This Antiques and Salvage Fair is Perfect for a Day Out in Manchester

If you're looking for a day to rummage for the best antiques and curiosities, look no further than Arthur Swallow Antiques and Salvage Fairs. With multiple venues across the UK, they're a must-visit for anyone in search of vintage gems.

As a second-generation antiques fair organiser, Arthur Swallow hosts events nationwide, including the Antique & Salvage Fair we visited at the Cheshire Showground in Knutsford, just off the M6.

In this post, we’ll share our top tips for attending future fairs, as well as our experience on the day. We'll help you feel confident about scoring quality items at the best price - and ensure you enjoy the experience along the way.

Top Tips For Attending Antique Fairs

Below, we share our experience at Arthur Swallow Antiques and Salvage Fair, along with top tips for attending similar events in the future.

How to get to a Vintage Fair (And What to Bring)

Vintage fairs and car boot sales are frequently organised outside of city centres, in large fields with plenty of space. This was the case with the event we visited.

So, if you're planning to attend a fair, be sure to check where it is, and don't be afraid to drive there (this will usually be the easiest option). If you don’t drive, consider carpooling with a friend!

Pro tip: Driving to the fair will usually save time and hassle (taking larger items home won’t be a problem). Just make sure to measure both your car’s boot space and the item before purchasing - it’ll save you the hassle of finding out it doesn’t fit!

Most fairs charge an entry fee, which you can pay by cash or card. At the Cheshire Showground Fair, entry was £7 per person, but under-16s go in free. Good news for dog owners too - dogs on leads were welcome!

Pro tip: Be sure to always double-check the dog policy for the fairs you'd like to visit. Sometimes, car boot sales and vintage events are hosted in schools and dogs can't get in.

When it comes to buying from stalls, some sellers do take card or PayPal, but cash is still king. It’s not only handy but can also give you a bit more bargaining power if you’re up for haggling.

Scope out the fair before you start spending

It’s always tempting to grab the first thing you see, but similar items might be cheaper at another stall. It’s a good idea to do a quick walk around the fair first - it’ll give you a better sense of what’s on offer and how prices compare. A little browsing can save you money and even give you an edge when it comes to haggling.

How to pay a fair price for Vintage Items

If you spot something you like but it’s out of your price range, don’t be afraid to haggle. Just like on Bargain Hunt, ask what their best price is. If you’ve got a lower offer in mind, ask! The dealer can only say 'no'.

And, if you can’t stop thinking about an item on sale, swing back to the stall before the fair wraps up. If it’s still there, the seller might be more open to lowering the price to something that works for you.

Where to eat at the Salvage Fair

When you start to feel hungry at a fair, you’ll usually be able to find a food truck. During our visit of Cheshire Showground, there were some great little pop-up food spots to check out. The local farm was selling tasty produce like sausage barms - and I can confirm, they were delicious!

If the weather’s good, you could also consider bringing a picnic. The showground had lots of open space, so there’s plenty of room to sit back and enjoy the lovely countryside views. Plus, bringing your own food can save you a bit of money - more to spend on antiques!

What to wear when visiting an Antiques Sale

Comfort is key - the showground was huge, and there were over a hundred stalls to explore! When you visit a vintage sale, make sure to wear comfy shoes and take breaks when you need to.

Most of the Cheshire Fair was outdoors, with limited shelter. So, if you’re planning to visit the showground on a wet day, you’ll need waterproof shoes, a good umbrella, and a decent coat (bear in mind that the fair may close early if the weather is too extreme - check their website if you have doubts). If you use a wheelchair or scooter, there are gravel paths around the area. Keep in mind, however, that some stalls are on grass, which can be trickier to access.

How to Carry All Your Second-Hand Finds

Carrying all your finds can be tricky - most stalls won’t offer a bag, so be sure to bring your own. Some people even bring a festival trolley to haul all their amazing treasures, like the one pictured below.

You can also get a stamp at the gate and pop back to your car to drop things off. You’ll definitely have got your steps in by the end of the day!

Our visit to the Arthur Swallow Antiques & Salvage Fair was a fantastic day out for the whole family, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a good rummage. It’s a little more upmarket than a typical flea or car boot sale, so be prepared to spend a bit more - but you'll still find plenty of bargains, along with amazing one-off pieces that would look great in any home. From taxidermy and parts of old fairground rides to Ercol chairs and Victorian furniture - there really is something for everyone. So get yourself down to an Arthur Swallow Fair and see what you can uncover!

And, of course, don’t forget to check out the Ganddee app to find more amazing events and second-hand shops local to you!