London Charity Shops Worth Your Time and a Second Look
Charity shops are one of the few places where doing good and shopping well go hand in hand.
Whether you’re updating your wardrobe, hunting for vintage gems, or giving your home a refresh, they offer the thrill of the find, with the added bonus of supporting causes that matter.
From fashion to furniture, these are some of our favourite London charity shops worth browsing.
53 Leather Ln, London EC1N 7TJ, UK
With an amazing variety of clothes, books, and home goods, this shop is perfect for anyone looking for unique items.
You’ll find a wide selection of vintage pieces, including some from high-end designers.
Plus, they have a special section for new arrivals so you can always find something new when you visit.
Best of all – proceeds go towards helping local older people enjoy fulfilling lives.
You can shop in person or via their eBay or Depop pages.
Multiple Locations
At any of the 600 Cancer Research UK shops across the nation, you’ll find an array of thousands of items being restocked daily.
And since these are often brand-name products offered at a fraction of their retail price, the shops are perfect if you’re looking to score some great deals.
Plus, all proceeds from your purchase go towards cancer research – so not only will you save money but feel good about doing it.
Cancer Research UK has multiple shops across the country and online shopping via four different marketplaces.
51 Roman Rd, London, E2 OHU
While the London Buddhist Centre may not be a charity shop that you would typically think of, we think it’s a great one to add to your list.
The London Buddhist Centre is a wonderful place to find spiritual enlightenment – and some amazing bargains.
The shop offers an eclectic mix of books and religious items, making it the perfect spot for anyone looking to furnish their home with a spiritual touch.
Best of all, all proceeds go towards supporting the London Buddhist Centre’s work in the community.
They also offer courses or classes on meditation, yoga, and mindfulness that can be taken in person or online.
Multiple Locations
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is a charity that is dedicated to funding heart and circulatory disease research.
This research is aimed at preventing and curing heart conditions, as well as improving the quality of life for those living with them.
The BHF also provides information and support to people affected by heart disease, and lobbies for better heart health policies.
One of the main ways the BHF raises money is through its chain of charity shops.
These shops sell donated items such as clothes, furniture, and books, and all of the proceeds go towards funding the charity’s work.
Charity shops can be a great place to find a bargain while helping out a good cause.
Unit EV8, 1st Floor, Coal Drops Yard, London, N1C 4AB
This is not your ordinary charity shop.
With a range of one-of-a-kind donations and an interior by HemingwayDesign, this boutique store offers an unparalleled shopping experience.
Coal Drops Yard was an important power source for Victorian London, and its many arches were full of coal from the north.
In 2018, architect Thomas Heatherwick gave it a new purpose by reimagining it as one of the most iconic and imaginative spaces in London.
At Boutique by Shelter, you’ll find gorgeous designer clothes, vintage pieces, and quality high-street fashion at incredibly reduced prices.
By shopping with them, you are not only getting some amazing deals but also helping to fight homelessness as all proceeds go towards funding vital resources and shelters.
They also offer volunteering opportunities for the local community.
British Red Cross Charity Shops
Multiple Locations
Red Cross charity shops are a great place to find a bargain while helping out a good cause.
All of the proceeds from the sale of items in these shops go towards funding the work of the Red Cross in humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
This includes providing food, shelter, and medical care to those in need all around the world.
Red Cross Charity shops can be found in many towns and cities across the UK, and they always have a wide range of items for sale.
You can find anything from clothes to furniture to books, and there’s sure to be something that appeals to you.
So why not head on over to your nearest Red Cross charity shop and do some good while you shop?
341 Walworth Road, Walworth, SE17 2AL
The Salvation Army charity shop on Walworth Road is a great place to find a bargain while helping out a good cause.
All of the proceeds from the sale of items in this shop go towards funding the work of the Salvation Army in providing support to those in need.
This can include anything from food and shelter to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
The Salvation Army charity shop is always stocked with a wide range of items, from clothes to furniture to books.
So whether you’re looking for something new to wear or some new furniture for your home, you’ll be able to find it at this shop.
And the best part is that by shopping here, you’re helping to support those who need it most.
Royal Trinity Hospice London Charity Shop
216 Portobello Rd, London, W11 1LJ
The Royal Trinity Hospice charity shop is a great place to find a bargain while helping out a good cause.
All of the proceeds from the sale of items in this shop go towards funding the work of the Royal Trinity Hospice in providing care and support to those with terminal illnesses.
This can include anything from providing comfort and support to patients and their families to offering specialist care.
The Royal Trinity Hospice charity shop is always stocked with a wide range of items, from clothes to furniture to books.
Whether you’re looking for something new to wear or some new furniture for your home, you’ll be able to find it at this shop.
19 Stroud Green Road, London, N4 3FB
Crisis in Finsbury Park is a unique charity shop that also functions as a coffee bar.
Their second-hand clothes and furniture are one-of-a-kind.
The store has even been featured in many magazines and websites for its great atmosphere, colourful window displays, and friendly staff and volunteers.
What makes the Crisis shop so special is the fact that all of the proceeds from the sale of items go towards helping those affected by homelessness.
This can include anything from providing food and shelter to helping people find employment.
If you’re looking for a great place to find a bargain while helping out a good cause, be sure to check out the Crisis charity shops.
246 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London, NW6 1LG
Oxfam Charity shop offers a wide range of wares, from second-hand clothes and accessories to books, music, and even homewares.
They also strive to make donating your items easier allowing you to order a free donation bag that you can put right into the post after you fill it.
Oxfam is a global community of people who believe in a kinder and radically better world.
Where everyone has the power to thrive, not just survive.
They were founded in 1942 and work year after year to make the world a better place.
SCT Bethnal Green Charity Shop
385 Bethnal Green Road, London, E2 0AN
SCT Bethnal Green provides employment opportunities for those in recovery and generates crucial funds to support services that are essential for people who need them.
In their charity shop, SCT offers one-of-a-kind vintage and designer goods from the creative centre of the city.
58 Wilton Rd, Pimlico, London Sw1V 1DE
The Octavia Foundation Retail Stores are a great place to find a bargain while helping out a good cause.
All of the proceeds from the sale of items in these stores go towards supporting the work of the Octavia Foundation in providing housing and support services for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
This can include anything from providing people with a safe place to live to offering counseling and support services.
The Octavia Foundation Retail Stores are always stocked with a wide range of items, from clothes to furniture to books.
Located right in Central London, they’re a perfect shop to add to your list to visit while out.
Don’t forget that there are always multiple ways to support your favourite charity shops.
You can donate items from your home that you no longer want.
Maybe you don’t want to purchase anything, but you can also make a monetary donation directly.
And don’t forget, it’s always helpful to follow and support via social media.
Often times you’ll even find that charity shops will post on Facebook and Instagram with sneak peeks of new items, so make sure that you follow your favourite charity shops on their social channels.
If you’re looking for a great way to help out a good cause, be sure to shop at charity shops.
You’ll find a wide variety of items available, and you’ll be able to find something perfect for you while supporting a good cause.
There are plenty of great charity shops in London waiting to be explored.