Lincoln Farmers' Market

The Lincoln Farmers' Market is back on Castle Hill on Saturday 21 November, the third Saturday of the month. It's a regular fixture here, running from 9:00 until 15:00, and it's accredited by the National Association of Farmers Markets. It's been a part of the local community for more than 22 years now, so it's one of those things that's just always there if you know when to look for it.

The market brings together genuine local farmers and primary producers from across the county. That's a fair bit of ground to cover, and Lincolnshire produces around 20% of the UK's food, so there's plenty to draw from. About 80% of what you'll find on the stalls is grown and made right here in the county, which is the whole point of coming along rather than just hitting the supermarket.

Beyond the fresh and organic fruit and vegetables, the stalls cover a lot of ground. You'll find cheese, organic bread, honey, jams, chutneys and pickles, free-range pork and chicken, grass-fed beef and lamb, venison and fish. There are flowers, plants and herbs too, and things that lean more towards the treat end: craft beers, Lincoln Gin, artisan chocolates, homemade cakes and organic skin-care products. It's the kind of place where you can pick up your weekly veg and a bottle of gin in the same trip.

It's pitched on the cobbles of Castle Square, in the heart of historic Lincoln between Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Cathedral. It's free to attend, and since it runs on the third Saturday of every month, you can always come back later in the year — the next dates are Saturday 19 December and Saturday 16 January. It's open 9:00 to 15:00, so there's plenty of time to wander through.