Where is the best Seafood Markets in the UK?

When we move, I want to be close to the sea and seafood. When we would visit husband's family seafood was difficult to find in Essex and since we eat fish or seafood several times a week I want to be near a great seafood market or fishing pier to where you can buy directly from the fishermen.

Thanks

From what I have read it looks like a lot of the good ones are in London (Billingsgate, Cape Town etc) I would suggest looking on Yelp UK and reading the reviews.. That's what I would do Good luck in your search

It's rare that fish gets sold to the public straight off the boat in the UK - normally it's auctioned off wholesale and gets shipped to places like Billingsgate: http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Business/Markets/Billingsgate+Market/products.htm
A large part of the problem is that it's rare for fishing ports to have any significant population (Hull and Aberdeen are the only places much bigger than a village I can think of). With a small population, there's no point selling the fish to the public straight off the boat as you'll never cover your costs.

Obviously, if you live somewhere coastal you'll have more access to freshly-caught seafood. I live near a lot of fishing towns/villages, and you can actually buy seafood virtually fresh off the boat. I'm a bit lazy, though, and I wait for the fishmonger to come round. He comes on Thursday afternoons and the stuff he brings is all local and all fresh.

thanks for the replies

It's looking more like Cornwall, it's where my husband wants to be anyway.

thanks for the Yelp suggestion will check that out too.

Sort of depends what you want. For example lobster seems difficult to get hold of and DW loves it....so it's her treat when we go back to the States.....usually it's around her birthday when we go anyway!

But many towns, even inland have decent fish markets - there's a decent one in my town, Barnsley. And I highly recommend the fresh fish counter in Morrison's supermarket. They are very helpful and knowledgeable.

It's looking more like Cornwall, it's where my husband wants to be anyway.

You'll be fine then! 

Any idea of where you'll be heading in Cornwall?

I buy it straight off the boat, too. They actually steam the fishing boat right up the river and tie it up to the shop.

Rye Bay plaice and Rye Bay scallops...mmm!

I buy it straight off the boat, too. They actually steam the fishing boat right up the river and tie it up to the shop.

Rye Bay plaice and Rye Bay scallops...mmm!

I was reading an article about Rye and the scallop festival. Looks a lovely place so it's added to our ever growing list of places to visit!

The Scallop Festival is in February, when everyone is good and ready for SOMEthing to do. But Rye is lovely in all four seasons.

You'll be fine then! 

Any idea of where you'll be heading in Cornwall?

none, any suggestions?

Thanks all!!! Rye sounds amazing! Some of the best seafood I ever had was in Brighton in a really small place, only 5 tables, and it was scallops with the coral on them have been obsessing over those for years

none, any suggestions?

Thanks all!!! Rye sounds amazing! Some of the best seafood I ever had was in Brighton in a really small place, only 5 tables, and it was scallops with the coral on them have been obsessing over those for years

     That sounds yummy =)

none, any suggestions?

As with anywhere, it depends on what your priorities are! Small village, larger town/city, countryside, coast, access to amenities, schools, etc.

Oban is the 'Seafood Capital of Scotland', nothing like a fresh prawn sandwich on the pier by the ferry terminal