A Guide to Thrifting in Bristol: The Best Second-Hand Shops and Tips for Success

Thrifting is an incredible sustainable approach to fashion. It encourages us to be more conscious about consumption and allows us to curate our wardrobes with pieces that carry history and character.

Where fast-fashion stores tell you what to buy, thrifting invites you to discover. It encourages you to practice creativity and envision the potential in items that are simply waiting for a second chance at life. It is about more than just finding cheap items, which is why it can often be a challenging experience.

Buying second-hand never used to come easily to me. I often found myself leaving empty-handed and with a lingering sense of disappointment. Over time, however, I realised that successful thrifting demands patience. Recently, I’ve adopted a few new approaches, alongside finding the right spots and visiting them regularly, which has significantly increased my chances of discovering some truly amazing finds.

Why Bristol is THE place for thrifting

Bristol has an excellent thrifting scene. There is something really fitting about how the city itself exudes creativity and individuality, kind of in the same way that thrifting does. Bristol also has a strong commitment to sustainability; it was the first UK city to be named European Green Capital, back in 2015. The city is home to a plethora of charity shops, vintage stores, and sustainable markets tucked away in almost every corner. Because of this, second-hand shopping is a proud Bristolian lifestyle, and something that feels almost inescapable when you live here.

Before sharing some of my favourite second-hand shops in Bristol, I’d like to start with a few tips that have transformed my own thrifting experience.

4 Golden rules for successful thrifting

• Go with an open mind: Try not to browse with one specific item in mind, allow yourself to be surprised, some of my best finds were the ones I wasn’t expecting to discover and didn’t even realise I needed.

• Adopt the mindset of an explorer: Instead of seeing thrifting as a shopping trip, see it as a little adventure. I find that my thrifting experiences are more enjoyable and fulfilling when I browse out of curiosity rather than necessity.

• Prioritise quality: Look for timeless, versatile pieces rather than fleeting trends. Pay attention to fabric quality and the conditions. 

• Think about what you already own: Consider the pieces you already own and ask yourself how a potential purchase could fit into your current wardrobe. The most valuable finds are often the ones that can be mixed and matched effortlessly; these kinds of items end up taking up an eternal place in your wardrobe. 

My favourite second-hand shops in Bristol 

1. Mary's Living & Giving 

24 Regent St, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4HG

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children in Clifton is one of my go-to second-hand shops in Bristol. Tucked away on Regent Street, it feels more curated than the average charity shop, with rails full of quality clothing in almost perfect condition, vintage pieces, and the occasional designer find.

The shop has a boutique feel but without the intimidating price tags you might expect. It's the kind of place you walk into for a quick browse and unexpectedly leave with an item you never knew you needed- it happens to me every single time.

There is always a nice playlist in the background, creating an atmosphere that makes browsing feel relaxing and sets the mood for a non-stressful browse. If you need to try anything on, there's also a lovely, spacious fitting room towards the back.

If you're primarily thrifting for clothing and accessories, this is an excellent place to start. They also have a lovely selection of indoor plants!

2. Shelter

12 Regent St, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4HG

Just a few doors down from Mary's Living & Giving is Shelter. Shelter is one of those charity shops that has a little bit of everything: clothing, books, vinyl records/CDs, homeware, fabrics/sewing supplies, and plenty of unexpected hidden gems. Because donations come from the surrounding Clifton area, you can often find surprisingly high-quality items and pretty good vintage stuff .

Browsing through Shelter feels like a little adventure because you never quite know what you'll come across. It's less polished than some of the curated vintage stores in this part of Bristol, but that's part of its charm. If you enjoy the treasure-hunt aspect of second-hand shopping, I’d say Shelter is well worth a visit.

3. St Peter's Hospice

315 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8PE

Whenever I'm on Gloucester Road (which is very often), I can never resist popping into St Peter's Hospice. Gloucester Road is already one of my favourite places in Bristol for independent shopping, with an abundance of second-hand and sustainable stores. While many of them are great, this Bristol charity shop remains my most visited because I almost always find something that I like.

The prices are very reasonable, and the shop offers a good variety of clothing, accessories, and household items. What makes it especially appealing is the constant turnover of stock. There always seems to be something new on the shelves and on the mannequins, so making regular visits will surely guarantee you a good find!

Plus, every purchase supports the work of St Peter's Hospice, making it one of those rare shopping trips where you can feel good about spending your money. 

4. The Vintage Thrift Store Bristol

35-37 Park St, Bristol BS1 5NH

If I'm looking for something more vintage or statement-making, The Vintage Thrift Store on Park Street is usually where I head. Unlike a traditional charity shop, this thrift store offers a more eclectic selection of vintage clothing, making it an excellent place to discover unique and distinctive pieces. Prices vary considerably, so while there are some good bargains to be found, you should also expect some items to sit at the higher end of the price spectrum.

This is the largest shop on my list, spanning two floors dedicated primarily to clothing and accessories. The rails are organised by pricing ranging from £4-£15, and there are also bargain bins filled with discounted items for those willing to dig a little deeper.

This isn't the kind of shop for a quick browse, so be prepared to spend some time rummaging through the packed rails. Even when I'm not planning to buy anything, I still enjoy wandering around because there's always something interesting to see and plenty of creative inspiration to take with me.

Patience pays off

One my biggest takes from thrifting is that patience pays off. The best finds rarely appear when you're rushing or searching too intensely for something specific. Instead, they tend to reveal themselves when you allow yourself to explore with curiosity and an open mind.

Bristol offers the perfect environment for this kind of experience. Whether you're hoping to build a more sustainable wardrobe, uncover unique vintage treasures, or simply enjoy exploring for inspiration, Bristol's second-hand scene has something to offer everyone.