Plan the perfect summer picnic with Cardiff Farmers Markets

Planning a summer picnic? This time, why not source your ingredients from a local farmers’ market?

There is something uniquely charming about strolling through a market selecting fresh, local produce and artisanal products and browsing a wide variety of produce that’s in season, and often, unparalleled in freshness. Fruits and vegetables are often picked at their peak ripeness for our markets - sometimes just hours before our markets start - perfect for creating a vibrant and delicious picnic spread.

Our markets also offer a treasure trove of unique and artisanal products that you won’t find in the supermarket; from homemade jams and preserves to freshly baked real bread and handmade cheeses, the variety and quality is unmatched. Guaranteed to add a special touch to your picnic, your choices will also be directly supporting local farmers and artisans. This not only helps sustain rural communities and the local economy here in Wales, but also encourages sustainable farming practices at the time.

But a visit to one of our markets is also an experience in itself. They are a great place to meet friends old and new, feel connected to your local community, and linger over something delicious to eat or drink.  You can also talk to the farmers and vendors, learning more about how the food on offer is grown and produced. Why not involve the whole family in the picnic planning process, and teach them a bit about healthy eating and sustainable food at the same time?

Finally, we’re lucky that all three of our weekly farmers’ markets are based within a few minutes’ walk of some beautiful city parks where you can go to enjoy your locally made goodies. Read on to find out more…

Rhiwbina (Fridays)

After an invitation from the owner of The Butcher's Arms we set up Rhiwbina Farmers' Market as a trial in 2010. The market received such strong and enthusiastic support from local residents that it has been running there every Friday morning since. It's a perfect little market to stop by for all your picnic essentials – whether that’s fresh eggs from Onllwyn Eggs for making your own picnic favourites; locally produced jams, chutney, honey and Bara Brith from Little Mill Natural Products; freshly baked bread, pastries or cakes from Pettigrew Bakeries or Cakes & Bakes; delicious British cheese from Ty Caws; fresh fruit and salads from our CFM Veg Stall; or coffee and street food to grab and go from Stronghold Coffee and Singh’s Kitchen.

To see the full trader line-up for this Friday, click here.

Just a ten-minute walk from our Rhiwbina Farmer’s Market you can find Parc Y Pentre, a small but perfectly formed oasis covering just three acres - the ideal spot for a Friday lunchtime picnic in the sun!

Roath (Saturdays)

Our Roath farmers’ market first opened in early 2008, and since then it has become a real foodie hotspot - reflected in the excellent selection of food producers and growers who trade every Saturday. The market pops up on the car park of Mackintosh Sports Club; this is just a twelve-minute walk from the vast green expanse of Roath Park Rec, or a sixteen-minute walk from the picturesque Waterloo Gardens – both perfect spots for a Saturday afternoon picnic in the sunshine.

On route to the park, pop into to our Roath market to pick up some free range eggs from Trecastle; freshly baked breads from Riverside Sourdough; delicious Portuguese pastries & pastel de nata from The Artisan; homemade pickles from Inner City Pickle; sweet treats from In Your Face Cakes & Bakes; Sicilian arancini from Pasta a Casa and freshly squeezed orange juice from Birb Vending and delicious deep-filled grilled cheese sandwiches from Ffloc.

To see the full trader line-up for this Saturday, click here.

Riverside (Sundays)

Riverside Market is our original Cardiff Farmers' Market and can be found weekly on the Fitzhammon Embankment opposite the Principality Stadium. The market is widely recognised as one of the key food attractions in the Welsh capital, for local residents and visitors alike.

The market is a showcase for some of the best food producers in Wales and is also just a short walk to Bute Park - 130 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland which once formed the grounds of Cardiff Castle.

Both our Riverside Market and Bute Park are situated on the Taff Trail, a walking and cycling path which runs for 55 miles between Cardiff and Brecon along a mixture of riverside paths, railway paths and forest roads - ideal for picking up a picnic then cycling off to find the perfect spot to enjoy a market haul.

Visit Paul’s Organic Veg or Coed Organic for the freshest summer fruits grown locally in Monmouthshire and the Vale of Glamorgan; grab some traditional Greek pastries and desserts from Private Chef Christos, and some freshly baked Welshcakes from Miles Better Baking. If a street food feast is more up your street, there’s a choice of pizza from Flour’d Up; authentic street food from Express Brazilian; Turkish-style flatbreads from Lahmacun; traditional Indian curries from Kimis and Japanese dumplings from Don Don Plus. Grab yourself a coffee from Handlebar Barista in a reusable cup and you’re all set!

To see the full trader line-up for this Sunday, click here.