It is thought that the car boot sale started as a charity fundraiser in the 1970s, after a Catholic priest from Stockport witnessed something similar while on holiday in Canada and held his own on his return.
They’ve been a national pastime pretty much ever since. Writing recently in the Eastern Daily Press, journalist Nick Richards said: ‘If an alien spacecraft crash landed on a village green and its crew demanded to be shown the most British thing that existed, I know where to take them. I’d skip the pub, the church fete or a cricket match and take them to a car boot sale.
‘Only in Britain can you stand in a field at 7.30am on a Sunday morning and get sworn at one minute, complimented the next and leave with jingoistic sense that this country really is in safe hands.’
While you might picture car boot sales to be dreary scenarios involving battered station wagons, thermoses of lukewarm tea and piles of tat, their eco credentials give them a certain glamour these days.
Visit these sites and find an excellent car boot near you.
#SheInspiresMe Car Boot Sale
This one-of-a-kind fashion extravaganza is held annually in aid of women survivors of war, where top designers, influencers and celebrities come together for an afternoon of eco-friendly, guilt-free shopping. The sale takes place over two floors in Selfridges Car Park in London on Saturday 18th May 2024 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. You'll find vintage, past-season and pre-loved designer fashion, all at incredible prices and to make it even better, 100% of the proceeds go towards the charity's work supporting women survivors of war. Get your tickets here but you'll need to get your skates on as the time slots are nearly all sold. Enjoy a day of guilt-free shopping.
I Love Markets
Launched in 2012 by Katie Ingham, who used to be a stall trader herself, I Love Markets is a brilliant, lively, online destination that promotes London’s markets. While it is not dedicated to car boot sales, its listings section is very hot on them and is well worth a visit. There is also a superb blog, covering everything from new market launches to tips on how to be a successful trader. Featuring regularly on BBC London Radio 94.9, Katie is described as ‘London’s market expert’. A site to lose yourself in for a while. Check out the website here.
The London Car Boot Co
This site plays host to two cool London car boot sales that are held each weekend. St Augustine’s Car Boot in Kilburn, where fashion designer Henry Holland claims that Agyness Deyn used to rummage for clothing, has been going for 23 years. While the Princess May in Stoke Newington is packed with sellers of funky retro finds and blissful buyers guzzling Aberdeen Angus steak burgers from the barbecue. Both sales have indoor areas for rainy days. Check out the website here.
Capital Carboot Sale Pimlico
With both indoor and outdoor pitches available, this sophisticated car boot sale takes place every Sunday, come rain or shine, at the Pimlico Academy in London. Expect to find vintage fashion and second-hand collectables alongside a very cosmopolitan crowd. Book your stall early – on the simple but informative website – to avoid disappointment. Check out the website here.
Battersea Boot
Established in 1999, Battersea Boot is a busy, well-organised, weekly sale that takes place in the grounds of a school called Harris Academy (formerly Battersea Park School). It is dubbed ‘the boot sale that dealers try to keep a secret’. Bookings launch online every Monday at 7am for pitches the following Sunday. The organisers are proud of the excellent feedback they receive, saying: ‘First-timers tell us they find Battersea to be friendly and less daunting than other boot sales, mostly due to our calm, ‘no queue’ entry system and helpful staff.’ Check out the website here.
The Classic Car Boot Sale
Visitors are blown away by this boot sale with a twist, which has just taken place, 27th - 28th April 2024. Held a couple of times annually, it sees over 100 classic cars and traders joined by thousands of shoppers for a family-friendly celebration of all things vintage.
Its founder, Red or Dead designer Wayne Hemingway, says: ‘The CCBS offers something for everyone, with the mix of fabulous free entertainment, a host of stalls offering an eclectic mix of vintage, upcycled and uniquely designed goodies.
‘It is a place to celebrate music, food, fashion, design and, of course, the eye candy that is classic cars, bikes and commercial vehicles.’ Check out the website here.
Stately Home Charity Car Boot Sale
There was a time when stately car boot sales were a thing. This trend has ebbed sadly but there remains one still flying that particular eco-cred flag, Sledmere in Yorkshire, this year taking place on Sunday 14th July 2024. You'll find about 100 stalls, selling everything from antiques and furniture to craft items and knick-knacks. Plus, you can find out whether you own an heirloom, as Caroline Hawley, the antiques expert from Flog-It, Bargain Hunt and Put Your Money In, will be in attendance and valuing items. Proceeds from the day go to local charities. Check out the website here.
Find A Carboot Near You
The Carboot Directory will guide you to your nearest events, where you check by region or location. If you're a first timer, there are some useful tips on how to maximise your profits and time. Check out the website here.
On Hold: Wine Car Boot
This classy idea, a pop-up wine market where independent retailers sell their wares from the boots of their cars or vans, is sadly on the backburner at the moment. Wine critic Jancis Robinson said she has ‘never experienced such a cool, friendly atmosphere at a public wine tasting’ as she did at this ‘staggeringly distinctive event’. Although nothing is planned as yet, we're hopeful that it will return with suitable gusto. The best thing is to sign up for newsletters and be the first to know when it returns.
