Grantham’s Market Place lies just west of the High Street, forming the historic commercial centre of the town. Grantham was a borough by 1066 and had a marketplace by the early 13th century, with a royal charter granted in 1484 formalizing its status. Over time, this precinct became the civic heart, especially as the routes of the Great North Road shaped the location of the present square by the early 14th century.
Markets are held every Saturday from 8:30am to 3pm across Narrow Westgate, Butcher’s Row, and Market Place, with around 30 regular traders offering everything from plants and fresh produce to crafts and baked goods. Monthly craft and farmers’ market editions include special features and workshops. A free four-week trial for new traders launched in April 2025 aims to refresh the market and support local startups. Additionally, popup craft workshops, street entertainment, balloon modelling, and street performances are now common in the summer and leading up to autumn festivals.
Between May and September 2024, a major £1.8 million regeneration project, part of the £4.1m Future High Street Fund, transformed Market Place. Road levels were raised to match Yorkstone paving, creating a flexible, multiuse open space designed to host events and improve pedestrian flow while retaining vehicle access and parking. The new surface of granite cobbles and York stone setts gives the square a cohesive, high-quality finish.
In October 2024, a major Festival of the Community, including a lantern parade and light projections, brought large crowds to celebrate Grantham’s heritage, history, and future through music, dance, theatre, and public art.
Going into 2025, street craft days and themed events like farmers’ markets, circus skills, bubble entertainers, and vegetable-animal workshops continue to draw families and visitors weekly
Photos courtesy of Lincolnshire Tourism Guide, South Kesteven District Council, and Lincs Online.
