As a fashion lover and sucker for used books, I love visiting what I consider to be the best charity shops in London.
There are not a lot of big charity shops in Central London, but hop on the Tube, and bingo!
You can find some of the best thrift shops in London with amazing secondhand designer clothes, used books, and other bags, shoes, and homeware.
I have written quite a lot about the best charity shops in Chelsea, East London, Muswell Hill, Camden, and North Finchley.
At last, finally, I am putting together the ultimate guide to the best charity shops in London for secondhand clothes, accessories, and jewelry.
Some of the best things to buy in London charity shops are definitely clothes, and when you’re in one of the right areas, you’re bound to find heavily discounted, preloved designer clothes.
That’s all the fun of charity shopping in London, though.
Creating – recreating – a new style for yourself while only cashing out a handful of pounds.
The only sad thing is that cheap scented candle lovers won’t often find candles, even in the best charity shops in London.
Oh well – at least for amazing preloved clothes, you’ll find all you need in these hidden gems.
In this guide, I will tell you about all the best charity shops in London for secondhand clothes (and secondhand designer clothes where possible), and the biggest charity shops as well.
20 Best Charity Shops in London from Central to Chelsea
Before we start, let me answer a few questions about charity shopping in London you might have:
What are the best things to buy in the best charity shops in London?
In my opinion and in my experience, the best things to buy in charity shops are clothes, jewelry, accessories, secondhand books, small homeware, and home decor.
Their condition depends greatly on the area; in some richer areas in London, you’ll find discounted designer clothes that are almost brand new.
In less rich areas, you’ll find mostly high-street brands and colorful vintage bits from time to time.
What is the best area for the best charity shops in London?
That depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re looking for secondhand designer clothes, go West to Chelsea, Kings Road, Kensington, and Notting Hill.
There are some amazing, underrated charity shops for designer clothes in Muswell Hill as well.
If you’re looking specifically for books (that will be the topic of another post later on), some of the best charity bookshops are in Central London.
You’ll also find lots of worthy charity bookshops in North London around Highgate, Muswell Hill, and Kentish Town.
However, lots of charity shops in London also carry large ranges of used books.
Where are the biggest charity shops in London?
Usually, you will find the biggest charity shops in London in the ‘suburbs’, around Kentish Town, Dalston, East London, and Chelsea.
There are not too many big charity shops in Central London, and I will tell you about the biggest and best charity shops in London in this post, so let’s get started!
Best Charity Shops in East London
Best Charity Shops in London: Traid Dalston
Love Dalston – always have, always will.
Close to Dalston, you’ve got another super cute area, Stoke Newington, where you can find pet friendly cafes and vegan cakes, and the whole area is a mix between posh and hipster.
The lively East London area that is Dalston is home to Traid Dalston, one of the very best charity shops in London for secondhand clothes.
The huge charity shop is filled with lots of womenswear, menswear, kidswear, and accessories spanning from jewelry to scarves, handbags, and shoes.
Lots of choices, one of the biggest charity shops in London if you want to find that rare piece of clothing.
Best Charity Shops in London: Oxfam Dalston
Oxfam Dalston is one of the biggest – and utterly best charity shops in London.
I’ve said it before and will claim it again: Oxfam shops in London are some of the best to go charity shopping.
I always find lots of clean, well-cut, amazing secondhand clothes at Oxfam.
I do not count the number of times I have visited this shop.
Dalston is one of my favorite areas in London, and nearby Stoke Newington has a perfect Turkish restaurant, Aziziye, in one of the most beautiful blue sceneries.
If you’re willing to browse racks for your next best fashion gem, Oxfam Dalston will be one of the best charity shops in East London for you.
You will find there deliciously exquisite accessories, clothes, hats, scarves, jewelry, and whatnot, and it would be a shame to miss out on it.
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London Rainbow Fashion Bethnal Green
The London Rainbow Fashion charity shop in Bethnal Green is one of the newly opened charity shops in East London.
