The best vintage shops and car boot sales

Why buy new clothes and products from the high street when there’s a world of second-hand gems out there to be had? Buying second-hand is not only good for your pocket, it’s also great for the environment too. Here are our favourite charity shops and car boot sales to visit this year…

TRAID, Brighton

The environment is at the forefront of TRAID’s objectives, which has been salvaging clothes from landfill since 1999. With over 900 textile recycling banks across the UK, donated clothes are sorted by fashion-savvy volunteers and redistributed to TRAID’s charity shops either as vintage pieces or redesigned pieces – these are sold under the award-winning label TRAIDremade. The Brighton store receives some of the best vintage pieces, so look out for 1950s-style dresses, designer labels and some great accessories – all at bargain prices.

39 Duke Street, Brighton BN1 1AG; tel: 01273 746 346

Alfie’s Antique Market, London

London’s self-confessed largest market for antiques, vintage collectibles and 20th century design, this is a second-hand shop with a difference. An indoor market, it spans five floors and sells everything from clothes to furniture to textiles. There’s also a rooftop café for when the shopping gets too much...

Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-6pm

13-25 Church Street, London NW8 8DT; tel: 020 7723 6066

Shelter shops, Edinburgh

There’s nothing granny-like about this charity, so if you’re looking for some stylish and very cool second-hand garb, head to the Shelter Shop next to Edinburgh University. With all donations going to its homeless charity, this shop is bang up-to-date with the latest vintage fashion – it also has a selection of books and gifts to choose from.

39 Forrest Road, EH1 2QP; tel: 0131 220 4386

Hewitts Farm, Orpington

Forget the usual cheap car-boot tat, this well-established sale is full of high-quantity and quality stock, thanks to its affluent location. It’s mainly second-hand, which makes it perfect for picking that one-off piece for your home. One thing to note is that the boot sale is only open during the winter months (January-April and November-December), as it makes way for ‘pick your own’ during the summer months.
Open every Sunday from 9am. Entry is free.

Court Road, Orpington, Kent BR6; tel: 01959 532 003

The Suffolk Art Deco Fair, Suffolk 

Whether you’re an avid collector of Bakelite or Royal Doulton, or just looking for a quirky bit of furniture with a vintage feel, this art deco fair is for you. With fairs running throughout the year, you can be sure to find something original and not for sale on the high street.

Open 10am-4pm. Entry is £2.50.

Culford School, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP28 6TX

Stroud Vintage, Stroud

For vintage fashion enthusiasts, Stroud Vintage is not to be missed. Stocking an eclectic mix of Victoriana, 20s gowns and shoulder pads (from the first-time around), this vintage store pulls out all the stops with its love of vintage spreading to the décor, music and even the reading matter on display.

30 High Street, Stroud GL5 1AJ

Marie Curie, Eastbourne

If you’re looking for a new wardrobe of clothes, then head down to this cult store on the south coast. Attracting customers from around the world, expect to find vintage at its best.  From platform shoes and boots to 1970s Biba dresses and intricately beaded saris – keep your eyes peeled for bargain designer pieces.

54 Terminus Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3LX; tel: 01323 736 136

Preloved.co.uk

A bit like Gumtree, eBay and a car boot sale all rolled into one, this second-hand only website allows people to advertise their unwanted household goodies, from kitchen cabinets and carpets to telephones and even homes. If you’re looking to spruce up your house without buying new, snuggle up on your sofa and get clicking. And for those of you really strapped for cash, there’s a ‘freeloved’ section, where people give away their unwanted household items.

Hatfield Car Boot Sale, Hatfield

There’s a strict second-hand only policy at this Hertfordshire car boot sale, so don’t expect to find cheap batteries and loo roll here. You are more likely to walk away with unique, antique furniture and vintage clothing – all at bargain prices.

Open every Sunday from 12pm, April to October. Entry is free.

Birchwood Leisure Centre, Hatfield, Hertfordshire; tel: 01992 468 619

Fara Charity Shop, London

Moving away from the fusty image of the stereotypical charity shop, the Italian manager of Fara has given this charity shop a lick of style. Using old magazines to cover furniture, the shop is bursting with high-quality clothing, antique furniture and books. Look for great Italian designers and shoes, and after two weeks, all stock is reduced by 50 per cent.

26 Gloucester Road, Kensington, SW7 4RB; tel: 020 7581 8219

Sellmyweddingdress.co.uk

Want to make your special day extra special? Then visit sellmyweddingdress.co.uk for your ‘something old’, save a bit of money to spend on another part of your big day, and start your married life in an ecofriendly way.