Camden has long been one of London’s best neighbourhoods for vintage fashion, but it’s also home to some excellent charity shops. Pair those with the second-hand boutiques around King’s Cross and you’ve got one of the strongest thrifting routes in North London.
Whether you’re hunting for affordable everyday clothes, designer labels, vintage denim or one-off pieces, here’s where to go.
Start in King’s Cross
Before heading to Camden, it’s worth making a quick stop at Coal Drops Yard.
Boutique by Shelter
Shelter’s boutique feels more like an independent fashion store than a traditional charity shop. Expect a carefully curated selection of preloved clothing, accessories and designer pieces in one of King’s Cross’ nicest shopping destinations.
- Address: 1st Floor, Coal Drops Yard, London N1C 4AB (see details)
From Coal Drops Yard it’s around a 20-minute walk along Regent’s Canal to Camden Lock, making for an easy and scenic route between the two neighbourhoods.
The best charity shops in Camden
Most of Camden’s charity shops sit within a few minutes’ walk of one another, making it easy to browse several in one visit.
TRAID
One of London’s best-known charity shops for fashion. TRAID specialises in second-hand clothing, with a strong mix of vintage, designer brands and quality high-street labels. Stock changes constantly, so every visit feels different (and they often run sales!). All details about this TRAID shop here.
- Address: 154 Camden High Street, London NW1 0NE
Mind Charity Shop
A reliable stop for affordable clothing, books, accessories and homeware. It’s often overlooked by visitors heading straight for the vintage shops, making it well worth popping into.
- Address: 60 Camden High Street, London NW1 OLT
British Heart Foundation
A good all-round charity shop with men’s and women’s clothing, books, accessories and household items. If you’re building a wardrobe on a budget, it’s always worth checking the rails.
- Address: 65 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JL
Cancer Research UK
This busy shop sees plenty of donations thanks to Camden’s footfall, so new stock arrives regularly. Expect a broad mix of fashion, books and accessories.
- Address: 81 Camden High Street, London NW1 7JL
Shop from Crisis
Shop From Crisis is known for quality second-hand fashion, with vintage gems mixed in. Every purchase also helps support people experiencing homelessness.
- Address: 22 Parkway, London, NW1 7HL, United Kingdom (details)
North London Hospice
A friendly charity shop selling clothing, accessories and homeware, with proceeds supporting hospice care across North London.
- Address: 9 Parkway, London, NW1 7PG, United Kingdom
Don’t skip Camden’s vintage shops
Camden isn’t just about charity shops. It’s one of London’s best destinations for vintage shopping too.
Rokit
Rokit has been a Camden institution for years. Inside you’ll find carefully selected vintage jackets, denim, knitwear, leather, sportswear and plenty of statement pieces. Prices are higher than charity shops, but the selection is excellent.
Camden Market
Around Camden Lock Market and the Stables Market you’ll find dozens of independent traders selling vintage clothing, upcycled fashion and retro accessories. Some stalls specialise in workwear, others in Y2K fashion, military surplus or Americana.
Unlike charity shops, prices vary from stall to stall, so don’t be afraid to compare before buying.
Why Camden is one of London’s best places to thrift
Few areas in London combine charity shops and vintage shopping as well as Camden. Within a relatively small area you can browse national charity retailers, fashion-focused second-hand stores and independent vintage traders, all without needing public transport between stops.
If you’re only planning one thrifting day in North London, Camden should be near the top of your list.
Looking for more places to thrift? Download Ganddee to discover charity shops, second-hand shops and vintage stores across London and the rest of the UK.
