Essex has some of the oldest and liveliest clothes markets in the country – from 800-year-old Chelmsford Market to Romford’s legendary Wednesday and Saturday sprawl where you can buy everything from £5 Primark dupes to genuine vintage Levi’s for £30. These markets are proper social events: locals haggling, street food smells mixing with leather jackets, and stallholders who’ve been there for decades. They’re brilliant for sustainable shopping – charity stalls in posh towns like Frinton or Saffron Walden often have barely-worn Hobbs or Phase Eight for a tenner.

Most run on Wednesdays and Saturdays, some have Friday late-nights, and parking is usually free or cheap. Bring cash (lots of stalls still don’t take card) and comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking miles. Vintage rails, fake designer bags, handmade jewellery, kids’ clothes, plus-size sections – whatever you’re after, Essex markets deliver it cheaper and with more character than the high street.

Here are the 10 best clothes markets in Essex right now. Click any name for the full guide with stall highlights, opening times, parking tips and what to buy.

Romford Market

Chelmsford Market

Basildon Market

Harlow Market

Saffron Walden Market

Waltham Abbey Market

Colchester Market

Braintree Market

Rayleigh Market

North Weald Market & Car Boot