if you are looking for children’s presents. Whether it’s children’s backpacks, vintage children’s clothing or cuddly animal toys, you’ll find something for all ages including figures from popular TV shows and films for action fans. If it’s children’s clothing you’re after, take a stroll over to Dollies & Dudes Closet. 

All the Christmas essentials

You’ll also find plenty of Christmas decorations, pretty bags, cards and wrapping paper at affordable prices. Visit Stars’ stall for gift bags and Santa hats, Christmas paper and personalised Christmas cards. 

If you fancy creating your own food hamper for an extra special Christmas gift this year, a visit to the cheese stall and Maura’s is a must. Maura’s authentic Italian bread, biscuits, pasta, and cakes are made by hand, and there’s proper Italian coffee too. The impressive cheese stall has every type of cheese you can think of – perfect for a savoury hamper or Christmas cheese board.

Treat yourself to lunch

Whilst shopping at Chelmsford’s indoor market, if you want a bite to eat you can enjoy food from around the world. Stalls you can expect to find include Bann Noodle, Curry in a Hurry and Damascus, to name a few.

Bann Noodle cooks Asian street food, including popular well-known dishes like chow mein, crispy noodles and duck with bean sauce. Curry in a Hurry sells a mixture of British and Indian food, all freshly made. Damascus makes a mix of Syrian and Lebanese halal street food, including favourites like falafel, hummus and tabbouleh. 

For the all-important Christmas meal preparations, why not visit G.C. Smiths Butchers at the far end of the market? A taste of what’s on offer includes beef dripping, roast turkey breast and black pudding sticks. There is also a good variety of cooked meat, such as roast pork, salt brisket and gammon. 

Chelmsford’s High Street market

Chelmsford’s High Street Market takes place every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. Opening times vary depending on the trader, and typical hours are 8am-5pm. Each stall offers something different, from tempting food to keep you energised for your Christmas shopping, to colourful flowers and plants as gifting inspiration. 

Takeaway lunch options

For a quick lunch, try Gourmet to Go, which offers hearty steak burgers as well as pork and German sausage hot dogs. Or for delicious smoked meat sandwiches, visit the Smokehouse. Vegans and vegetarians are sure to love Falafel Street, which makes fresh to order falafel wraps and salads. For a sweet treat, City Churros is hard to resist and is sure to catch children’s attention as they walk by. 

As a warming pick me up while you shop, Coffee Stop has over 50 different coffee flavours as well as hot chocolate options.

Fresh fruit, veg and fish

You can also find plenty of fresh produce for your Christmas dinner at Cox the greengrocers. For fish alternatives, Young’s Fish sells a range of high-quality sea food, including raw prawns for a great prawn cocktail starter to your Christmas dinner. 

Thinking of something for the garden? John’s Flowers, with delightful bouquets from Holland, is a place to stop, while the Gowers’ sell a large variety of garden plants and sundries. GSE flowers outside Lloyd’s Bank offers a huge range of flowers, wreaths and plants. 

So as the lead-up to Christmas begins, make sure you visit both Chelmsford’s indoor and High Street markets for some unmissable deals and heart-warming food.