A medieval time traveller to present-day Stockport might be dazzled by the tall glass buildings and positively confounded by the hat museum - but at least they'd recognise the market.

True, the covered hall is a 19th century addition and the traders have changed with the times - but there's been some kind of market on this patch of ground in Stockport since at least 1260, and likely even before then.

The present day is no exception, and Stockport's Market Hall remains as popular as ever with locals, with some accolades to prove it - the covered market was named Britain's Best Small Indoor Market in 2023.

Part of why the market remains so popular is its plethora of traders offering bespoke items, many of which are hard to come by anywhere else.

This includes unique artworks and antiques for decorating your home, second-hand books to populate your shelves, plus wine and fresh produce for delicious homemade meals.

And this is just scratching the surface of what you might buy in the market. There's even a tantalising selection of cafes and eateries to sate your appetite while you're shopping.

The interior of Stockport Market (Image supplied)

Offerings such as this have kept the market relevant amid the growth of supermarkets and the dominance of online shopping.

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There's also something to be said for a face-to-face interaction with the traders themselves; when you buy your pet supplies, for example, you know full well you're speaking with a passionate expert who's been directly involved in carefully sourcing the item from its origin and ultimately into your shopping bag.

Nor is it just the traders themselves who have kept visitors coming to Market Hall in recent years.

The venue also hosts regular events, including Foodie Friday, the Vintage Village, and even key annual events such as Armed Forces Day and Stockport Pride, all of which attract thousands of new attendees.

There's also a new event for families starting from May this year called Saturday Snack Down - expect food, fun and family memories.

The Market Hall also hosts popular events such as Foodie Friday (Image - Nub News)

And all this is to go without mentioning the regular Saturday markets, when more traders set up shop outside the hall for even more tempting options. 

The Market Hall promises 'bargains and smiles' to all visitors, and is open from 9am to 4.30pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

You can find a full list of traders here.

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Or, if you're a new visitor to the market, why not have a meander around the stalls and surprise yourself with what you might find?

You can find Market Hall at Market Place in Stockport town centre.