A Guide to Second-Hand Shopping in Bristol

Bristol offers a vibrant landscape for those looking to shop sustainably, with a wide array of charity shops, second-hand stores, and regular markets. Whether you are hunting for vintage furniture, affordable clothing, or unique household items, the city provides numerous opportunities to find pre-loved treasures. This guide outlines how to plan a productive second-hand shopping day, grouping venues by type and providing practical advice for both buyers and sellers.

Planning Your Route

To make the most of your day, it is helpful to group your visits by location and opening hours. Many shops are clustered along major thoroughfares like Gloucester Road and Bath Road, allowing you to walk between multiple stores without needing transport. Start your day early, as some shops open at 09:00, and plan to visit markets on their specific operating days. Always check current opening hours before traveling, as they may change due to holidays or staffing.

Charity Shops: The Backbone of Second-Hand Retail

Charity shops are abundant in Bristol and offer a wide range of goods, from clothing to homeware. Saint Peter’s Hospice has a significant presence with multiple locations. You can visit their shop on Church Road (Mo-Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 10:00-16:00), Canford Lane (Mo-Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 10:00-16:00), and Whiteladies Road (Mo-Sa 09:30-17:30; Su 10:00-16:00). Other Saint Peter’s Hospice locations include Brislington Hill (Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00; Su 10:00-16:00), Henleaze Road (Mo-Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 10:00-16:00), and St. James Barton Roundabout (Mo-Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 11:00-16:00). Note that the shop on Gloucester Road North is closed on Sundays.

British Heart Foundation shops are also widely available. Check out the locations on Regent Street (Mo-Sa 09:30-17:00; Su 10:00-16:00), Bath Road (Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00; Su 10:00-16:00), and Gloucester Road (Mo-Sa 09:30-17:00; Su 10:00-16:00). For those interested in cancer research support, Cancer Research UK has shops on Bath Road (Mo-Sa 09:30-18:00; Su 10:00-16:00) and Gloucester Road (Mo-Fr 09:00-17:30; Sa 09:00-17:30; Su 11:00-17:00).

Other notable charity shops include Oxfam on Cotham Hill (Mo-Sa 09:30-17:30) and Regent Street (Mo-Fr 10:00-17:30; Sa 10:00-17:00). Barnardo’s is located on Henleaze Road (Mo-Sa 09:00-16:40; Su 10:00-15:40), while Marie Curie operates on Gloucester Road (Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 11:00-17:00). Emmaus has two locations: Bedminster Parade (Mo, We-Sa 10:00-16:30; Tu 11:00-16:30) and Upper York Street (Mo 10:00-16:30, Tu 11:00-16:30, We-Sa 10:00-16:30). Additional options include Little Steps on Zetland Road (Mo-Sa 09:30-17:30), Shelter on Gloucester Road (Mo-Sa 09:30-17:30; Su 11:00-17:00), and Mind on Cotham Hill (Mo-Sa 09:30-17:30, Su 11:00-17:00).

Second-Hand and Reuse Shops

For specific items like furniture or general household goods, dedicated second-hand and reuse shops are excellent resources. The Reclaimers on Gloucester Road is a major hub, open Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00 and Su 10:00-17:00. The Sofa Project, also on Gloucester Road, specializes in furniture and is open Tu-Sa 09:30-17:30.

Monmouthshire Upcycle, located at Stational Yard Industrial Estate, offers upcycled goods with hours of Tu-We, Fr 09:00-16:00; Th 09:00-19:00; Sa 09:30-16:00. Reuse is another option, open Mo, Tu, Fr, Sa, Su 09:30-15:30. If you are in the Keynsham area, the Keynsham Reuse Shop on World's End Lane is open Tu-Fr 09:00-15:30 and Sa 09:30-15:00, though it is closed on public holidays.

Several other second-hand shops operate with varying hours or by appointment. These include SOFA Retail Outlet, Sustainabilty Hub, Revilo Interiors, St Philips Reuse Shop, and Rhubarb Jumble on Gloucester Road. It is advisable to contact these shops directly to confirm their current trading times.

Markets and Flea Markets

Markets provide a different shopping experience, often featuring independent traders and car boot sales. The Tobacco Factory Market operates on Sundays from 10:00-14:30. The Harbourside Market is a popular destination, open We-Th 12:00-14:30 and Sa-Su 11:00-16:00. For a quick lunchtime browse, the Temple Quay Market is open Tu and Th from 12:00-14:00.

For a more traditional flea market experience, the Whitchurch Car Boot Sale is a well-known event. While specific dates and times can vary, it is a staple for bargain hunters. Always verify the schedule for car boot sales before setting out, as they are often weather-dependent.

Antique Shops

If you are looking for higher-quality vintage or antique items, Bristol has specialized shops. Piglets, located on Saint Johns Lane, is open We-Fr 10:00-14:00 and Sa 10:00-17:00. Pastimes on Lower Park Row offers antiques with hours of Mo-Sa 10:30-13:45, 14:45-16:30, and We 11:00-13:45, 14:45-16:30. These shops are ideal for finding unique decor or collectibles.

Additional Charity Locations

Beyond the major chains, several other charity shops contribute to the second-hand ecosystem. These include Tenovus (Mo-Sa 09:00-17:00 and Mo-Sa 09:30-17:30 on Gloucester Road), Cats Protection (Mo-Sa 09:00-17:00 on Gloucester Road), and age uk (Mo-Sa 09:00-17:00; Su 10:00-16:00 on Broad Walk). Other locations such as RSPCA on High Street, St David's Hospice Care on Bulwark Road and High Street, For The Pets on East Street, and Sue Ryder on Channons Hill and Emerson Way also offer second-hand goods. Note that hours for some of these smaller or less frequently listed shops may vary, so checking locally is recommended.

Tips for Selling Your Own Items

If you have items to sell, consider hosting a garage sale or participating in a market. When selling at a garage sale, organize items clearly by category and price them reasonably. Use clear signage to attract passersby and be prepared to negotiate. Ensure you have change available for cash transactions.

For market stalls, arrive early to set up and choose a spot with good visibility. Bring a table, display stands, and a way to secure your goods if the weather is windy. Engage with customers politely and be ready to share the history or condition of your items. Always check with the market organizer regarding pitch fees and rules before the event. For charity donations, contact the specific shop beforehand to ask what items they currently need, as many have limited space for large furniture or seasonal goods.

Conclusion

Bristol’s second-hand shopping scene is diverse and accessible, with options ranging from large charity chains to independent antique stores and weekly markets. By planning your route around opening hours and grouping visits by area, you can efficiently explore the city’s sustainable retail offerings. Whether you are buying or selling, these venues provide a community-focused alternative to mainstream retail, supporting local causes and reducing waste.