In the last few years, pre-loved and vintage clothing has seen a massive resurgence in popularity. Filling your wardrobe with vintage styles is a great idea for a range of reasons: it’s better for the environment, can be far less expensive than buying brand new, and it’s a great way to find unique pieces to complement your personal fashion sense.
The only problem – it can be time-consuming to find the best items. So, to help you out, we have compiled a fail-safe list of the best vintage shops around the UK. Rest assured, a visit to any one of these retro outfitters is like delving into a treasure trove of fashion.
Whether you’re looking for nearby vintage shops or finding somewhere to browse on a weekend staycation, explore our suggestions for where to do your vintage shopping.
Armstrong’s Vintage, Edinburgh 
Hailed as an emporium of vintage clothing and open since 1840, Armstong’s is an Edinburgh institution beloved by many for their excellent array of vintage styles. Whether you’re looking for a 1950s dinner gown, a 1980s shell suit, or a classic pair of 501 jeans – you’re sure to find something at Armstrong’s. Included in their collection of vintage clothing is a great range of Scottish heritage pieces, such as kilts and Arran jumpers. With pieces like these that are designed to last a lifetime, why not choose the sustainable option and find yourself a high-quality item with history?
Getting to Edinburgh:
You can reach Edinburgh directly on CrossCountry trains from around Scotland and the rest of the UK. Simply hop on board a train to Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket station.
Uncle Sam’s, Bristol
Think American vintage clothing; think Uncle Sam’s. This vintage shop located near Berkeley Square in Bristol is packed full of American vintage styles, ranging from baseball and football shirts through to classic denim jackets and cowboy boots. Whether you love the Americana vibe or prefer a preppy style, there are pre-loved treasures at Uncle Sam’s that will complement any wardrobe perfectly. With reasonably priced pieces, staff with unbeatable vintage clothing knowledge, and some one-of-a-kind pieces, make sure to stop in on your visit to Bristol.
Getting to Bristol:
Luckily for all you vintage lovers out there, Bristol is easy to get to on the CrossCountry network! Whether you’re coming from Cornwall, Birmingham, Oxford, or Scotland, you can get to Bristol Temple Meads directly.
Cow, Manchester
With a focus on offering an alternative to fast fashion, you can find Cow in Manchester’s popular Northern Quarter (though they have locations across the UK). Cow offers vintage clothing from all around the world, picked and curated into styles that will transport you back to the 60s, 70s, right up to the early noughties! Whether you love a bold 80s dress or a classic old-school button-down shirt, or even vintage football kits, there is plenty to explore at Cow.
Getting to Manchester:
Cow is a short walk away from Manchester Piccadilly station, which you can reach from a range of CrossCountry stations across the UK. Explore routes to Manchester here.
Ballroom Emporium, Oxford
Now, this might be an acquired taste, but Ballroom Emporium in Oxford is one of the UK’s most dazzling vintage shops! For over 20 years, the Ballroom Emporium has specialised in a vintage section that features handmade suits, party dresses, gowns, and outerwear. Perfect for staying sustainable and maintaining your vintage aesthetic on special occasions, or if you fancy picking out something vintage to add to your everyday wardrobe, the Ballroom Emporium is a must-visit vintage shop in Oxford!
Getting to Oxford:
Ballroom Emporium is near the Oxford Botanic Garden, a 13-minute journey by bus from Oxford station. You can reach Oxford from stations like Bournemouth and Reading to the south, or Coventry and Birmingham to the north.
The Yesterday Society, Newcastle
Located in Grainger Market in Newcastle City Centre, the Yesterday Society is a vintage haven in the North! This boutique has new styles added every day, and best of all – they are dedicated to keeping vintage clothing affordable and prices low. From 60s mini dresses to loud 80s shirts, you can find something to match your own signature style in the Yesterday Society. If you’re just starting to learn about vintage fashion, make sure to pick the staff’s brains as they really know their stuff!
Getting to Newcastle:
Reaching Newcastle is super easy on the CrossCountry network. You can hop-on board direct trains to Newcastle station from Glasgow, York, Birmingham, and even Penzance!
If you’re planning a day out browsing through the best vintage shops in the UK, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
The UK is bursting with fun activities. Whether you’re visiting one of the best historical places in the UK, the best forests in the UK, or the best cinemas in the UK, you can always travel by train. CrossCountry has services running up and down the country to ensure you can get to the places you need to be.