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The Best Car Boot Sales and Second Hand Markets in Manchester

Vintage Market
Vintage Market | © Roman Drits / Barn Images

Manchester is known for its shopping – but did you know there are an abundance of top quality opportunities for shopping second-hand alongside its impressive high street? Yes, there are the vintage shops of the Northern Quarter to browse, but if you’re searching for a bargain, we recommend digging a little deeper.

Jumble Trail, Levenshulme

Jumble Trails are occurring all across the UK, coordinated online by local communities who set up yard sales in their area. Levenshulme has recently hosted two successful events with an abundance of residents setting up stalls outside their homes to sell anything and everything to punters who follow an online map detailing all of the stalls. Keep your eyes peeled on the website as the success of the previous two events hints at more to come!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BISvtLdhlnj/?taken-by=jumbletrail

Vintage Home Show, Victoria Baths

You may struggle to find a bargain at this now iconic fair hosted within one of Manchester’s most beloved listed buildings, but if you get there early you might just stumble across an under-priced G Plan sideboard or 1950s ceramic vase. Occurring four times a year, the show draws in a crowd from far and wide seeking authentic mid-century finds for their homes.

http://instagram.com/p/BRbB-JugKhM/?taken-by=vintagehomeshow

Bowlee Car Boot Sale, Bowlee Community Park

Run by Rochdale council, this is one of the most popular car boot sales in the Greater Manchester area, thanks in part to the organisers vetting the sellers to ensure punters aren’t getting ripped off. You’ll find the car park full of stalls most Sundays with a selection of second-hand bargains bulging from every boot. Come with an open mind and you might just stumble upon a vintage gem.

Vintage Village, Stockport

Once a month, local vintage lovers flock to Stockport’s Victorian market hall to browse wares from a staggering variety of stall holders flogging everything from retro furniture to vintage clothes, antique knick-knacks and tattered postcards. Vintage Village is always rammed and the best buys tend to get snatched up at the speed of light, so it’s essential to arrive early and be prepared to dig your elbows in.

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Kilo Sale, various locations

Keep your eyes firmly peeled for news of a vintage Kilo Sale hitting Manchester – if you’re prepared and get there early you won’t have to join the long queue that always snakes out of the entrance. There are several such sales around the city, but they’re most commonly found at the student unions and in the Northern Quarter, offering the opportunity to snatch up a whole bag full of vintage garments for a set price per kilo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSyzruJjjE9/?taken-by=thevintagekilosale

Sunday Market and Car Boot, New Smithfield Wholesale Market

Every Sunday you’ll find an abundance of cars and bargain hunters outside New Smithfield Market, selling and browsing everything from vintage clothing to kettles. They say one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, so be patient when browsing the stalls and you’ll likely unearth a hidden gem. The indoor market is also open on Sundays, selling everything from fruit and vegetables to the latest books.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

About the author

Based in the north of England, Emma Lavelle is a freelance writer and keen photographer with an endless wanderlust. Read about her latest travels on www.fieldandnest.com or on Instagram @fieldandnest

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