The best car boot sales in London

London is so well dressed, of course it is, it’s one of the five fashion capitals of the world (I’m including Copenhagen in that, after New York, Milan, and Paris).

It’s so well dressed that sometimes I have to stop myself from leaving the house because I know I’ll see a 10/10 outfit that I’ll feel the need to replicate asap. That’s not savvy on the finite funds, but what is good for the purse strings is shopping second-hand.

Heading to a car boot is like scrolling pre-loved clothing gems from Vinted in person. London’s most fashionable flog their wares for cash – and you get to leave with a whole new fit, a new side table to refresh your bedroom or those chic candlesticks you were after for your next dinner party.

With renew and recycle in mind, these are the best car boots in London to visit.

Peckham Carboot

Since 2019, Peckham Carboot has brought a “proper car boot” to South East Londoners every other Sunday. Over the years, it’s built up a reputation as being one of the best spots for sellers, shoppers, and anyone hunting for treasures.

Rain or shine, it runs from mid-February to December at Harris Academy. It’s even spilled over into a second playground recently.

The entry queue often weaves around the block, but don’t let that fool you, there are plenty of sellers inside for you to peruse – from those arriving with a car full of stuff to those carrying the best of their old garms on foot.

• Day: Every other Sunday
• Entry: 10–10.30 am £7 early bird
• 10.30–11 am £5 head start
• 11 am–2 pm £1 general entry

Peckham, SE15 | peckhamcarboot.com

Balham Carboot

This year, Peckham Carboot launched its younger and equally as cool sibling, Balham Carboot, bringing more of the same great set-up to South West London this time.

Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or love a good browse, make the fortnightly trip to Henry Cavendish Primary School and make someone’s trash your treasure.

Both car boots are an experience, so grab your pals and make a day of it. Bookend your day with a coffee to start, spend hours poring through clothes, homeware and accessories, and then take your finds to the pub in the afternoon. They deserve it.

• Day: Every other Sunday
• Entry: 10–10.30 am £7 early bird
• 10.30–11 am £5 head start
• 11 am–2 pm £1 general entry

Balham SW12 | balhamcarboot.com

Princess May School

Run by The London Car Boot Co, this Stoke Newington car boot sale is a homing beacon for Londoners with style. Whether you’re kitting out a new flat or looking to refresh your outfit rotation, this is the place to go for second-hand gems.

There are often shoes lined up in pairs, tables of vintage film cameras, framed art, mirrors, jewellery, vases, plates, and homeware. An endless list to explore.

And that is the beauty of the car boot, you can go with zero plans of what you want to buy and what you need will just find you. Like a purple fluffy bucket hat that came home with me quicker than I could think of what coat I could wear it with.

• Days: Every Saturday and Sunday
• Entry: 7.30–9 am £5 early bird
• 9 am–2 pm £1

Stoke Newington, N16 | londoncarboot.com

St Augustine’s Car Boot Sale

Another from The London Car Boot Co, this time at North West London’s St Augustine’s School.

This car boot has been running for over 25 years, and most of the sellers each week are “genuine turn-out” sellers who are clearing their homes of unwanted clothes and bric-a-brac.

Although some sellers are regulars, going as far as France to restock their wares, they always keep the notion of a car boot at heart.

• Day: Every Saturday
• Entry: 7.30–10.30 am £5 early bird
• 10.30 am–2 pm £1

Kilburn, NW6 | londoncarboot.com

Capital Carboot

Weekly at The Pimlico Academy, Capital Carboot invites buyers and sellers into the grounds to fling open their actual car boots and let the goods spill out.

You can paw through someone’s collection of books for your next must-read, flip through rails of clothes to find that missing piece from your wardrobe or stumble upon a lava lamp so nostalgic you can’t help but throw over your £2 coin.

And any items not sold on the day can be recycled or reused by Capital Carboot or the City of Westminster Council. We love a sustainability champion.

• Day: Every Sunday
• Entry: 10 am £7 early bird (booked online)
• 10.15–11 am £7 early bird cash entry
• 11–11.30 am £5
• 11.30 am–2.30 pm £1

Pimlico, SW1V | capitalcarboot.com

Crystal Palace Boot

From antique and mid-century to contemporary, the Crystal Palace Boot in Crystal Palace Coach Park is as vast as it is intriguing, you never know what you might take home. Like going to Infernos in Clapham on a Saturday night.

This mid-week car boot opens at 7 am. The truly dedicated can go for a rummage before the working day for many even begins.

And I’ve even heard that the city’s stylists are regular sellers, bringing old items for you to swoop in and stock up on bargains. Talk about best dressed.

• Day: Every Wednesday
• Entry: 7–7.30 am £6 VIP dealers exclusive time slot
• 7.30–8 am £4 early bird
• 8–10 am £2
• 10–11.45 am £1

Crystal Palace, SE19 | crystalpalaceboot.co.uk

Chiswick Car Boot Sale

This car boot is only once a month, but boy, is it worth it. The Chiswick Car Boot Sale sees a gloriously eclectic mix of stalls pop up in Chiswick School.

You’ll find a range of sellers, from vintage clothing and antiques to plants, vinyl, books, furniture and toys... You name it, it’ll likely be among the stands at this car boot.

It’s also got one of the earliest starts, so let’s hope you’re an “early bird catches the worm” type of morning person so you can make the most of the brilliant mix of items on offer.

• Day: First Sunday of the month
• Entry: 6.30 am–12:30 pm £1

Chiswick, W4 | chiswickcarbootsale.com

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