I was walking around Bethnal Green one day on the way to Brick Lane, where I wanted to get my fix of rainbow bagels at Beigel Bake Brick Lane.
That’s when I noticed this colorful charity shop that I had never seen before.
Established only a few months ago, at the beginning of 2022, the London Rainbow Fashion shop offers a mix of pure vintage clothes and charity clothes.
The selection is carefully curated, and you will find especially colorful vintage and secondhand clothes in this Bethnal Green Road charity shop.
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Best Charity Shops in North London & North West London
– Charity Shops in Camden & Primrose Hill
Best Charity Shops in London: Traid Camden
I only have good words for Traid Camden, one of the utterly best charity shops in London for whoever wants to find purely creative, artistic, and really trendy clothes.
I never quite understood just how Traid Camden makes their selection of secondhand clothes.
Yet, they’re always spot on, with beautiful vintage clothes and secondhand goods perfect to create and recreate a new style for yourself.
Perfectly in line with the Camden Town vibe, Traid Camden, although it is not the biggest thrift shop around, allows for great bargains.
And this, especially if you’re looking for artsy, hipster, and even secondhand designer clothes sometimes.
One of the best charity shops in London for whoever loves the Camden vibe and almost-brand-new clothes.
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Mary’s Living and Giving Shop Primrose Hill
One of the very best charity shops in London is Mary’s Living and Giving Shop for Save the Children in Primrose Hill.
A long name, and an even longer list of secondhand designer clothes in that decently-sized charity shop just a few minutes away from the heart of Camden Town.
A charity shop lover’s den in Primrose Hill, with a few knick-knacks for home and a good selection of secondhand books as well.
If you’re looking for the best charity shops in London for designer clothes, jewelry and accessories, that is one of the most famous shops to do so…
Every fashion lover should visit Mary’s Living and Giving Shop for Save the Children at least once.
Read: The Best Stationery Stores in London
– Charity Shops in Kentish Town
British Heart Foundation Kentish Town
The British Heart Foundation on Kentish Town Road is one of the biggest charity shops in London.
Located on a street where you will find about ten charity shops, and close to the most colorful streets in Camden, the British Heart Foundation is a hidden gem.
It’s filled with jewelry, shoes, and endless amounts of secondhand clothes.
One of the very best charity shops in North London, and well worth the trip to go on a charity shop crawl in the area.
Nearby Oxfam Bookshop and Amnesty Bookshop are some of the best places for secondhand books in London and are located just a few minutes away on foot towards Kentish Town station.
Again, this is one of the best charity shops in London due to its size.
Plus, if you’re looking for sunglasses, jewelry, shoes, and other accessories, you’ll find a lot at the British Heart Foundation in Kentish Town.
Read: The Best Charity Shops in Kentish Town
Best Charity Shops in London: PDSA Kentish Town
PDSA is one of the charity shops in North London on Kentish Town Road that gives back to the animal world by providing free veterinarian care.
If you’re looking for secondhand designer clothes, accessories, jewelry, or your next favorite vintage gem, PDSA Kentish Town is probably one of the biggest, and best charity shops in London for that matter.
Secondhand books and some home decor can also be found there.
One of the utterly best charity shops in London whether you’re looking for secondhand clothes, jewelry, bags, and cute little fashionable bits and bobs.
Read: Pho Ta Kentish Town Review
– Charity Shops in Muswell Hill
Best Charity Shops in London: Boutique By Shelter Muswell Hill
Boutique By Shelter in Muswell Hill is one of the best charity shops in London if you’re specifically after secondhand designer clothes.
Mango, Office shoes, and lots of rather neutral vintage designer clothes can be found there.
Ordered by color, the clothes at Boutique by Shelter are really interesting, and quite affordable given the area.
I’ve only been to Boutique by Shelter in Muswell Hill a handful of times.
Still, every time I have been, I have been able to find lots of secondhand designer clothes at quite affordable prices given their state.
If you’re looking to splurge on almost brand new clothes at a fraction of the price, Boutique by Shelter is one of the best charity shops in London to do so.
