The Best Places to Hunt for Vintage Treasures in the Nottswolds
With our Brocante just around the corner in May, I wanted to share my favourite vintage-hunting spots in the Nottswolds. Whether you're searching for antique textiles, decorative pieces or unique finds, these places are goldmines for treasure hunters. In no particular order, here are my top recommendations, along with my insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Newark & Nottinghamshire Antiques Fair
📍 Newark Showground, Lincoln Rd, Newark NG24 2NY
🌐Newark Antiques Fair
🕰️ Open: Every two months, check website for dates
💰 Price Range: £5 - £500+
The largest antique fair in Europe, Newark Antiques Fair is an absolute must-visit! Expect vintage textiles, furniture, architectural salvage and decorative antiques from over 2,500 dealers. Arrive early for the best picks and bring cash as some traders don’t accept cards. A great place to find French linens, old grain sacks and beautiful ceramics.
2. Notions of Grantham
📍 28 Guildhall Street, Grantham NG31 6NJ
🌐Notions of Grantham
🕰️ Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm
💰 Price Range: £10 - £300
A charming independent shop specialising in antique textiles, haberdashery and small decorative homewares. A perfect stop if you’re looking for vintage trims, lace and hand-embroidered fabrics. The owners are incredibly knowledgeable and always have unique stock.
3. Stonesby Decorative
📍 The Coach House, Stonesby, Leicestershire LE14 4QE
🌐Stonesby Decorative
🕰️ Open: By appointment only
💰 Price Range: £50 - £2,000
If you love French brocante-style furniture and one-of-a-kind decorative pieces, Stonesby Decorative is a dream! They curate a stunning collection of distressed mirrors, painted furniture and vintage lighting. Book an appointment for a more personal shopping experience.
4. St Martins Antiques Centre, Stamford
📍 23 High St St Martins, Stamford PE9 2LF
🌐St Martins Antique
🕰️ Open: Monday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm
💰 Price Range: £15 - £1,500
A well-stocked antique centre with multiple dealers offering antique furniture, vintage textiles and decorative homeware. This is a great place for finding old French enamelware, rustic wooden furniture and linen upholstery fabric.
5. Vintage Pieces
📍 Online store based in the UK
🌐Vintage Pieces
💰 Price Range: £20 - £500
A carefully curated online and by appointment business - offering interior decorative items, which add interest and colour. Layering old with new to create an individual look for all styles of the home.
6. Iris & Mabel
🌐Iris & Mabel
🕰️ Open: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm
💰 Price Range: £30 - £800
A small but beautifully styled online shop with a mix of vintage textiles, artisan homeware and handpicked antiques. A great stop if you love antique textiles and decorative curiosities. Also stocks in St Martins Antique Centre in Stamford.
7. The Old Bakery Antiques
📍 The Old Bakery Antiques, 23 Main St, Wymondham, Melton Mowbray LE14 2AG
🌐 Old Bakery Antiques
🕰️ Open: Thursday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm
💰 Price Range: £10 - £1,000
A hidden gem with chippy-painted furniture, vintage kitchenware and rustic textiles. A gem for hardware and door furniture plus vintage curtain poles, this is a must-visit.
8. Hemswell Antique Centres
📍 Caenby Corner Estate, Hemswell Cliff, Gainsborough DN21 5TJ
🌐Hemswell Antiques
🕰️ Open: Daily, 10am - 5pm
💰 Price Range: £10 - £5,000
A vast complex of antique dealers selling everything from vintage furniture to textiles and silverware. The perfect place for a full day of treasure hunting!
9. Navenby Antiques Centre
📍 High St, Navenby, Lincoln LN5 0DZ
🌐 Navenby Antiques
🕰️ Open: Monday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm
💰 Price Range: £15 - £1,200
A charming, smaller centre specialising in decorative antiques and vintage home accessories. Expect to find aged mirrors, linen cushions and old ceramic jugs.
10. Deeping Antiques Centre
📍 5-6 High St, Market Deeping, PE6 8EB
🌐Deeping Antiques
🕰️ Open: Monday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm
💰 Price Range: £10 - £3,000
A treasure trove of country furniture, decorative pieces and vintage fabric. Great for finding distressed painted dressers, antique samplers and one-off upholstery fabric.
Insider Tips for Vintage Hunting
- Arrive early for the best finds, especially at fairs.
- Bring cash as some dealers don’t accept cards.
- Haggle politely - it’s expected, but be respectful!
- Check for quality - look for signs of authenticity and good craftsmanship.
- Take measurements if you’re shopping for furniture.
These are my go-to places for sourcing beautiful vintage treasures. If you're visiting our Brocante in May, this guide will give you the perfect starting point for discovering more gorgeous finds! Happy hunting!
