Last updated:
London has some of the best charity shops in the country, and in the wealthy neighbourhoods they are a genuine source of designer and high-end second-hand at a fraction of the price. Thrifting here is both sustainable and rewarding. Here is where to find the best charity shops, area by area.
The wealthy-neighbourhood gold mines
Charity shops in affluent areas such as Marylebone, Chelsea, Kensington, Primrose Hill and Hampstead are famous for designer donations, from premium high street to luxury labels. These are the places to hunt for a bargain with a label.
Specialist and flagship shops
Several charities run curated vintage and boutique-style shops, and dedicated bookshops, where stock is sorted and priced by knowledgeable staff. They cost a little more than a standard branch but save you the rummage.
Tips for charity-shop hunting
Visit a cluster of shops in one wealthy area for the best hit rate, go on weekday mornings soon after restocking, and check items carefully for condition. Many shops now also sell online, but the in-person finds are the fun part.
Good to know
Pair a charity-shop crawl with our vintage shops and car boot sales guides, and the wider shopping scene.