Read: The Most Colorful Places in London
Best Charity Shops in London: Mind Muswell Hill
Mind Muswell Hill is one of the newly opened charity shops in London, and the North London charity has lots of high-end brands on its racks.
I discovered it while living in North Finchley, and was walking around Muswell Hill one day in search of new charity shops I didn’t know.
You’ll find the usual PrettyLittleThing, Bershka, and H&M there, mixed with Coach, Adidas, and Kate Spade.
Pricier than a lot of the shops in this guide, Mind Muswell Hill is nevertheless one of the ultimate best charity shops in London for fashion finds.
Read: The Biggest TK Maxx in London
– Other Charity Shops in North London
Best Charity Shops in London: Fara Islington
One of the first shops I visited when going charity shopping in London for the first time, Fara in Islington near Angel is very spacious.
I didn’t pass by Angel and King’s Cross often when I moved to Tottenham last year.
Yet, every time I got the chance, I would pay a visit to Fara in Islington, because I’ve always considered it one of the ultimately best charity shops in London.
The collection is huge and changes absolutely all the time, so if you’re looking for bags, trendy clothes, jewelry, or scarves, you’re sure to go home with something new.
You will find at the Fara Charity shop lots of amazing secondhand clothes for women and men, along with bits and bobs of homeware, books, shoes, and accessories.
Its location is perfect if you’d like to have brunch in Kings Cross before going on a charity shop crawl.
Read: The Best Cat Cafes in London & Pet Friendly Cafes
Best Charity Shops in London: Second Chance Archway
Second Chance Archway is one of the best charity shops in London for whoever wants to find the most eclectic and biggest shop in North London.
Seriously, the Second Chance charity shop is huge, and it hosts amazing amounts of secondhand clothes, books, shoes, and lots of homeware (no scented candles, though).
Located between Tufnell Park, Archway, and Highgate, that is a perfect spot to go charity shopping in London.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in London
Best Charity Shops in London: Shop From Crisis Finsbury Park
Shop from Crisis in Finsbury Park is one of the biggest charity shops in London.
Located close to the N4 Library, one of the best free libraries in London to work and study, Shop from Crisis has a mix of secondhand clothes that will make your head turn.
Finsbury Park, in my opinion, is way too underrated.
You’ve got lots of cafes and restaurants there, in addition to some of the best charity shops in London a stone’s throw away on Holloway Road.
The prices at Shop from Crisis in Finsbury Park are on the cheaper side, as is the rule in less posh areas in London.
You’ll find in this North London charity shop designer clothes galore, high-street brands, and lots of vintage bits and bobs, including exquisite homeware and home decor.
Read: The Best Free Quiet Study Places in London
Best Charity Shops in London: All Aboard West Hampstead
One of my favorite shops, when I go charity shopping in London, is All Aboard in North Finchley; I’ve found countless clothes at £3 there – brand new, branded clothes too.
All Aboard West Hampstead is another branch you should visit for an old-school type of thrift shop.
Lots of colorful, secondhand, and vintage clothes at amazing prices – isn’t that what we’re after?
Read: The Best Candle Shops in London
Best Charity Shops in South West London & West London
– Charity Shops on Kings Road and Chelsea
Octavia Foundation Chelsea
The Octavia Foundation is one of the charity shops on Kings Road that you have to have on your bucket list if you love fashion.
One of the poshest areas in London by far, Chelsea and its Kings Road charity boast more designer brands than I could remember.
Nine West, Karl Lagerfeld, Celine, Miu Miu – if you’re looking for the best charity shops in London to satisfy that fashion craving, your solace will be at the Octavia Foundation.
Read: The Best Makeup Shops in London
Best Charity Shops in London: British Red Cross Chelsea
The British Red Cross is one of the charity shops near Kings Road well worth both your time and your budget.
Want to find some of the best vintage clothes in London?
The British Red Cross charity shop is an address you have to visit for its impressive range of secondhand designer clothes.
Think Dior, Prada, Armani, D&G, and Gucci.
