10 must visit markets in the Black Country and Staffordshire, with indoor and outdoor stalls

From permanent market halls selling everything from food to tupperware and toys to vinyl records to artisan and farmers markets, to outdoor stalls which operate only on certain days, markets remain ever popular in the region.

All operating in towns which are easily accessible by car or bus and which ooze history and culture and down to earth honest good value, you are never far away from a bargain or a good day out browsing.

Here is our top ten list of market towns you can visit this week or over the coming month of June and onwards

1) Walsall

There are actually three markets operating within Walsall borough, more on that later, but Walsall market is in operation in Park Street four days a week, Monday. Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

Park Street itself is a pedestrianised zone close to the busy Saddlers Centre and Wharf Retail Park, with the train and bus station around five minutes away and car parks on hand nearby,

The town's market history dates back to approximately 1220 when William le Rous, Lord of the Manor of Walsall was granted the right to hold one in the town. The wares on display may be different now but the variety remains and so does the public's appetite to visit the market.

2) Bilston

Bilston Market benefits from a prime location by the Midland Metro tram stop and the Bus Station, right by the Black Country Route with free parking nearby.

The town of Bilston dates back to AD995 and whilst the stall holders aren't that old, many of them have been trading for years.

With 88 units in the indoor market and 117 outdoor, the customer is provided with a wide range of goods from fresh foods, fruit and vegetables to meat and fish and a large range of fashion, jewellery, shoes and household items.

Currently open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it also features a modern cafe, a varied mix of shops in the nearby shopping precinct in the town centre and always a friendly welcome.

Dudley is undergoing something of a transformation in terms of how it brings potential shoppers and sightseers into this thriving and bustling town.

A new transport interchange is under construction but buses continue to serve the town centre, along with the Midland Metro link which is undergoing testing.

Once owned by the Lord of Dudley, the open air market dates back to the 12th century and is a feature six days of the week.

It is flanked by a thriving high street featuring shops and cafes and of course Dudley Castle and Zoo, both of which are always popular for a family visit.

4) Bloxwich

The second of the markets within Walsall Borough is situated appropriately enough on Market Street and is open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday so you may have to choose your day.

With a population of 25,000, Bloxwich stands in its own right as a town within the metropolitan borough of Walsall and the market, which offers a variety of goods, is well supported by the town's residents.

5) West Bromwich

West Bromwich market hall is being relocated to a new facility on the high street, adjacent to the existing outdoor market.

The new location will replace the current indoor market in King Square and the two will run side by side providing over 100 stalls open six days a week.

West Bromwich market within Sandwell Borough is complemented by those at Great Bridge, Oldbury and Wednesbury just a short distance away. all accessible by public transport and the road network.

6) Lichfield

Dominated by the three spired cathedral, Lichfield is a famous city with excellent road and public transport links to Birmingham and other areas within the West Midlands.

The historic Market Square has been the home for Lichfield markets since King Stephen granted the first charter for it in 1153.

It has also been central to many scenes in the city's history including the last person to be burned at the stake in 1612 - Edward Wightman who was convicted of heresy in case you are wondering,

The market is just one of the popular attractions in the city, which is visited by thousands of tourists every year.

It is open on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and an established farmer's market also takes place every first Thursday of the month boasting a wide range of fresh produce and arts and crafts stalls.

7) Willenhall

Despite Willenhall Market seemingly being under threat or review by its owners and Walsall Council, it continues to trade from its Market Place base, three days a week.

A town in its own right of nearly 50,000 people, Willenhall is historically  famous for the manufacture of locks and keys and the market dates back many years, with the traditional day of opening Wednesday. Traders say they are determined to continue the tradition.

Back in Staffordshire, The Market Hall at Cannock Shopping Centre opens seven days a week and is supplemented by a vibrant street market which take place every Tuesday and Friday.

Goods available to buy in both include locally sourced food, crafts and gifts as well as seasonal items and homeware.

Cannock has good rail and train links to Walsall and Birmingham and with a population itself of 30,000 is more than big enough to support both markets.

9) Brierley Hill

It is situated three miles from Dudley and one mile from Dudley but is very much considered a town in its own right.

The Market Hall is considered one of the 'jewels in the crown' of Black Country markets and is set on a bustling high street which has just received thousands of pounds worth on investment to spruce it up and improve infrastructure.

Bus links to all Black Country towns and Birmingham are easily accessible and with the market competing with the nearby Merry Hill Centre, the motto is to provide everything you would need from the 60 stalls under one roof at bargain prices.

The market, on Brierley Hill High Street, is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday every week.

10) Stafford

The Staffordshire county town of Stafford has long been a centre of commerce, local government and more and is home to over 70,000 people and a farmers market.

The Farmers Market is held on the second Saturday of each month in the Market Square. The indoor market closed in October last year.