Barnsley Market is at the heart of Barnsley town centre. Originally chartered in 1249 the Market celebrated its 775 year anniversary in 2024. Now part of The Glass Works, a multi-million-pound regeneration project completed in 2021, which has transformed Barnsley town centre with a new retail, leisure and public realm.  

The new-look market opened as part of phase one in 2016, was designed to incorporate the history of the town while also bringing a modern feel to shopper’s experience. With over 140 stalls, the market diverse offer includes a thriving meat and fish market, clothing, food, cards and gifts, homeware, travel agents and beauty.  

The market is also home to Market Kitchen, a welcoming food hall with a capacity of 525. There is something for everyone, from traditional cafes to a diverse offering of foods from around the world plus bar and roof terrace. 

Barnsley’s outdoor market includes 54 pitches along the main shopping precinct in the town centre. 

Barnsley continues to buck the national trend for footfall to our town centre drawing visitors from right across the region and beyond. Barnsley Market is thriving, attracting thousands of coach visitors from across the country, already achieving the highest number in over a decade. Shoppers are coming from across Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, the North East and North West to experience everything Barnsley has to offer. 

Encouraging the next generation of traders and visitors is vital to the market’s continued success. Barnsley Market hosts a monthly Young Trader Market, where young entrepreneurs can gain first-hand experience of running their own businesses as well as sell their creations to the public.   

In September 2024, The market’s management team were presented with the ‘Market Team of the Year’ (large market) award at the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) conference.  The award recognises the pivotal work the team has done to maintain and grow Barnsley Market, bringing in new traders, celebrating the 775th anniversary of the market charter, and creating a vibrant community atmosphere.  

In presenting the award, NABMA said: “The Barnsley Markets Team exemplifies the strength of teamwork in driving market success. By blending tradition with modern retail strategies, they have created a thriving market space that honours its heritage while fostering new growth. Their efforts in attracting new traders and engaging the community have been outstanding.

In February 2026, Barnsley was awarded ‘Best Large Indoor Market’ at the NABMA Market Awards.

For Love Your Local Market we will be championing our traders and sharing their stories.