Preston, Lancashire, UK
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Flag Market

4.2
·289 reviews·, United Kingdom

A vibrant Preston city centre market, famous for its incredible food stalls like The Spud Brothers and diverse makers' markets.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wednesdays & Fridays

Spud Bros specials & Iftar menus

CrowdHigh
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Preston, Lancashire, UK

Flag Market

Best Time

Wednesdays & Fridays

Spud Bros specials & Iftar menus

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant Preston city centre market, famous for its incredible food stalls like The Spud Brothers and diverse makers' markets.

4.2
(289 reviews)

"Love the market. Love the events and has lots of shops surrounding it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Queue Strategy for Spuds

Arrive early for Spud Bros, especially on event days. Check their TikTok for timings!

💰 Check for Freebies

Spud Bros sometimes offers free spuds for special occasions. Keep an eye on their social media!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Spud Brothers Experience

The Spud Brothers Experience

The Hot Potato Tram

Legendary jacket potatoes with creative toppings. Expect queues, but the hype is real!

Makers' Market Finds

Makers' Market Finds

Various stalls

Discover unique handmade crafts, jewelry, and art from local creators. Perfect for unique souvenirs.

Community Events & Performances

Community Events & Performances

Central area

Catch local performers, carnivals, and special events that bring the Flag Market to life.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Spud Bros

The Spud Brothers are a huge draw at Flag Market, often with long queues. Check their social media for specific days and times, especially for special events like Iftar menus or free spud giveaways. Arrive early to beat the rush!

Beyond the Spuds: Market Buzz

While Spud Bros is a highlight, Flag Market hosts various events and stalls. Look out for local makers' markets and other food vendors. It's a great spot to explore, but seating can be limited during peak times.

Best Times

When
Wednesdays & Fridays
Why
Spud Bros specials & Iftar menus
Crowd
High
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Makers' markets & fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

PRESTON! We’ve teamed up with KFC to drop a finger lickin’ spud, for FREE to celebrate their 60th birthday in the UK&I 🎉 ONE DAY ONLY! Flag Market, Wednesday 4th June, 12:00 - 3:30pm. Be there or be hungry! 🍗🥔
@thespudbrothers
254.4K likes • 3.1M views

🎯 Queue Strategy for Spuds

Arrive early for Spud Bros, especially on event days. Check their TikTok for timings! TikTok+1

💰 Check for Freebies

Spud Bros sometimes offers free spuds for special occasions. Keep an eye on their social media! TikTok

@spudbros have been hosting a halal menu on Fridays for Iftar so I had to check it out! Their jacket potatos are honestly next level! 📍 The Spud Brothers at The Hot Potato Tram, Flag Market, Cheapside, Preston PR1 2AP #spudbros #jacketpotato #jacket #spuds #spudtok #potato #preston #jackets
@foodieninja_
12K likes • 199K views
Good morning everyone! We are here!! We are in Flag Market!! Hope to see you today😉 Today 10 - 4 @flagmarket #handmade #handmadewithlove #japanese #handmadejewellery #washi #artwork #art #handdrawn #jewellery #handmadeearrings #penandinkart #penandinkdrawing #animedraw
kim.jimsartworkstore
14 likes • 497 views

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You might be standing in line or exploring stalls, so comfy shoes are a must. Reddit

📱 Follow Spud Bros Online

Their TikTok and Instagram are key for knowing when and where they'll be. TikTokInstagram

Flag market dahisar east mumbai #flagmarket #dahisar #flagmarketdahisareast #dahisareastmumbai #dahisarstationmarket
explore_with_dilip
66 likes • 2.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Queue Strategy for Spuds

Arrive early for Spud Bros, especially on event days. Check their TikTok for timings! TikTok+1

💰 Check for Freebies

Spud Bros sometimes offers free spuds for special occasions. Keep an eye on their social media! TikTok

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You might be standing in line or exploring stalls, so comfy shoes are a must. Reddit

📱 Follow Spud Bros Online

Their TikTok and Instagram are key for knowing when and where they'll be. TikTokInstagram

☕ Limited Seating Available

Bring a friend and enjoy a chat, but be aware seating can fill up quickly. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(289 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Flag Market is a lively city centre hub praised for its diverse events and popular food vendors like The Spud Brothers. Visitors enjoy the variety of stalls and the community atmosphere, though seating can be limited during peak times. It's a great spot for foodies and those seeking unique handmade goods.

"Love the market. Love the events and has lots of shops surrounding it
Maybe could have some more seating but as the boarding is up it has taken away some of the benches for now. Still plenty but on a busy day quickly filled."

Rebecca Charlson

"Be better if preston mela was on Avenham park so plenty of places to sit on grass. Not enough seats to sit on flag market so to much standing for to long."

lisa sutton

"First time to Preston Makers Market it was great with fantastic products friendly people definitely will be going again"

Cheryl Gynane

What People Like

Popular food vendors
Variety of market stalls
Community events

What People Dislike

Limited seating
Crowded during events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Flag Market is centrally located in Preston city centre, easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and Preston train station is a short walk away. If driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, though they can get busy on market days. Reddit

Yes, Flag Market is a prominent public space in Preston's city centre, often signposted. It's a hub for activity, making it hard to miss when exploring the town. Reddit

Several car parks are available around Preston city centre, including those near the market. It's advisable to check parking apps or local council websites for real-time availability and pricing, as they can fill up quickly. Reddit

There are usually cycle racks available in Preston city centre, though specific locations near Flag Market should be confirmed. It's a good option for a greener commute if you're coming from nearby areas. Reddit

As a central public square, Flag Market is generally accessible. However, during busy market events, the crowds might make navigation challenging. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Flag Market itself is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free for everyone to explore the market stalls and events. Reddit

