England has an endless variety of flea markets selling everything from trash to treasures. Bargains can still be found and with the current chaos of Brexit, the pound is down and makes the dollar stretch further.
Below are 10 of the largest flea markets throughout England. Although scheduled with regular days, keep in mind that the number of vendors at each market will greatly depend on the weather: the nicer the day, the more vendors. Most markets operate from late Spring until early Fall and tend to shut down during the winter months.
1. Newark International Antiques & Collectors Fair
Held every other month at the Newark and Nottinghamshire Showground on an enormous 84-acre site, up to 2,500 stands attract thousands of dealers from across Europe, North America and Asia who, along with domestic buyers and collectors, make regular pilgrimages here for some serious purchasing.
Number of Vendors |
1000+ |
2019 Show Dates |
May 30 & 31 (Thursday & Friday) |
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August 15 & 16 (Thursday & Friday) |
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October 10 & 11 (Thursday & Friday) |
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December 5 & 6 (Thursday & Friday) |
For More Info |
Newark Antiques Fair |
2. Runway Monday at Newark Antiques and Collectors Fair
Six times each year the International Antiques & Collectors Fairs (IACF) arranges for a one-day market with more than 600 vendors offering their collections that they have gathered throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland and some of the nearby northern European countries. In fact, some dealers come as far as Germany, France and the Netherlands, with huge trucks and trailers fully loaded for the fair.
Number of Vendors |
400-800 |
2019 Show Dates |
April 29 (Monday) |
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May 20 (Monday) |
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June 24 (Monday) |
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September 23 (Monday) |
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October 28 (Monday) |
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November 18 (Monday) |
For More Info |
Runway Newark |
3. Lincolnshire International Antiques and Home Show
Hosting thousands of antique vendors, the bi-monthly Lincolnshire International Antiques and Home Show is one of the largest antique markets in Europe, and is often considered an antiquing extravaganza.
Number of Vendors |
1000+ |
2019 Show Dates |
May 29 (Wednesday) |
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August 10 & 11 (Saturday & Sunday) |
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October 9 (Wednesday) |
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December 4 (Wednesday) |
For More Info |
Lincolnshire Antiques & Home Show |
Note: The Newark and Lincolnshire markets are located about 30 miles from each other and usually run during the same week. If you plan carefully, you can visit 3 of the largest markets in England on one trip.
4. Ardingly International Antiques & Collectors Fair
Located only one hour away from London, 12 miles from Gatwick and only 90 minutes from Dover, this fair is a hot spot for local and national dealers and buyers who regularly attend the largest IACF event in the south of England. And its proximity to the Channel means vendors come from continental Europe and further away to sell here, and buyers come from all over the world.
Number of Vendors |
1000+ |
2019 Show Dates |
April 23 & 24 (Tuesday & Wednesday) |
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June 18 & 19 (Tuesday & Wednesday)
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July 16 & 17 (Tuesday & Wednesday)
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September 3 & 4 (Tuesday & Wednesday)
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November 5 & 6 (Tuesday & Wednesday)
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For More Info |
Ardingly International Fair |
5. Peterborough Festival of Antiques
The Peterborough Festival of Antiques offers a wide array of items, from finer porcelain, glass and silver to vintage kitchenware, gardenware and tools. Held at the East of England Showground twice a year towards the end of March and early in October, this event opened in 1999 and now attracts over 1,700 stallholders and over 15,000 visitors from all over the world to each event.
Number of Vendors
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1000+
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2019 Show Dates
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September 27 & 28 (Friday & Saturday)
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For More Info
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6. Sunbury Antiques Market
Held at Kempton Park Racecourse, Sunbury Antiques Market is one of the real gems among English venues. Easily accessible by train from London, this sprawling, substantial flea market showcases an astonishing variety of wares, fine and rustic, antique and vintage. Held twice a month, the market hosts well over 700 inside and outside stallholders.
Number of Vendors |
700+ |
2019 Show Dates |
May 14 & 28 (Tuesday) |
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June 11 & 25 (Tuesday) |
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July 9 & 30 (Tuesday) |
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August 13 & 27 (Tuesday) |
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September 10 & 24 (Tuesday) |
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October 8 & 29 (Tuesday) |
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November 12 & 26 (Tuesday) |
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December 10 (Tuesday) |
For More Info |
Sunbury Antiques |
7. Shepton Giant Flea & Collectors Market
The Royal Bath and West Showground is the site of both the Shepton Giant Flea & Collectors Market event and the Shepton Mallet International Antiques and Collectors Fair, two major antique fairs which take place a few times a year.
They are eclectic and lively and have the reputation of being two of the key UK antique fairs to source quality goods.
Number of Vendors
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400-800 |
2019 Show Dates
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June 14-16 (Friday-Sunday)
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July 21 (Wednesday) |
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August 25 (Sunday)
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September 13-15 (Friday-Sunday) |
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October 13 (Wednesday)
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November 8-10 (Friday-Sunday) |
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November 24 (Wednesday)
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For More Info
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Shepton Flea Market
Shepton Mallet International Fair
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8. International Yorkshire Antique Home and Vintage Fair
The International Yorkshire Antique Home and Vintage Fair is made up of two large arenas crammed full of vendors. Both are fully covered, indoor set ups, so there are no worries about weather ruining a good weekend’s shopping. One of the arenas has fixed booths in place, the other is populated by more casual, table-top sellers. Both boast antiques, collectables and a whole range of items of excellent quality, with enough variety to delight any and all visitors.
Number of Vendors
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400-800 |
2019 Show Dates
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June 22 & 23 (Saturday & Sunday)
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October 12 & 13 (Saturday & Sunday)
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For More Info
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Yorkshire Antique & Home Fair |
9. Cheshire Showground Decorative Home & Salvage Show
The Cheshire Decorative Home & Salvage Show takes place in June and August at the well-positioned Cheshire Showground on the edge of the grounds of Tabley House near Knutsford. The show is popular with professional buyers and home decor enthusiasts looking for salvaged items, decorative decor and architectural antiques.
Number of Vendors
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120-400 |
2019 Show Dates
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June 7, 8 & 9
(Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
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August 2, 3 & 4
(Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
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For More Info
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Cheshire Show |
10. Brighton Racecourse Fair
Just four times a year, through the warmer months, the Brighton Racecourse becomes the setting for an event whose fame has gone well beyond the town of Brighton: the Brighton Racecourse Fair. This antique fair has grown steadily over the years and now hosts over 200 vendors selling everything from bric-brac to antique furniture.
Number of Vendors
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200+ |
2019 Show Dates
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May 5 (Sunday)
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August 25 (Sunday)
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October 20 (Sunday)
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For More Info
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Brighton Racecourse Fair |
Other sources for finding information on flea markets in England:
Flea Market Insider
Fleamapket
International Antiques & Collectors Fairs (IACF)
Arthur Swallow Antique & Home Shows
If anyone has any favorite flea markets in England that aren't listed here (no matter how big or small), please send us a note and we'll post them. Thanks.