Vintage jewellery, home-made sweets, and second-hand books - these are just some of the offerings at the eclectic Tynemouth Market.
Located under the broad roof of Tynemouth Metro Station, this all-weekend, every-weekend market is an unusual mix of expensive vintage wares and cheap knick-knacks.

Unusual jewellery and vintage clothing is on offer at the market
I first saw this market in summer, when I bought a sweet chocolate ice-cream and a faded novel on my way to a walk around the local priory. The location of this market makes it possible to attend in any weather, however, as I found for myself when I visited for the third time yesterday, wrapped in layers of fleece to keep off the English chill, feverishly clutching my nearly-broken umbrella. The market was still full.
Touted as 'one of the busiest markets in the North East,' Tynemouth Market is home to many regular stallholders offering a wide variety of lunch and snack foods, as well as bric-a-brac stalls, second-hand booksellers, and the odd meat and vegetable wholesaler. The market runs every weekend from about 9am to 4pm, though they will pack up a bit early if the weather is cold and the customers slow.

A few of the weird and wonderful things for sale
A farmers' market joins the main body of the market every third Saturday of the month, bringing an enormous amount of cheap, fresh produce and swelling the already full crowds.
I recommend Field House Farm Shop for a wonderful array of handmade sausages and pies and Ouseburn Coffee Co. for a cup of steaming artisan coffee (or a bag of beans). As for home-made baked goods, there are simply too many stalls to choose from - I have yet to try them all!

Tynemouth Priory, well worth a visit after the market
With a full tummy and a vintage costume-jewellery bracelet (50p!) on my wrist I headed back to the warmth of the indoors. I would encourage locals and visitors alike to try this famous market, whether you are just popping in after enjoying the quaint Tynemouth town, or venturing out to make a day of it.
Tynemouth Market can be easily reached via metro - just hop off at Tynemouth Station and you'll find yourself instantly in the thick of it.
Visit the website
here.