8 Absolute Best Charity Shops in Chelsea

Charity shops in Chelsea are a true vibe, and if you’ve been to The London Local before, you probably know I’m set on the quest to the very best charity shops in London any time of the year. I think that as an ex-fashion makeup artist, there’s nothing that makes me happier than actually finding the cheapest clothes, amazing secondhand books, and all types of used accessories. And what could be better than actually finding them in Chelsea charity shops? 

We all know just how posh and beautiful the area is, and to be fair, the types of used clothes and accessories you can find there are always in great condition. This is why we’ll be talking about the best charity shops in Chelsea today, including, of course, Kings Road charity shops – from Oxfam to Cancer Research and Fara, I’ll be touching on all kinds of amazing British charity shops where you can donate and shop for the best secondhand clothes, books, homeware, and more.

8 Best Charity Shops in Chelsea

Before we start this quest to the top charity shops in Chelsea, I thought we should set the pace again. I love Chelsea and all the West London area. I actually seem to find myself there pretty often lately, even if I am, and will always remain an East London girl at heart. I used to live in Mile End and Bethnal Green when I first moved here, and even now that I live in North Finchley and love this place to death, I’m still Bethnal Green all the way. Wherever I am, though, I’ll always be on the lookout for charity shops near me.

If you love finding all kinds of amazing charity shops in London, you might want to check out those guides I’ve written for you on The London Local:

• The best charity shops in Bethnal Green
• The best charity shops in London
• And of course, the best charity shops in Camden Town (because I mean, they’re a vibe!)

Now that this is said, I think that charity shops in Chelsea are among the best if you’re looking for very cheap designer clothes in London. I have written about designer outlets a while back, but second-hand designer clothes in Chelsea charity shops are something you can definitely find easily. 

I will also, very soon, put together the guide to the best charity shops in Kensington so you’ll be able to criss-cross all of that and choose your very own favorite British charity shops in London for all that cool fashionable shopping you’re trying to do!

British Charity Shops in Chelsea: Oxfam Shop

Now, I don’t see how I could have started this guide to the best charity shops in Chelsea without an Oxfam shop – and I will also mention another one, the Oxfam Boutique, a higher-end charity shop right below. If you’ve been to The London Local before, you know I love secondhand designer clothes; maybe that’s the remnants in me of my fashion days. I did write about the best designer outlets in London for a reason, right?

This Oxfam right here is one of the charity shops in London where you’ll find amazing secondhand clothes, from brands that would otherwise cost (a lot) more. From high-street to secondhand designer brands, there’s really lots to shop here, and the shoe range is also clearly on a Chelsea vibe.

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There are a few Oxfam shops in Chelsea and Kensington, and you might want to roam them to find amazingly branded items. I’m talking anything from Prada to Bershka, with lots of couture and amazing clothes that have – for some of them – never even been worn. That’s actually quite usual for charity shops in Kensington and Chelsea areas to carry a brand-new-looking range and since Oxfam might be my favorite charity shop in London, it felt on point to start with this one.

British Charity Shops in Chelsea: Oxfam Boutique

If you’ve spent some time with me here before, then you might have seen the guide I’ve written about the best Oxfam shops in London. Oxfam is one of the best British charity shops brand, and I think that no one could ever say otherwise – especially anyone who’s been living in London for a while.

From the Oxfam Highgate bookshop and its cool collection of books to Oxfam Bethnal Green and its racks of colorful clothes, I’ve mentioned quite a few of what are in my opinion the best charity shops in London. I do think the Oxfam Boutique is one of the best charity shops in Chelsea given the great range of Fair Trade and donated secondhand designer clothes. That’s for sure.

Not only that but if you are looking for charity shops in London to donate clothes and accessories to, then that’s clearly one of the best ones for you. As usual, when looking to donate to London charity shops, I would advise calling beforehand. However, you can also donate by post with Oxfam. Do visit the Oxfam Boutique in Chelsea if you’re looking to treat yourself on the cheaper side, because this one is ultimately one of the best charity shops for designer clothes in London. After all, who doesn’t love shopping for Prada, Miu Miu, and Burberry at a fraction of the cost? Shoes, bags, clothes – just pop in and find your new favorite gem!

Charity Shops in Chelsea: Mary’s Living & Giving For Save The Children

Sometimes, we choose specific charity shops in London to do our shopping. Some may prefer buying from animal charity shops, some would rather support unemployment, homelessness, or children. Mary’s Living & Giving Shop for Save the Children, located on Fulham Road, is one of the charity shops in Chelsea that fully supports children – on every level. To help them “learn, grow, and become who they want to be”.

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Mary’s Living & Giving Shop for Save the Children has quite a few charity shops in London, but this one in Chelsea really is a hidden gem. There are some of the craziest amazing secondhand shops there, and the collection is updated roughly every week – sometimes even sooner. There are donated clothes, accessories, shoes, and much more for everyone there – from men to women. You’ll also find a great range of used books, toys, and CDs at this Chelsea charity shop, so if you’re not too far from Kings Road, Fulham Road, and that area, that’s definitely a great place to stop.