The market's opening hours vary depending on the specific event or market day. General market days might run from morning to late afternoon. Special events, like food pop-ups, will have their own advertised times. TikTokInstagram

The best way to stay updated on events at Flag Market is to follow local Preston council pages, market organizers, and popular vendors like The Spud Brothers on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. TikTokInstagram+1

Most events held at Flag Market are free to attend. However, individual vendors will charge for their goods and food. Special ticketed events are rare but would be clearly advertised. Reddit

Information on booking a stall would typically be available through the Preston City Council or the specific market organizer's website. This is usually done well in advance. Reddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stalls

Flag Market hosts a variety of stalls, including food vendors (most famously The Spud Brothers), local craftspeople selling handmade goods, and sometimes clothing or accessory stalls. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Flag Market is surrounded by shops in Preston's city centre, offering a wide range of retail options in addition to the market stalls. Reddit

Absolutely! Makers' Markets often feature local artisans selling unique jewelry, art, ceramics, and other handcrafted items. Instagram

The Spud Brothers are incredibly popular, known for their loaded jacket potatoes. Other food trucks and stalls often feature diverse cuisines. TikTokInstagram

Many vendors, especially the more established ones like The Spud Brothers, accept card payments. However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller stalls or in case of technical issues. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Flag Market is a food lover's paradise, especially with The Spud Brothers serving their famous jacket potatoes. You can also find other street food vendors offering diverse options. TikTokInstagram

Many food stalls offer vegetarian options, and some are increasingly catering to vegan diets. It's best to ask vendors directly about their specific offerings. Reddit

Yes, The Spud Brothers have hosted special halal menus for Iftar, indicating a commitment to catering to diverse dietary needs. TikTok+1

Seating can be limited, especially during busy periods. While there are some benches, they can fill up quickly. Some visitors suggest bringing a picnic blanket for grass areas if available. Reddit

Prices vary by vendor, but street food at markets is generally reasonably priced. The Spud Brothers' loaded potatoes are considered good value for the portion size. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the market stalls, the iconic Spud Brothers tram, and any live performances or events happening. The general buzz of the market is very photogenic. TikTokInstagram

It's generally polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific products, especially if they are busy. However, capturing the overall market scene is usually fine. Reddit

Daylight hours are best for clear, vibrant photos. Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and potentially fewer crowds. Instagram

Typically, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography for visitors. However, commercial photography or filming might require permits. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide market scenes and details. A smartphone with a good camera is also perfectly adequate for most visitors. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Flag Market can be a fun outing for families, especially if you time your visit for The Spud Brothers. The excitement of the busy market and the variety of food options can keep children engaged. TikTok

Look out for special family-friendly events like carnivals or performances that are often held here. While seating can be an issue, bringing a picnic blanket can help if you plan to eat. Keep an eye on local listings for kid-focused activities. TikTok

🍔 Foodie Explorers

If you're a food lover, Flag Market is a must-visit, primarily for The Spud Brothers' legendary jacket potatoes. TikTokInstagram Be prepared for queues, but the unique toppings and generous portions are often cited as worth the wait. Explore other food stalls for diverse street food options. Reddit

🛍️ Bargain Hunters & Craft Enthusiasts

For those seeking unique finds, the Makers' Markets at Flag Square are ideal. You can discover handmade crafts, jewelry, and art directly from local creators. Instagram It's a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts at reasonable prices. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Spud Brothers Phenomenon

The Spud Brothers have become a major attraction at Preston's Flag Market, drawing significant crowds with their gourmet jacket potatoes. Their presence often leads to long queues, a testament to their popularity. They are known for creative toppings and high-quality ingredients, making their stall a must-visit for many foodies. TikTokInstagram+1

It's crucial for visitors planning to experience The Spud Brothers to check their social media, particularly TikTok, for specific dates and times they will be at Flag Market. They often announce special events, like free spud giveaways or specific menu offerings for occasions like Iftar during Ramadan, which can significantly impact crowd size and timing. TikTok+2

Be prepared for a wait, but many reviewers and TikTok creators emphasize that the deliciousness of the spuds makes the queue worthwhile. Their consistent presence and engaging social media presence have cemented them as a key reason many people visit the Flag Market. TikTok+1

Exploring the Makers' Market

Beyond the food stalls, Flag Market frequently hosts Makers' Markets, showcasing the talent of local artisans and crafters. These markets are a fantastic opportunity to discover unique, handmade items that you won't find in typical retail stores. Visitors can expect to find everything from intricate jewelry and hand-poured candles to original artwork and bespoke homeware. Instagram

The atmosphere at the Makers' Markets is often described as friendly and vibrant, with creators eager to share the stories behind their products. It's a great place to find thoughtful gifts or a special souvenir to remember your visit to Preston. The quality and originality of the goods are frequently praised in reviews. Instagram

To make the most of the Makers' Market, it's advisable to check the schedule for when these specific markets are running, as they are not a daily occurrence. This allows you to plan your visit to coincide with the best selection of handmade treasures. Instagram

Community Events and Atmosphere

Flag Market is more than just a place for shopping; it's a vibrant community hub that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. From local performances and cultural celebrations like carnivals to seasonal festivals, there's often something happening to add to the lively atmosphere. TikTok

These events contribute significantly to the overall visitor experience, offering entertainment and a chance to immerse yourself in local culture. You might catch parkour performers, dance troupes, or live music, adding an energetic dimension to your visit. TikTok+1

The market's central location in Preston makes it a natural gathering place, and the surrounding shops and cafes complement the market experience, providing places to rest and refuel. The general vibe is often described as a great place to hang out with friends. Reddit

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