The best second-hand shops near London
Whether you’re a charity shop trawler or a total novice, buying pre-loved items is one of the most sustainable ways to shop. Second-hand shopping keeps perfectly good clothes, homeware and furniture out of landfills and reduces the demand for new things to be produced. So, if you’re in need of some eco-conscious retail therapy, head to these areas around London for a charity shop crawl.
Tunbridge Wells
If you’re in search of charity shop bargains or second-hand furniture, Tunbridge Wells is well worth a visit, boasting over a dozen charity shops in the town centre. You’ll find the usual suspects including Oxfam, Barnardo’s and Cancer Research UK for second-hand clothes, books and the usual knick-knacks. If you’re on the hunt for homewares, there is a British Heart Foundation specialising in furniture and electricals, as well as the YMCA Furniture Warehouse – ideal for if you’re moving to a new house soon!
Distance from London by car: 43 miles
Crouch End
You don’t have to travel far to find high streets crammed with charity shops in London. Crouch End in North London might have the look and feel of a village, but as the innumerable charity shops will attest, the residents certainly have style. This is the place to go for second-hand vintage designer clothing, with the Shelter store even curating a designer rail featuring the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Armani. Don’t miss the antique store Junk ‘N8’ Disorderly, which is well worth a rummage for unique home decor.
Distance from London by car: 6 miles
Guildford
Dotted throughout, you can find charity shops in Guildford town centre that are well worth a rummage if you’ve got the time and patience. An Oxfam Bookshop a Phyllis Tuckwell Furniture & Home Store and Shooting Star Chase are the standout charity shops among the usual suspects. From antique sewing machines to classical literature, you’ll find it all and more at these second-hand stores.
Distance from London by car: 32 miles
Leatherhead
With over half a dozen charity shops in the town centre, Leatherhead has plenty for bargain hunters to get stuck into. But the jewel in the second-hand crown is undoubtedly the Oxfam Bridal shop. Brides-to-be can find anything from vintage lace gowns from the 50s to modern designs, as well as accessories, shoes and even outfits for bridesmaids and the mother of the bride.
Distance from London by car: 21 miles
Chiswick
If it’s kids clothing and toys you’re in need of, Chiswick’s charity shops don’t disappoint. Fara Kids is a charity shop dedicated to little ones, and with plenty of yummy mummies in the area, the clothing and games are of excellent quality. Chiswick High Road has no less than six second-hand stores, with a further five on Turnham Green Terrace including a Boutique Shelter which features all the best pieces curated from donations to Shelter shops across west London.
Distance from London by car: 6 miles
Wimbledon
The more affluent areas tend to feature more high-end second-hand finds, and Wimbledon’s charity shops are no exception. From Monsoon and Phase Eight to Dolce & Gabbana, who knows what a rummage through the charity shops on The Broadway might get you? The prices tend to run slightly higher than in similar stores, but every penny is going to a good cause.
Distance from London by car: 8 miles
Need a Zipcar to bring your favourite charity shop bargains home?
Zipcar Flex lets you pick up, pay-as-you-go, and drop off anywhere in the Zipzone. If you're heading further a field and plan to load up on treasures, take a Zipcar Roundtrip.
