The best charity shops in London for vintage and designer finds

London is indisputably one of the best spots in the world for charity shopping.

Once seen as a past time that only pensioners would partake in, you're now more likely to find a millennial trawling through the rails on a Saturday afternoon, desperate to hunt down a suitably unique bargain.

Perhaps because of a diminishing disposable income or because of the rising backlash against fast fashion, the popularity of charity shops is bigger than ever.

But where do you go for the best bargains? In which shops are you most likely to find those designer and vintage gems?

Here to help you separate the treasure from the trash, we've rounded up the best charity shops in London.

All Aboard, West Hampstead

Of the many All Aboard shops across the city, West Hampstead’s branch stands out the most. With a store-front rivalling the vintage backstreets of Brick Lane, the shop, which helps raise money for numerous Jewish charities across London, is a must for scuffed, colourful accessories, chintzy homeware and aged crockery.

Find it: 224 West End Lane, NW6 1UF‎; allaboardshops.com

Cancer Research UK, Marylebone

A celebrity hotspot frequented by Kate Moss and Sienna Miller, this central branch of Cancer Research UK is but a short walk from the chaos of Bond Street, and shelters some of the leading names in both men’s and women’s fashion. With Louboutin, Dior and Miu Miu known to pop up on its rails, this secluded charity shop is giving Selfridges a run for its money.

Find it: Marylebone High St, W1U 4PQ; cancerresearchuk.org

Fara Kids, Pimlico

Fara Kids charity shops bring affordable options to parents seeking clothes, books and toys for children of all ages. With proceeds going to programmes for disadvantaged children, this particular outlet in Pimlico offers a spacious, friendly experience for families to seek out clothes and treats in good condition and at knock-off prices.

Find it: 40 Tachbrook St, SW1V 2JS; faracharityshops.org

Mary’s Living and Giving, Primrose Hill

Retail expert Mary Portas works with Save the Children across a number of high-end charity shops across the capital to promote an ethical, luxurious experience for bargain hunters. Run by local volunteers, Portas has pioneered a new direction for charity shopping that incorporates the community and raises money for worthy causes. The Primrose Hill chapter of Living and Giving shuns the rickety rails of its rivals and instead gives a bohemian, cosy space in which to browse.

Find it: 11 Clifton Rd, W9 1SZ; savethechildren.org.uk

Octavia, Hampstead Heath

A thirty-second walk from the hilly heights of Hampstead Heath, Octavia has a smart head for seasonal shopping. They lower their winter stock during the winter months, ensuring even more of a bargain, and are never short of picnic attire and summertime accessories for an afternoon in one of London's best outdoor spaces.

Find it: 33 South End Rd, NW3 2PY; octaviafoundation.org.uk

Oxfam, Dalston

Set along of the more cutting high streets of London, this huge branch of Oxfam is best known for its music and book collections as well as its impressive array of vintage and couture clothes, with £10 leather jackets and £1 vinyl records aplenty. Its strong community following and surrounding hubbub of clothes shops and cafes make this less of a charity store and more of an institution amongst North East Londoners. Not for the faint-hearted, this Oxfam is renowned for bold statement pieces and pop-up cultural events.

Find it: 514-518 Kingsland Rd, E8 4AR; oxfamdalston.wordpress.com

British Red Cross, Chelsea

This is the top charity shop for celebrity cast-offs, with the Beckhams known to stop-by with their unwanted items. Laden with hand-me-downs from Chelsea residents, expect labels galore in mint condition from this self-proclaimed “designer charity shop.” Max Mara, Vivienne Westwood and Hugo Boss are just some of the names that can be found in one of the most popular charity shops in London.

Find it: 69-71 Old Church St, SW3 5BS; redcross.org.uk

Oxfam Boutique, Westbourne Grove

One of Oxfam’s elite “boutique” outlets, Westbourne Grove houses one of the more prominent branches, with a focus on organic, Fair Trade and recycled clothes and accessories. Blending into its high-fashion surroundings and just moments from Portobello market, this particular store strikes a decent balance between vintage finds, designer cast-offs and unique high street finds.

Find it: 245 Westbourne Grove, W11 2SE; oxfam.org.uk

Save the Children, Clapham

South of the river offers an impressive array of second-hand shops, with Clapham in particular boasting a high ratio of charity shops amongst its high street stores. Leading the pack is Save the Children on Clapham High Street, a few strides from the overground station. This small shop is packed full of colourful clothes and cute bric-a-brac, and prides itself on its spirited clientele and friendly volunteers.

Find it: 36 Clapham High St, SW4 7UR; savethechildren.org.uk

Traid, Brixton

Similarly to Dalston’s Oxfam branch, Traid in Brixton has become its own entity with frequent pop-up events and gigs amongst the rails of second-hand treasures. Late night opening hours, personalised styling sessions and DJ sets make this charity shop something else altogether, with the clothes just part of the experience. Traid also encourages customers to sign a “secondhand first” pledge, where they agree to make up a percentage of their wardrobe from sustainable sources such as charity shops and clothes swaps.

Find it: 2 Acre Lane, SW2 5SG; traid.co.uk

Fara, Northcote Road

As you’d expect of perfectly manicured Northcote Road (dubbed ‘Nappy Valley’ by some) the Fara is beautifully laid out and has the finesse of a boutique, rather than the chaos of a jumble sale. Due to the affluent area it resides in, you can expect to find a wealth of designer and high end high street wear. The bag selection is particularly good.

Find it: 70 Chatham Road, SW11 6HG; faracharityshops.org

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