The UK’s Leading Thrift Hopping Locations

Thrift shopping is having a real moment. Pre-loved items are gaining new leases of life everywhere right now, whether it’s vintage clothing having its second time in the spotlight or antiques providing a quirky talking point in your home. It’s even estimated that second-hand fashion is on course to overtake fast fashion by 2028 👀

With thrifting a regular way to shop, a new travel experience has emerged: thrift hopping. People are no longer simply popping into their local charity shops for pre-loved finds, they’re travelling all over the country to find the best bargains and hidden gems. 

With the festive season fast approaching, FlixBus conducted an in-depth study to discover the UK’s leading charity shop spots across the UK, helping you shop sustainably this Black Friday and Christmas 🎄 We started by identifying charity shop locations, then matched them to Built Up Areas (BUA). Finally, we calculated the total number of charity shops in each BUA and compared the population to establish a comparable figure. 

Whether it’s gifting, party outfits, or hosting preparation, our thrift hopping guide will help you get ahead of the holiday season, sustainably. You really never know what you might find, so let’s jump in and help you find some hidden treasure!

What is thrift hopping?

Thrift hopping is the practice of travelling from one charity shop to another, or town to town, to explore clusters of second-hand shops. The thrill of this exciting travel trend is two-fold - finding items you never knew you needed and experiencing the joy of a new destination. 

With sustainability and affordability high on the agenda for many shoppers, thrift hopping provides an eco-friendly alternative to fast fashion 💚 You can feel good about your purchases as you reuse garments, support charities, and discover new landmarks, independent cafes, or markets along the way. It’s a win-win!

What are the UK’s best thrift hopping destinations?   

The UK is an absolute dream for thrift shoppers. From quaint homeware to vintage treasures, bargains are a-plenty across the country - you’ve just got to know where to look! 

In our analysis, we studied 71 destinations and their volume of charity shops, narrowing it down to eight locations for you to explore. Many of these locations have several charity shops within walking distance of each other, alongside other activities and entertainment for you to really make a full day of it. 

So, grab your reusable bag and hop on a FlixBus to one of these thrift lover hotspots 🚍 

1. Frome

Frome has become a poster child for conscious shopping in recent times. This Somerset market town is into double digits when it comes to charity shops, boasting 10 within easy reach of one another. Clustered together in the town centre, you can browse a wide selection of clothes, books, and homeware, all in one afternoon 🤩

Historically, Frome was acclaimed for cloth production from around 1475 to 1790. This rich heritage paved the way for the market town it is today, and who knows, you might stumble upon a real vintage piece. 

Beyond thrifting, Frome is known for its abundance of creative shops and markets. Catherine Hill is the artisan quarter of Frome, known for its cobbled streets and vast selection of independent shops, unique eateries, and vibrant boutiques. Time your visit for the Frome Independent Market on the first Sunday of each month to mix charity shop finds with local crafts and street food 😋

After a lively day of thrifting, extend your stay and head to Cheese & Grain, Somerset’s leading live music venue and community centre. Well-known musicians regularly play here, and the venue also hosts markets and fairs for more artisan finds. 

Find tickets on FlixBus to Frome, or travel via nearby cities such as Bath to check out what else the region has to offer.

2. Thetford

Once one of England’s most important towns during Anglo-Saxon times for trade, Thetford has a surprising mix of history and thrift. Charity shops are dotted around the town centre, with specialist stores offering clothes, books, toys, and homeware. 

After filling your bags with bargains, explore Thetford Priory, a 12th-Century Monastery with a well-preserved gatehouse. Or get your steps in by climbing Castle Mound, the site of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle. For vintage TV buffs, Thetford is also famous for being the filming location for Dad’s Army 🪖, with a dedicated museum in the Old Fire Station that’s free to enter.

If you’re keen to stay a little longer, Thetford is also home to a number of eateries and entertainment venues, including Forest Live’s concert series 🎤

FlixBus travels right into the centre of Thetford, making this town an easy stop for history lovers and bargain hunters alike. 

3. Chippenham

Sitting on the River Avon, Chippenham is a thriving market town and a gateway to rural Wiltshire and the Cotswolds. It’s also home to more than 11 charity shops, and they’re a real mixed bag. You’ll find a concentrated charity shop scene offering a selection of goods from vintage clothing to homeware, and bridalwear to vinyl records. 

After thrifting, take a stroll along St Mary Street to admire historical buildings like the 15th-Century Yelde Hall. Or take a breather in John Coles Park as you admire your bargains.

Chippenham’s nightlife has purple flag status, making for a safe and enjoyable night out 💜 Head to local pubs for grassroots art, live music, and comedy, or visit one of Chippenham’s many gourmet restaurants and cafes for a bite to eat after thrifting your socks off. 

Hop aboard a FlixBus to Chippenham for a day of thrift hopping in Chippenham. 

4. Cheltenham

Known for its Regency architecture and year-round festivals, Cheltenham is a hub of activity. But it’s also a top destination for thrifting, with 29 shops identified in our analysis. Venture through the Bath Road district for a combination of buzzing boutiques, independent cafes, and charity shops. 

You’ll find several well-known charities in Cheltenham, as well as local charity shops offering a combination of interesting and upmarket finds. From bric-a-brac to retro homeware, and premium clothing to upcycled pieces, you’ll find it all here.

