With its rich history of craftsmanship, much of it traditionally rooted in place - for example, pottery and ceramics in Staffordshire, and silversmithing and woodworking in the Cotswolds - England has an unmistakable allure for antiques lovers, many of whom travel from overseas to find items they’d not readily find at home. In a July 2025 report about the state of the antiques market, the UK was shown to be the world’s second largest exporter of arts and antiques after the United States, even as American visitors remain the largest group of travellers arriving specifically to shop for vintage.
So, whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply happy to browse and soak up the atmosphere, here are the antiques fairs across the UK worth planning a trip around this summer.
Newark International Antiques and Collectors Fair
When: 4th & 5th June, 13th & 14th August, 15th & 16th October, 10th & 11th December
Where: Newark & Nottinghamshire Showground, Winthorpe, Coddington, Newark NG24 2NY
More details here.
Not for nothing is this often described as Europe’s largest antiques fair, drawing visitors from all over the world. Expect as many as 1,500 stalls, both indoors and out: this fair has everything from vintage clothing to collectibles on offer, including rare vinyl, jewellery, and furniture. Not only are all eras represented - a Victorian nightgown? An MCM end table? - but price points also range from the affordable to the seriously hefty. The beauty of this, of course, is that there’s genuinely something for everybody, whatever your interests or budget.
Good to know: Parking is free, and there’s a cafe and other food stalls on site, so you can refuel when your blood sugar dips. Not all traders accept cards and, although there is an ATM on site, you’re still best to bring cash with you.
Sunbury Antiques Market
When: The second and last Tuesday of every month, 6.30am - 2pm
Where: Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury On Thames, TW16 5AQ
More details here.
Sunbury proudly wears its title as one of Europe’s largest and best-loved antique fairs. First held in 1979, it’s grown bigger and better over the years and now hosts over 700 traders at each event. It’s a popular destination for set designers, collectors, prop buyers and designers alike, which just goes to show how vast and varied the array of goods on offer is - from ceramics and silverware, to clothing and curios. Even if you’re not in the market for purchasing, it’s a brilliant destination for a browse, with inspiration in every direction.
Good to know: Since this market tends to attract those serious about their antiques, you can expect the dealers to be there on the dot at 6.30am (or before). Consequently, entry is free after 8am (read: the best pieces may well have been snapped up). Food and beverage options are fairly basic: think bacon sandwiches and tea from a van. Parking is free, but bring cash for purchasing power.
Detling Showground Antiques & Vintage Fair
When: 6th & 7th June, 25th & 26th July, 5th & 6th September, 31st October & 1st November
Where: Detling Showground, Kent, ME14 3JF
More details here.
Buckle up for the largest antiques fair in Kent. Its 300 - 400 vendors bring a huge mix of items and a relatively reasonable range of prices - which makes it a great destination for picking up the odd buy, rather than scouting with the precision of a collector. If you’re into upcycling, or looking to add some interest and quirk to your home, this is a great place to come.
Good to know: Entry is cash only and there’s no ATM on-site, so come with a full wallet. A handful of catering vans with refreshments and drinks will keep you happily sustained for at least a couple of hours, but to make a proper day of it, keep in mind that Kent is home to around 120 vineyards, many of which have excellent restaurants.
BADA Art & Antiques Fair, Rutland
When: 5th - 7th June, 2026
Where: The Pavilion, Rutland Hall Hotel, Nr Oakham, Rutland, LE15 8AB
More details here.
This year will be the first time that the British Antique Dealers Association (BADA) has held an arts and antiques fair outside of London. The prestigious event is very much about calibre rather than scale, with a tightly curated group of renowned dealers, including Holly Johnson Antiques, John Bennett Fine Paintings and Morgan Strickland Decorative Arts. French clock specialist Richard Price of BBC Antiques Roadshow fame has also been confirmed for the event. Expect exceptional museum quality and carefully vetted, authenticity-assured pieces.
Good to know: This is definitely a more polished affair than some of the others on this list - we’re talking Champagne bars rather than bacon butties. Prices will inevitably reflect the vendors’ level of expertise, as well as the provenance of the items - so it goes without saying that playful haggling doesn’t really suit the mood.
Harrogate Decorative, Antiques & Art Fair
When: 12th - 14th June, 13th - 15th November
Where: Great Yorkshire Showground, HG2 8NZ
More details here.
With its elegant spa town setting, this long-established fair has a refined feel, and its careful curation makes browsing feel purposeful rather than overwhelming. There are around 40–60 specialist dealers at each event, so you can expect an intimate and even educational atmosphere, with quality the order of the day, rather than volume.
Smaller objects, such as jewellery, are available, but the strongest showing comes from furniture, artworks and garden pieces. It’s not the place for a ‘haul’ - more one for a considered buy you’ll keep forever.
Good to know: As a more curated event than some of the larger, outdoor markets, prices tend to be higher, with quality and expertise built into the tag. Parking is available on site, and many dealers accept cards, but bring some cash just in case. With its many restaurants, verdant gardens and spa culture, Harrogate itself is well worth factoring into the trip - a weekend stay at Rudding Park Spa is the ideal addition to a day’s browsing.
