The best places to buy affordable antiques in the UK

Finding affordable antiques can be like searching for a needle in a haystack and, as convenient as buying antiques online can be, nothing beats looking, smelling, running your fingers across a piece in person. Not to mention getting a proper gauge of the size (we’ve all been there). So, we’ve done the legwork for you. We’ve trawled through some of our favourite antique stores across the country and whittled it down to our 10 best places to buy affordable antiques.

Crystal Palace Antiques

Imperial House, Jasper Rd, Norwood, London SE19 1SG

London’s largest antiques center, whether you’re north or south, it’d be rude not to visit Crystal Palace Antiques if you’re serious about sourcing. Located in an old Victorian textile warehouse, its collection of period decor, Art Deco lighting, Mid-century furnishings and much much more is spread across four sprawling floors.

Alice’s

86 Portobello Road W11 2QD London

“Anything and everything a chap can unload is sold off the barrow in Portobello Road”. Well, it’s certainly true of Alice’s. Something of an antique itself, this place doesn’t have a website. So you’ll just have to find out for yourself. 

Alfie’s Antiques

13 - 25 Church St, London NW8 8DT

An Aladdin's cave of antique artefacts, Alfie’s Antiques is west Londoner's go-to place for everything from global artefacts to 1920’s rarities. A favourite amongst interior designers they’re constantly refreshing their stock so no two visits will be the same. 

Hemswell Antiques

Caenby Corner Estate, Hemswell Cliff, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 5TJ

The largest antique dealership in all of Europe, it would be remiss to not mention Hemswell Antiques. Host to over 400 dealers, if you’re looking for it, there’s a good chance they’ll have it. And if they don’t you’ll probably find something even better. Never a wasted trip, Hemswell Antiques is always worth a visit. 

Snoopers Paradise

7/8 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1 4AL

Tucked down Brighton’s vibrant North Laines, Snoopers is a place for those of you who love a rummage. Filled to the rafters with vintage, mid-century modern, Art Deco, and just plain random finds it’s a lot of fun—and very well priced. 

Petworth Antiques Market

East Street, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0AB

An antiques mecca, the West-Sussex locale of Petworth is home to over 30 antique shops, but Petworth Antiques Market is the cream of the crop. Here you’ll find everything from Edwardian children’s beds to Georgian fireplaces and someone’s Grandfather’s clock. If you’re feeling brave, go on and haggle a little on the price too. 

The Junk Shop

9 Greenwich South Street, London, SE10 8NW

They say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. But fortunately, there’s nothing trash about the stock at Greenwich’s Junk Shop. They offer a ‘house clearance service’ so you really will find a bit of everything spread across its 14 units, at exceptionally affordable prices. 

Frome Reclamation

Station Approach, Frome BA11 1RE

Frome is always a good idea. We love this quirky Somerset town and it’s a really good idea if you’re looking for well-priced antiques. If so, Frome Reclamation is your one-stop shop for architectural salvage and one-of-a-kind curios. 

LASSCO

30 Wandsworth Road, London, SW8 2LG 

37 Maltby Street, London SE1 3PA

With not one but two London outposts there’s no need to shop on an empty stomach at LASSCO as both its Vauxhall and Bermondsey locales include rather tasty restaurants. Great for everything from oversized architectural finds and little vintage curios.  

The French House

The Warehouse, North Lane, York YO32 9SU

Surely one of the largest collections of all things Gallic, The French House, includes a selection of beds, mirrors, lights, tables and seating, as well as smaller decorative items and curios, ranging from the 17th to 20th Century. If you’re based down south, they have another outlet in Parsons Green, Pintor. 

Hand of Glory Antiques

34 Market Pl, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3HP

A much-loved secret amongst interior designers Hand of Glory antiques has been furnishing the homes of Wiltshire for decades. With everything from Georgian furniture to global textiles, they even run an upholstery service (should you wish to reupholster than Georgian Wingback). 

Got the antiquarian bug? Be the star of your own Antiques Roadshow and tick off a few of our 5 best antiques fairs.