Not the cheapest charity shop in London, that’s for sure, but amazing when you really, really want vintage designer finds.
The other, smaller British Red Cross has a large offer of beautiful secondhand homeware – interesting if you’re into home decor.
Read: The Best Places to Buy Cheap Yankee Candles UK
– Charity Shops in Notting Hill and Portobello Road
Royal Trinity Hospice Portobello
Some time ago, while I was looking for all the most colorful houses in Notting Hill, I came across the Royal Trinity Hospice on Portobello Road.
Before I headed over to Lisboa Patisserie, one of my favorite places for breakfast in Notting Hill, I went inside the charity shop and found oh-so-many branded, discounted designer clothes.
A medium-sized shop – you won’t spend hours there, but you will find some great brands.
Read: The Best Budget Shops in London
Best Charity Shops in London: Royal Trinity Hospice Notting Hill
The Royal Trinity Hospice on Notting Hill Gate is one of the best charity shops in London for whoever likes the sustainable, independent boutique atmosphere.
Countless preloved yet brand new secondhand designer clothes are to be found on the Royal Trinity Hospice’s racks, close to Portobello Road.
I have only been to the Notting Hill Gate charity shop a few times.
Yet, every time I have visited, I have found great brands there that included Michael Kors, Russell & Bromley, and other amazing secondhand designer clothes.
Great state and pretty good prices seeing as these are some high-end brands – one of the best charity shops in London if you’re looking for high-street and couture secondhand clothes.
Read: The Best Nontouristy Things to Do in London
Best Charity Shops in London: Fara Portobello
Located on Elgin Crescent in Notting Hill, probably one of the most expensive streets in London, the Fara Portobello charity shop always has a really clean and colorful selection of secondhand designer clothes.
Really decently sized, it might not be the biggest charity shop in London, but it is definitely one of the most interesting.
There, you’ll find a good range of men’s clothes and women’s clothes as well, along with some accessories that are all in really good condition.
Accordingly, this is one of the best charity shops in London if you’re looking for high-end and couture brands discounted.
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Best Charity Shops in Central London
Best Charity Shops in Central London: Pop 38 Soho
Pop 38 is one of the best charity shops in London if you’re looking for an eclectic type of shop.
Far from being the biggest charity shop in London, Pop 38 is a rather small charity located in the heart of Soho.
Colorful, Pop 38 boasts everything from secondhand designer clothes for women to vintage jewelry, shoes, and hats.
A must-visit if you’re looking for the best charity shops in Central London, located close to some of the cutest pink cafes in London, with lots of amazing clothes and accessories on offer.
Just one of the oh-too-underrated charity shops in London.
Read: Elan Cafe Soho Review
Best Charity Shops in London: Cancer Research Marylebone
The Cancer Research in Marylebone is one of the most famous charity shops in Central London, and it boasts dozens of designer and high-street branded clothes.
Although we have seen it, the biggest charity shops in London are located far from Central, Oxford Street, and Mayfair, Cancer Research in Marylebone is one more-than-decently-sized charity shop.
Expect to find amazing, amazing, amazing secondhand clothes, books, and homeware at prices matching the location.
Plus, not too far, you’ve got some of the most instagrammable cafes in London, perfect to rest a little bit while roaming the city in search of the best bargains.
Read: The Best Cafes in London Bridge
20 Best Charity Shops in London from Central to Chelsea
There you have them, all the best charity shops in London for that next secondhand fashion find.
Whether you’re looking for discounted designer clothes for women or secondhand clothes for your partner or your kid, you’ll definitely find here some of the biggest charity shops in London.
And who says biggest, says you’ll have plenty of racks to browse.
So, take some time for yourself, and head on to charity shops on Kings Road, Notting Hill, and Muswell Hill for some of the best secondhand designer clothes.
Otherwise, for secondhand fashion that doesn’t break the bank, I’d advise going to all the East London charity shops located around Whitechapel, Bethnal Green, and Shoreditch.
Until next time!
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