Shop, taste and celebrate local at the New Forest Marque Autumn Market
Autumn is a brilliant time to celebrate everything local, and this October more than 20 New Forest producers, makers and creatives are coming together for a whole weekend dedicated to the very best of the New Forest.
The New Forest Marque Autumn Market returns on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026, this year in a brand-new home at Shallowmead Nurseries in Lymington.
With locally made food and drink, jewellery, art, photography, textiles and gifts to browse, plus live music, distillery tours and plenty to eat and drink along the way, there’s much more to the weekend than a spot of shopping.
And with free entry and parking, it’s an easy addition to an autumn day out in the New Forest.
A market full of genuine local produce
You’ll see the distinctive navy New Forest Marque across the market – and it means something.
The New Forest Marque champions authentic New Forest produce, supporting the people and businesses who grow, rear, make and produce locally. Businesses displaying the Marque have met the scheme’s provenance criteria, making it easier to know when you’re genuinely supporting local.
The Autumn Market brings many of these businesses together under one roof, giving you the chance to meet the people behind the products and take a little piece of the New Forest home with you.
Taste your way around the New Forest
Come hungry, because there will be plenty of New Forest flavours to take home.
For something sweet, look out for preserves from the Real Jam & Chutney Company and Naked Jam, alongside tempting bakes from Spout House Cakes.
Honey lovers will be particularly well catered for, with The Heart of the New Forest, Sylvan Apiaries and Waterside Apiaries all attending.
You can also find locally sourced meat from New Forest Venison Ltd, seafood products from The Fabulous Catch Company, and locally crafted spirits from 820 Spirits.
It’s a lovely opportunity to fill the cupboards ahead of winter – or start putting together a very New Forest Christmas hamper.
Meet the New Forest's makers and creatives
It isn't all about food and drink.
The market will be packed with things made and created locally, from jewellery and textiles to candles, artwork and photography.
Browse handmade pieces from Clare Sheridan-Wallis and Rosie Wesley, crochet creations from Jasmin Makes Stuff, locally inspired textiles from Emma Baker Handwoven Textiles and distinctive pieces from The New Forest Tartan Company.
For the home, there'll be locally made scents from Marchwood Candles ltd and New Forest Candle Company, alongside art and homeware from Love Coastal.
You can also see the New Forest through the lenses of local photographers Alex Wright and Andy Tait – perhaps finding a familiar landscape to take home with you.
With Christmas not too far away, it's a good excuse to get ahead with a few presents while putting your money directly into local independent businesses.
Go behind the scenes at 820 Spirits
One of the perks of the market's new Shallowmead home is having 820 Spirits right on the doorstep.
The artisan distillery will be opening its doors for special guided tours throughout the Autumn Market weekend.
You'll get a look behind the scenes at how their spirits are made, with a welcome drink followed by a tasting of four different spirits.
Tours are £15 per person as a special New Forest Marque Autumn Market offer. Places are limited, so advance booking is recommended.
Live music throughout the weekend
There'll be a soundtrack to the weekend too.
On Saturday lunchtime, acoustic singer-songwriter Jon Yale will be performing live at the market.
Then on Sunday afternoon, the Milford West Gallery Quire will bring a little Harvest-time tradition to Shallowmead with folk-infused songs, characters and dance tunes inspired by the West Gallery era.
You'll also find the Countryside Education Trust and New Forest National Park Rangers at the market, so there'll be plenty of opportunity to learn a little more about the landscape, traditions and communities behind the products you're browsing.
Image Credit - Ro Schneider
Make a day of it
When it's time for a break from browsing, Mabel's Café at Shallowmead will be open throughout the weekend serving light dishes, tea, coffee and cake, with garden views, cosy sofas and a dog-friendly space.
Then, once you've explored the stalls, you could make a day of it with a visit to nearby Lymington or head out into the New Forest to enjoy the autumn colours.
Plan your visit
The New Forest Marque Autumn Market takes place at Shallowmead Nurseries, Boldre Lane, Lymington, SO41 8PA.
Saturday 24 October: 10am–4pm
Sunday 25 October: 10am–3pm
Entry and parking are free, and dogs on leads are welcome.
Whether you're looking to stock the cupboards, get ahead with Christmas shopping, meet some of the people behind the New Forest's local businesses or simply enjoy an autumn day out, it's a great weekend to celebrate all things local.
