5 destinations to scratch your thrifting itch

Stop the online shopping right now. Britain’s best finds aren’t in your basket, they’re waiting in quirky vintage stores, car boot sales and charity shops scattered across the country.  

If you’re keen to shop sustainably and want to uncover hidden gems, thrifting is the way to go. Whether you’re rummaging for retro records in Manchester or sifting through rails of designer donations in London, every stop is an excuse to explore a new corner of the UK.  

Grab your shopping bags and let’s make thrifting the highlight of your next weekend escape. Here are 5 destinations that are guaranteed to come through with the goods.  

It’s no surprise that London is home to some of the best thrift stores. From hidden charity shops brimming with designer items to massive vintage warehouses stacked floor to ceiling with retro treasures, the capital is a dream come true for bargain hunters and style seekers alike. 

Spend an entire afternoon on Brick Lane rifling through the racks at Rokit Vintage, Beyond Retro, and Atika. Then make your way west to the legendary Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill, where every Saturday, the street transforms into a treasure trove of antiques, vintage clothes, and quirky collectibles.  

If you want to donate to a good cause, head to North London’s Stoke Newington Church Street and West Hampstead where you’ll find charity shops filled with wares from the well-to-do.   

If you don’t fancy lugging your finds too far, try booking a room at the Best Western Victoria Palace hotel.  

Manchester’s Northern Quarter is known for its creative spirit. Indie boutiques and vintage stores spill onto graffiti-splashed streets, offering up everything from reworked streetwear to rare retro gems. 

Start your thrifting at Blue Rinse, an iconic spot where rails of colourful denim, bold prints, and nostalgic 90s pieces are waiting to be rediscovered.  

Just around the corner, you’ll find Pop Boutique, packed with classic leather jackets, vintage dresses, and accessories you won’t find anywhere else. And don’t miss Cow Vintage, a favourite with students and stylists alike, where sustainable fashion and affordable prices go hand in hand. 

Once you’ve got your hands on some thrifted items, explore the rest of the Northern Quarter. It’s full of cool cafes, bars and restaurants. The Velvet Hotel, WolrdHotels Crafted, is only a 10 minute walk away on the iconic Canal Street. 

You can’t beat a bit of shopping by the seaside, especially in Brighton. As well as being home to the iconic Brighton Pier, it’s also home to some of the best stores for thrifting.  

Head to the colourful, quirky streets of North Laine where you’ll find Snoopers Paradise, a famous indoor flea market with 90 stalls under one roof. Pick up lamps, mirrors and small items of furniture before making your way upstairs to the ‘Snoopers Attic’. Here you’ll find a range of vintage clothing waiting to go home with you.  

Four sections of the shop are also dedicated to pre-owned vinyl and books looking for a new home. End the day with seaside views before heading back to the Best Western Princes Marine Hotel, situated right on the seafront. 

We can’t discuss thrifting destinations without mentioning Liverpool, a city that’s not just home to the Beatles but also an exciting shopping scene.  

Each part of Liverpool has its own personality and its own secondhand haunts to explore. Whether you’re wandering the Georgian Quarter or the bohemian Baltic Triangle, you’ll discover a mix of affordable thrift shops and upscale vintage boutiques.  

Located on Renshaw Street is the legendary 69A. Uncover antiques, rare books, ethnic art, vintage clothing, and curiosities from every corner of the globe. You’ll easily lose an afternoon here. 

After hitting 69A, step into Resurrection, one of Liverpool’s best-known vintage clothing stores. Expect rails of 80s and 90s sportswear, denim jackets, retro streetwear, and quirky accessories. Just remember to leave extra space in your luggage for all the rare finds you walk out with.  

Take the weight off your feet at the Dockside Aparthotel, BW Signature Collection by Best Western, where you can choose from one or two-bedroom apartments and make it a stay to remember. 

Newark may not be high on you must-visit vintage shopping list but the market town is home to Europe’s largest antiques fair spread over 84 acres at the Newark International Antiques and Collectors Fair.  

Two-days of antique antics hit the town’s showground once a month and welcomes over 1,500 stands selling a range of antique, vintage items. Shop everything from furniture to silver, delicate ceramics to vintage clothing and much more.  

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just a curious shopper, you’ll find something that catches your eye. Make your time in Nottinghamshire a comfortable one with a break at the Best Western Plus Nottingham Westminster Hotel.