The Best Charity Shops in East London (2026) — from a Londoner
Looking for the best charity shops in East London? Here’s where to find the best secondhand shops in the area — from a charity shopping-loving Londoner.
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East London is one of the best parts of the city for charity shopping.
Whether it’s Dalston’s eclectic rails, Walthamstow’s never-ending high street, or the tucked-away spots in Wanstead, you’ll find everything from high-street castoffs to proper vintage. And unlike some other areas, prices here tend to stay reasonable.
Every shop comes with a cause too — so while you’re refreshing your wardrobe, you’re also giving back. Here are the best charity shops in East London to add to your route, from a charity shop loving Londoner!
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
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The Best Charity Shops in East London: Your East London Thrift Shop Guide
Oxfam, Dalston
514-516 Kingsland Rd, Dalston, London E8 4AH, UK
Renowned for its dedication to fighting poverty worldwide, Oxfam’s Dalston branch is one of the best charity shops in East London.
The shop is famed for its vast collection of second-hand clothes, books, music…and funky window displays (seriously, they’re amazing).
It’s one of those branches where it’s worth popping in often — the good stuff doesn’t sit around for long!
Mind, Leytonstone & Dalston
17 Church Ln, Bushwood, London E11 1HN, 48 Kingsland High St, London E8 2JP
Mind is another one of the best charity shops in East London, offering everything from pre-loved clothing to household items.
Shopping here supports Mind’s invaluable work in mental health support and awareness.
P.S. – If you’re looking for designer brands in East at affordable prices, this is the place to go. Mind is well-known for its lowkey selection of high-end labels.
TRAID, Walthamstow
106, 106a High St, London E17 7JY
TRAID is not just a shop, it’s a movement towards sustainable and ethical fashion.
Their Walthamstow’s branch has a broad range of secondhand clothes, shoes and accessories, and the quality is usually high.
What’s more, every purchase here contributes to reducing clothes waste and improving working conditions in the textile industry.
If you care about where your clothes come from, this is a good stop.
Age UK, Canning Town
140 Barking Rd, London E16 1EN
Age UK in Canning Town sits on Barking Road and packs a bit of everything: clothing, small furniture, books and plenty of bric-a-brac.
Worth a rummage if you’re in the area, and of course, every purchase supports Age UK’s work with older Londoners.
RSPCA, Clapton
123 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London E5 0NP
The RSPCA charity shop is hugely popular with East London locals.
You’ll usually find well-kept rails of clothing alongside shelves of books and DVDs (if that’s still your thing).
And if you’re an animal lover, it’s nice knowing your spend goes straight into welfare work.
Scope, Walthamstow
210 High St, London E17 7JH
Scope is another must-visit charity shop in East London.
From vintage garments to everyday clothing essentials, this shop has something for everyone.
Moreover, every purchase contributes to Scope’s mission of achieving equality for disabled people.
Cancer Research UK, East Ham
154 High St N, London E6 2HT
Situated in the unassuming East Ham, this branch of Cancer Research UK is a gem.
They stock a variety of items, from clothes and accessories to books and homewares.
Plus, every purchase made contributes to the fight against cancer.
Barnardo’s, Wanstead
70 High St., London E11 2RJ
Photo: Barnardo’s in Wanstead
Barnardo’s in Wanstead offers a treasure trove of second-hand items ranging from clothes and shoes to toys and DVDs.
The shop is super well-organised, and shopping here helps Barnardo’s vital work in transforming the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children.
P.S. – Look out for their seasonal sales!
Sue Ryder, Walthamstow
93-95 High St, London E17 7DB
Photo: Sue Ryder in Walthamstow
This Sue Ryder in Walthamstow is big and eclectic, with a constantly changing stock of clothing, furniture and bric-a-brac.
You’ll often find retro pieces here that feel more vintage shop than charity shop, and proceeds support Sue Ryder’s care and bereavement services.
Map of the Best Charity Shops in East London
Final Tips for Charity Shopping in East London
🛍️ Reusable Bags: When you’re charity shopping in East London, don’t forget to pack reusable shopping bags.
🛍️ Snag an extra discount: Some charity shops offer extra discounts to students or seniors. Be sure to ask about any special offers that may be available, and have your ID on you!
🛍️ Volunteering Opportunities: In addition to being great places to find affordable second-hand items, many charity shops in East London also offer volunteering opportunities. This could be a great way to give back to the community while also learning about retail and customer service.
🛍️ Donating Clothes to Charity Shops in East London: If you’re looking to donate clothes to your local East London charity shop make sure you read the donation guidelines for each shop, they vary greatly and some charity shops only accept donations on certain days or times in the week.
🛍️ Community Impact: Remember that skipping fast fashion and shopping at or donating to these charity shops in East London has a direct and positive impact on London and our global communities.
Thanks for reading my East London Charity Shop Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
CHECK OUT MORE LONDON GUIDES:
- 13 Best Charity Shops in London (from a Londoner)
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- Discover the Best Charity Shops in South London
- Discover the Best Charity Shops in West London
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Happy Londoning,
