Sep 28, 2026
General Topics

Top 10 Craft Fairs in the UK This Autumn

As the leaves turn and the evenings grow shorter, autumn craft markets bring a welcome dose of warmth and colour. Picture cosy stalls, the scent of mulled drinks and tables brimming with handmade gifts. Whether you're hunting for something unique or making an early start on Christmas, these are eleven of the UK's best autumn markets to visit this season.

Brighton Makers Market, Saturday 3rd October 2026

The North Laines, Brighton, East Sussex

Paper Daisy Events brings its Pop Up Makers, Artists and Foodie Market to Jubilee Square, in the heart of Brighton. This free outdoor market gathers up to 40 small independent businesses selling art, jewellery, ceramics, fashion, beauty products, homeware and small-batch goods, alongside a selection of local food producers. With the makers themselves behind the stalls, it's a relaxed opportunity to browse, chat and discover unique pieces from Brighton's creative community.

 

The Knitting & Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace 8th - 10th October

Alexandra Palace, North London

The Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace is one of the UK's largest textile craft events, and it has been a fixture for makers in north London for decades. The show floor brings together hundreds of exhibitors selling yarn, fabric, threads, patterns, kits and sewing machines. Many are small independent businesses not found on the high street. Curated exhibitions showcase embroidery, quilting and stitched art from guilds, established artists and emerging graduates.Visitors can also book hands-on workshops or attend free demonstrations and talks, making it worthwhile for beginners and experienced stitchers alike.

 

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 15th - 18th October

Victoria Baths, Manchester

Housed in the striking Victorian Upper Campfield Market Hall in Manchester's Castlefield, the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is one of the north's leading showcases for contemporary craft and design. Each October, a carefully selected line-up of designer-makers brings ceramics, jewellery, glass, textiles, furniture and printmaking under one roof. The fair is known for championing emerging makers and recent graduates alongside established names, giving visitors the chance to discover fresh talent as well as familiar favourites.

 

The Craft Show 5th-8th November

NEC, Birmingham

The Creative Craft Show is where the magic starts. Instead of finished pieces, it's all about supplies, techniques and inspiration, with exhibitors covering everything from papercraft, card making and scrapbooking to sewing, knitting, crochet, quilting, beading, jewellery making and painting. It's the perfect excuse to stock up on materials and try products before you buy. Live demonstrations run throughout the day, and hands-on workshops let you roll up your sleeves and learn something new. Some are free and some are paid, and the popular ones are worth booking early. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned crafter, there's something here to get you inspired.

 

Essex Christmas Fair 6th - 8th November

Cressing Temple Barns, Braintree

Set among the historic barns of Cressing Temple in Essex, the Christmas Fair by Charlie Owen Events is a festive favourite in the region. More than 100 exhibitors bring handmade crafts, unique gifts, fashion, homeware and garden goods, alongside plenty of food and drink. With a beautiful setting and a well-established line-up, it's well worth a visit.

 

Folk and Bespoke Artisan Craft Fair 7th November

Bomba, Exeter

Held at Bomba in Exeter, this hand-curated Artisan Craft Fair showcases more than 40 stalls of locally made products, offering a thoughtful alternative to high street shopping. Each item is handmade, so no two gifts are quite the same, and visitors can meet the makers and learn about the skill and care behind their work. Whether you're looking for a special gift or something for yourself, it's a great way to discover unique pieces and support independent local creatives.

 

Handmade Chelsea 12th - 14th November

Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Tucked inside the grand Edwardian Chelsea Old Town Hall on the King's Road, Handmade Chelsea offers a more intimate alternative to London's larger craft fairs. It has built a reputation as one of the UK's leading selling fairs for high-quality handmade work, largely because makers are selected rather than simply booking a stall. Hundreds of designer-makers, from established names to newer talent, display ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, furniture, metalwork, printmaking and homeware. Live demonstrations and talks also give visitors a look at how the work is made. The perfect place to start selling your Christmas designs.

 

Country Living Christmas Market 11th - 14th November

Business Design Centre, Islington, London

Linked to Country Living magazine, the Country Living Christmas Fair is one of London's best-known festive shopping events, held each November at the Business Design Centre in Islington. Over five days, several hundred independent businesses offer gifts, homeware, decorations, fashion, jewellery and handmade crafts, with a strong focus on British makers and small brands. Artisan food and drink also features prominently, making it a popular place to stock up on festive treats. With demonstrations, workshops and talks alongside a festively decorated venue, it's an ideal way to start the Christmas season.

 

Dippy Craft Fair 28th - 29th November

Whitby, Pavilion

Now in their 11th year at Whitby Pavilion, Dippy Craft Fairs return for a weekend-long events, offering visitors a relaxed and welcoming way to discover local makers on the North Yorkshire coast. The fair brings together around 60 stalls in the venue's Northern Lights suite, where shoppers can browse handmade crafts and gifts while enjoying views out over the sea. An on-site café makes it easy to take a break between stalls, and with free entry and dogs welcome, the fairs have become a popular fixture for locals and visitors alike. Combined with a stroll around Whitby's harbour or a visit to the famous abbey, it makes for an enjoyable day out.

 

Christmas Pop Up Shops November - December

Dalegate Market, Norfolk

Dalegate Market in Burnham Deepdale offers a relaxed alternative to busy city shopping, set on the beautiful North Norfolk coast. Browse through the pop-ups beach huts for gifts, decorations, food and drink from local artisans and producers. The pop-up line-up changes twice weekly, once for Monday to Thursday and again for Friday to Sunday, giving visitors a wider choice with each visit. It's a pleasant way to find something special for Christmas while supporting local businesses.

 

From grand halls and historic barns to seaside pavilions and festive pop-ups, autumn is one of the best times of year to discover the UK's makers and their work. Whether you're browsing for gifts or simply soaking up the seasonal atmosphere, each of these markets offers a chance to find something special and support independent creatives.

And if you're one of the makers behind the stalls, or are thinking about taking your own handmade products to market this season, it's worth making sure your business is properly protected. Made at Home from Trafalgar Risk Management is insurance designed for home-based makers and crafters, whether you sell at fairs, online or from home.

Get your Made at Home quote today →

Get A Quote

Our aim is to make the buying or renewing of your insurances as streamlined as possible.