Time your trip right to explore Cheltenham’s cultural attractions, from jazz and literature festivals, to Christmas markets and heritage open days. Explore the Montpellier district for historical architecture, stunning gardens, and vibrant bars. Cheltenham’s food and drink scene is thriving too, with everything from fine dining and global cuisine to local flavours and street food venues 🥘

Wherever you’re located, a FlixBus to Cheltenham puts you within easy reach of nifty thrifting.

5. Dunfermline

Sustainable shopping and Scottish history? Yes please. Dunfermline is home to no less than 13 charity shops, each providing a unique blend of pre-loved clothing, homewares, books, toys, and more. As Scotland’s ancient capital, Dunfermline has so much to offer in terms of heritage, making thrift shops here even more exciting. Who knows what you’ll uncover! 

Beyond the bargains, a visit to Dunfermline Abbey and Palace is a must. Many medieval Scottish monarchs are buried here, and it’s simply a breathtaking example of Romanesque architecture. If history’s not your thing, a stroll through Pittencrieff Park is great for unwinding after shopping, and you might just spot a resident peacock or two 🦚 

After exploring, Dunfermline is a melting pot for dining options. From cosy cafes to award-winning restaurants, you can easily savour the flavours of both traditional Scottish cuisine and modern dishes. If you’re planning a few days of thrift shopping here, be sure to visit the Alhambra Theatre for music, comedy, dance, or theatrical performances 🎭 

Jump straight onto a FlixBus to Dunfermline, with affordable connections from Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the rest of the UK. 

 6. Inverness

Scotland’s Highland capital is more than just a gateway to Loch Ness, it’s a treasure trove of sustainable shops. Our study found Inverness is home to 11 charity shops, all easily hoppable from one to the next. From pre-loved books and toys to gifting and clothing, thrifting in Inverness has a super broad appeal. 

A trip here wouldn’t be complete without exploring Loch Ness - take a boat tour or visit the Loch Ness Centre to learn more about this landmark’s 500 million-year history. Journey to the ruins of Urquhart Castle or the atmospheric Culloden Battlefield to really fill your history cup, or tankard. 

If live music is on the agenda for your trip, Hootananny is the place to be 🎵 This award-winning venue has been a cornerstone of Scotland’s grassroots music scene for two decades, hosting some of the industry’s biggest name. 

FlixBus services via Edinburgh or Aberdeen make Inverness an accessible Highland adventure. 

7. Lancaster

At the head of the River Lune, Lancaster is a historic city with a flourishing vintage community, with 12 charity shops identified in our study. Supporting both national and local charities, you’ll find all kinds of shops here, each doing plenty of good. Whether you’re seeking pre-loved clothing or one-of-a-kind gifts 🎁 

After a day of browsing, unlock some history at Lancaster Castle, famous for tales of witchcraft and crime, and home to the Well Tower. If nature is more your thing, walk through Williamson Park, a 54-acre green space home to woodlands and a butterfly house 🦋

For a longer trip, visit the Forest of Bowland for stargazing on a clear night or try out the city’s nightlife options. You’ll find elegant wine and cocktail bars, cosy pubs, and quirky venues at every turn. 

FlixBus services run directly to Lancaster, with routes via Liverpool or Manchester making it a convenient weekend destination. 

8. Bath

The elegant city of Bath blends Georgian splendour with an impressive reuse scene. The Walcot Street area, known as Bath’s Artisan Quarter since the 1960s, brings together a vibrant collection of independent shops and restaurants. And yes, this includes charity shops offering everything from vintage clothing and retro board games to unique gifts and antique goods.

With shopping bags in hand, explore everything else Bath has to offer. Relax in ancient Roman Baths 💆‍♀️, admire the architecture at The Royal Crescent, or enjoy a scenic walk along the Bath Skyline. For literature-lovers, visit the Jane Austen Centre and take a glimpse into the life of one of the world’s most celebrated authors 📖

Should your thrift hopping trip become an extended stay, head to Walcot House, one of Bath’s most contemporary venues. Here, you’ll find a restaurant, cocktail bar, and even a nightclub in the basement. If you’re heading home the same day, keep your tummy happy at one of Bath’s many eateries. Try The Coconut Tree for unique Sri Lankan flavours or The Griffin Inn for a lively but laidback vibe.

Combine culture with thrifting when you travel with FlixBus to Bath, with multiple pick-up locations across the UK.

Hop aboard a FlixBus with affordable tickets for your thrifting trip

Thrift hopping isn’t just about finding cheap goods. It’s about embracing circular fashion, supporting charitable causes, and discovering the heritage and culture of towns off the typical tourist trail. As the second-hand market surges above fast fashion, there’s never been a better time to plan a sustainable shopping trip. Plus, if you get in there early, you’ll nab the best bits 😉

To stretch your budget even further, travel to your thrifting destination with cheap bus tickets from FlixBus, alongside multiple pick-up locations and excellent on-board amenities. Purchase tickets online, with your driver or on the app.

Explore the UK’s leading thrift hopping destinations with ease when you travel with FlixBus. Pick up unique gifts or festive party outfits, enjoy a memorable day out, and feel good while doing it! Happy thrifting 🥳

Methodology 

Our approach started with collating a list of charity shop locations from the Charity Retail Association, which covers over 80% of the UK's charity shops. The data does exclude charity shops that are not members of the Charity Retail Association.

Each shops' location was then matched to a Built Up Area (BUA) using data from the Office for National Statistics. Built up areas with a population of less than 25,000 were excluded. 

The data was then filtered to exclude destinations not served by FlixBus. The total number of shops in each BUA was then compared to the population to establish a comparable figure based on the size of the BUA.