Honiton offers centuries of tradition and shoppers can take advantage of cheaper parking and extended market hours in the build-up to Christmas

Street markets have been a part of the Honiton vibrancy since the 13th century when Henry III granted a royal charter to his son the Earl of Devon, writes Paul Newman.

Some of the products available in the market will have changed since the 13th century.

However, you will still find fresh food produce, craft ware, clothing and plants.

Now add in those products more akin to the modern era and you will find a plethora of unusual gifts just right for this time of year.

Festive stalls in Honiton will be selling a variety of wares, including jewellery, mobile phone accessories, sweets and driftwood sculptures.

Honiton can also be justifiably proud of its independent retailers running the length and breadth of High Street, New Street and all the little arcades running off of them.

There is so much to offer the shopper in Honiton, a dynamic shopping centre for East Devon that has been able to combine market, local retailers and the larger national chains.

Getting to Honiton is very easy - it’s located just off the A30 and now with the new parking arrangements across EDDC controlled car parks, you can park in Sidmouth after 10am and pay just £2 but then drive to Honiton and use the same car park ticket in any EDDC car park in Honiton.

So wherever you park in East Devon you can travel to Honiton without having to pay to park again.

Tony McCollum, chair of Honiton and District Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted with the new car parking arrangements across East Devon as it means shoppers can visit Honiton and park all day for just £2.

“The town has gone all out to make shoppers welcome at Christmas this year and we urge everyone to support the local businesses that make Honiton such a special place to visit.”

The market is on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. However through December up to and including Christmas Eve the market will also take place on Fridays.

To book a pitch, email the market manager on marketmanager@honiton.co.uk or call 07980 922696.

At this time of year Honiton looks very seasonal with the Christmas lights running the length of High Street, New Street and the various shopping alleys running off the main shopping streets.

So avoid the crush of the bigger cities and experience the wonderful shopping experience in Honiton just as people have done for the past 900 years.