By Arabella Peterson Entertainment 28.05.2019

The Best Car Boot Sales Within Two Hours of London

Hunt for hidden gems, vintage steals, and weekend treasures at these top car boot sales.

A road trip out of London for a spot of second-hand shopping is a weekend well spent. A car boot sale – the British twist on a flea market – is the perfect outing, and a goldmine for everything from bric-a-brac and second-hand clothes to antiques, tools, toys, and vintage treasures.

Not only will you likely pick up a bargain, but it's a nice opportunity to be part of a community-driven event. For buyers, it’s a thrifty thrill; for sellers, it’s a great way to declutter and make some extra cash.

If you're a Londoner, a day out of the big smoke offers the perfect change of pace, so we've rounded up a few of the best car boot sales that you can reach within two hours or less (traffic allowing). Practice your haggling, and don't forget cash!

1. The Rusper Car Boot Sale

Treasure hunters, vintage lovers, and casual shoppers from all over the south east come together for a weekly Sunday rummage at the Rusper Car Boot Sale. This market takes place on farmland in Horsham, a charming market town in West Sussex.

Buyers can enter from 10am (£2 early bird entry until 11am, then £1 for the rest of the day) and sellers are welcome from 8am (no earlier!), with pitch fees for sellers starting from £13. On-site, expect hearty hot food, a coffee stand, and an ice cream van. It’s a proper day out with a neighbourly vibe and plenty of hidden gems waiting to be found.

Cophatch Farm, Newdigate Rd, Horsham RH12 4RR, United Kingdom.

2. Late Riser Car Boot Sale

Don't let the name fool you, the Late Riser Car Boot Sale kicks off bright and early at 7am! Located on London Road in Clacton, this long-running boot sale has earned a reputation as the busiest and friendliest in the area.

Running every Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holiday Monday from March onwards, it offers a welcoming, no-fuss setup: no need to book a pitch – just turn up. Sellers pay just £8 per car, while buyers enjoy entry for just 50p per person. With plenty of space and great prices, it’s a popular destination for locals and day-trippers alike. Expect a lively crowd, a true mix of finds, and the kind of friendly banter that makes waking up early totally worth it.

London Rd, Clacton-on-Sea CO16 9QZ, United Kingdom

3. Welwyn Garden City Car Boot Sale

The Welwyn Garden City Car Boot Sale is one of Hertfordshire’s best-loved weekend traditions. Held at Stanborough Fields, this sprawling open-air market has been running strong since 1994, drawing crowds of curious collectors and those hunting for a deal every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from April through October. If you’re after a proper car boot experience – friendly, unpretentious, and full of unexpected finds – this is it.

There’s no need to book, just roll in on the day. Sellers can arrive from 8.30am and pitches are £13. Buyers are let in from 10am, and the later you arrive, the cheaper it gets: £3 from 10am, £2 after 10.30am, and £1 after 11.30am – a great incentive to sleep in a bit without missing all the good stuff. The sale winds down around 2pm, giving you plenty of time to search for a bargain, and refuel at the on-site catering stands, which serve up solid refreshments.

Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, AL8 7TB

4. Brighton Car Boot Sale

Perched on the scenic grounds of Brighton Racecourse, this bustling Sunday car boot sale is one of the largest on the south coast, drawing an impressive 4,000 visitors every week. Whether you're hunting for second-hand gems or just soaking up the lively atmosphere, this is a car boot with something for everyone – and then some.

Gates open at 7.30am, and sellers are free to arrive from then onwards, with no need to book in advance. Buyers enter via Manor Hill, and once inside, can peruse stalls at their own pace. Pick up breakfast or a sweet treat – from sandwiches to crepes, hot drinks to ice cream – and enjoy the vibes.

Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 9XZ

5. Redbourn Car Boot Sale

Running on most Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from April through October, this long-established event has been welcoming buyers and sellers since 1992. Sellers can begin unloading from 8am, with general public pitches opening at 9am, and the gates officially open to buyers from 9.30am. The sale wraps up around 2pm, giving plenty of time for bargain hunting and leisurely exploring.

Pitch fees start at £13 and £23 for early setup from 9am. With capacity for up to 500 sellers, there’s more than enough space, so you won’t be turned away—even if you’re not a 7am queuer (yes, some regulars line up that early!).

Buyers can enter for £3 from 9.30am, £2 after 10am, and just £1 from 11am onwards – so it pays to turn up later if you’re more of a casual browser. The sale takes place on a field with tarmac roadways for easy access, and comes with all the amenities you’d expect: clean toilets, solid catering options, and well-signed directions from the M1 and surrounding areas.

Dunstable Road, Redbourn, AL3 7PT

6. Great Amwell Car Boot Sale

Held every Sunday from March to November, this is a true heavyweight in the UK boot sale scene. It attracts thousands of buyers and sellers each week, drawn by its reliable setup, vibrant atmosphere, and sheer scale. Spanning 52 acres of farmland, the site is uniquely resilient in poor weather – often staying open when others can’t.

Sellers can set up from 7am (or 6am for early access), with pitch fees starting at £13, while buyers can enter from 8am (£2) or 9am (£1). Expect everything from antiques and household goods to kids’ rides, bouncy castles, and a buzzing, family-friendly vibe.

Hillside Farm, Pepper Hill, Great Amwell, Ware SG12 9RZ, United Kingdom

7. Chelmsford Sandon Car Boot Sale

Running without pause throughout the year, the Chelmsford Sandon Car Boot Sale is a standout destination for anyone who loves a good rummage. The hardstanding surface means less muddy shoes and soggy stalls – just solid ground and an easy layout that makes browsing a breeze.

This is a second-hand haven, where the organisers actively limit the number of sellers offering new items, creating a more authentic, old-school market feel. Sellers can start setting up from 8am, or opt for early access at 7am for a small additional fee with ptch prices start from £13.

Buyers get a tiered entry system – arrive early from 9am for £3, 10am for £1, or wait until 11am when entry drops to just 50p. With everything from antiques and clothing to collectibles, plus great catering options, this well-run event draws regulars from across the region.

Sandon Park and Ride, A12 Junction 18, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 7RU