Looking for the best charity shops in London? I’ve got you. Here’s 13 of the best charity shops in the city to get the best of London fashion at a bargain — from a Londoner.
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I’ve got a confession. I LOVE charity shopping. Especially, when it’s in London.
There’s nothing like finding a Ted Baker dress and vintage blazers for under £10. But where are these hidden gems you ask?
Over time I’ve learned there’s not much information floating around when it comes to the charity shop scene in London, so without further ado, here’s the best charity shops in London — from a Londoner.
13 Best Charity Shops in London (from a Londoner)
1. Oxfam
Since 1942 Oxfam has been on a mission to eradicate poverty, and it just so happens that mission includes selling amazingly good quality and well-priced clothes. There’s over 700 shops in the UK alone — but my favourite is their Camden and Notting Hill branch.
A lot of the items here are donated barely worn, so they’re my go-to place for finding cheaper alternatives of staple pieces I need throughout the year (like winter coats, for example).
P.S – You can use their Shop Finder to find the closest location to you!
2. British Heart Foundation
It’s hard to go charity shopping in London without passing by a British Heart Foundation.
From vintage homeware to fashionable finds, you’re bound to leave here with a new wardrobe (or living room set). There’s also a nice selection of curated gifts if you’re shopping for a special someone. And knowing every purchase you make is helping scientific breakthroughs is pretty cool.
P.S – Visit their Balham location!
3. Shop From Crisis
The staff at Shop From Crisis is second to none. They always stock the best stuff!
Filled with high street fashion, bargain finds and well-preserved vintage I suggest visiting their Finsbury Park location for timeless pieces to add to your wardrobe (especially during Fashion Week).
4. Cancer Research UK
If designer labels at bargain prices are your thing, find a Cancer Research.
As one of the world’s largest independent charities, there’s always new stock being added to their endless collection of fashion finds.
They’re also usually close to an Oxfam and The British Heart Foundation if you wanted to make it a charity shop crawl.
P.S – Try their location in Camden or Marylebone High Street
5. Royal Trinity Hospice Shop
The Royal Trinity Hospice has garnered a name for itself in London as thee place for sustainable fashion.
Originating in Clapham, the charity has been providing hospice care since the late 1800’s with 31 charity shops splattered across London.
But their most iconic location sits on Portobello Road where rare designer goods are far from uncommon.
6. Fara Charity Shop
With over 40 charity shops in over 25 neighbourhoods in London (but their Angel location is best) Fara has made a name for itself with fashionistas and tourists alike as a vintage shopping haven.
But beyond their incredible selection of oversized men’s wear goodness, Fara is also on a mission to “transform the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children, and young people living in Romania, giving them a sense of family”.
There’s also a Fara Kids if you’re looking for your little one.
7. Mary’s Living & Giving
Mary’s Living & Giving veers more on the side of “posh boutique that just happens to be a charity shop” than an actual charity shop, but that’s exactly why I love it.
Designed by retail expert Mary Portas, there’s a wide selection of everything from designer accessories to clothes dropped off by Vienne Westwood (yes, really, but only at their Portobello location) alongside helping children transform their lives in over 100 different countries.
8. Traid
Although charity shopping in London has become trendier than ever, it’ll always be the more sustainable choice when it comes to retail therapy, and Traid knows it too — on a mission to stop clothes from being thrown away, fuel international development projects and change the fashion industry for good.
All vintage finds here are carefully-curated, and ideal for colourful Londoners looking for that “statement piece”.
P.S – Head to their Dalston location for the biggest selections
9. British Red Cross
If you’ve been in London for any amount of time (or even if you haven’t) you’re bound to have heard of The British Red Cross with an ethos to “mobilise the power of humanity so that individuals and communities can prepare for, deal with and recover from a crisis.”
There’s always a clothing or homeware gem to be found here, so best for popping into on a day of charity shopping and having a snoop around.
Their Kensington and Chelsea branch is also very well-stocked (as you can imagine).
10. Mind
Mind is on a mission to help anyone and everyone with mental health problems to receive support and respect — and they just so happen to sell some pretty cool clothes too.
Founded across England and Wales the mental health charity has dozens of Mind shopping outlets across the UK, selling everything from beautiful art to too-cheap-to-believe handbags. In fact, this jacket is from Mind!
So, where to shop? Their Camden and Chiswick branches are my particular favourites. But you can use their local finder here to find a shop near you.
11. The Salvation Army
If you’re reading a post on the best charity shops in London, you’ve probably heard of The Salvation Army.
Out of all the second-hand shops in London they definitely have the widest range of stuff here if you’re looking for more than just clothes — even curtains!
But don’t worry, they’ve got the ‘fashionistas’ covered too as they say:
“Salvation Army charity shops have become favourites with thrifters and fashionistas for the quality and variety that can be found. Our customers love bragging about the amazing offers found in our charity shops and display their purchases on social media”
You can find your nearest store here.
12. Octavia
For the kind of pieces that make someone think you just went designer shopping (even though you just paid £9.99 for a dress…shh it’s our secret) you’ll want to head to Octavia.
Plopped across the neighbourhoods of London you’ll find the best of donated clothes in these unassuming charity shops, especially in their Hampstead, Chelsea or South Kensington branch.
13. Boutique by Shelter
Boutique by Shelter is unique in its kind for its dedication supporting tenant rights and people facing eviction in the UK.
The name gives it away — but expect your shopping experience here to be more like going to a boutique than your typical charity shop in London, particularly at their King’s Cross branch.
There’s over 100 shops in the UK and plenty across London, so use their shop finder to get to shopping!
Want More Tips on Charity Shopping in London? Check Out These Charity Shopping Reels:
Happy Londoning (and happy shopping!),