Charity Shops in Chelsea: Fara Charity Shop

If you’ve already read my guide to the best charity shops in London, then you know that one of my favorite charity shops in London is Fara. Most specifically, I absolutely love the Fara shop in Islington, big and full of great clothes. Even though that’s one really cool brand of British charity shops, it seems to me that Fara is one of the most underrated of all.

And, oh well, it would still seem that Fara is also one of the very best charity shops in Chelsea. If you’re ever around New Kings Road, then that’s definitely a destination you cannot miss. The cool thing is that not only do they have this charity shop on New Kings Road but there’s also another Fara Charity Shop nearby on Fulham Road, also located between Chelsea and Kensington.

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Now, I do believe that the New Kings Road charity shop is one of the very best in the whole of London for two reasons. First of all, all the secondhand clothes and books I’ve ever gotten at Fara in London are great, tremendous, excellent quality and in almost-new (or new) condition. Second of all, Chelsea being Chelsea, all the high street clothes and secondhand designer bits you’ll find there will be deliciously discounted. Do check out their accessories and books – they’re always items that I’m on the hunt for, and Fara always has some great surprises. That is one address that I urge you to visit if you’re looking for the best charity shops for designer clothes in London.

British Charity Shops in Chelsea: British Red Cross

Now, the British Red Cross on Old Church Street is one of those charity shops near Kings Road that are worth the trip. Actually, there are two Red Cross charity shops in Chelsea, and they’re very well-arranged to help you find your next purchase easier. If you’re looking for designer and vintage homeware, the Red Cross has a store dedicated to that, as well as really pretty home decor. However, if you’re looking for secondhand clothes, then you might want to visit the bigger Chelsea charity shop located right nearby.

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However, and kind of similar to the other charity shops in Chelsea, Kensington, and that kind of area, the prices are more expensive than what you would usually find in regular charity shops in London. The price range goes hand in hand with the type of secondhand designer brands you can find there, though – it’s not unusual to find luxury brands that I personally love like Moschino, Prada, Louboutin, or Manolo Blahnik. The upside is that this specific Chelsea charity shop does run sales pretty regularly, and that lowers the price of all the secondhand designer clothes, bags, and shoes, to a more affordable range.

Charity Shops in Chelsea: Royal Trinity Hospice

If you’re looking for other Kings Road charity shops in Chelsea, then the Royal Trinity Hospice, located close to other shops like Cancer Research, is a definitive stop you need to make. In this one open every day of the week, you’ll find lots of amazing secondhand designer clothes, accessories, as well as some really cool homeware.

And when I say designer brands, I’m talking about couture, like Boss, Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, and Hermes. Real good finds for anyone who is a fashion enthusiast (or if you want to shoot an editorial?).

This is in my opinion one of the best-kept British charity shops in Chelsea, and the selection of vintage clothes is wide too. I’d definitely recommend popping in if you love evening dresses as well because the Royal Trinity Hospice sure has a collection unlike any other charity shop in London.

Charity Shops in Chelsea: Octavia Foundation

For some reason, I really love the Octavia Foundation, but I feel that much too often, it is overlooked for more famous charity shops in London like Oxfam, the Cancer Research, or the British Heart Foundation. Yet, one of the best-hidden gems among all the charity shops in Chelsea is an Octavia Foundation store. It’s pretty small compared to other charity shops in the area, but it is super clean and very well-organized.

Again, if you’re looking for secondhand designer clothes and accessories, that Chelsea charity shop is going to become your best friend very fast. The number of almost-never-worn items is quite crazy, and every time I visit, I feel like I’m going brand new shopping, but on a budget – love that. I will definitely write about the best charity shops in Kensington as well, but just so you know, there is another Octavia Foundation shop worth visiting on Brompton Road (where you also have a Caffè Nero that I’ve listed as one of the best chain cafes to work in London).

British Charity Shops in Chelsea: Cancer Research

Ever since the first time I paid a visit to Camden Town charity shops, I’ve been in love with Cancer Research. This one charity shop in Chelsea is also on my must-visit list when I’m around West London because it is full of secondhand designer clothes and shoes – like most of the shops I’ve mentioned above, the couture brand list is lengthy and mighty. Whoever is on the quest for the best charity shops for designer clothes in London will be served at Cancer Research.

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Not only that, but aside from Prada, Burberry, and other secondhand Gucci, you’ll find a great selection of homeware, as well as accessories and used books in great condition at the Cancer Research in Chelsea. As per usual in charities in Kensington, Chelsea, and overall West London, most of the donated clothes, books, and other bits are almost new. So that’s defo one place you can’t miss.

8 Best Charity Shops in Chelsea

And there you have them, all the best charity shops in Chelsea. Of course, if you just walk a little more around the area, you’ll also find some of the coolest charity shops in Kensington, and if you’re looking to visit a very beautiful area, there’s Battersea just across the bridge. I personally love walking around London, even just to take pictures or take in the different atmospheres that all the boroughs give. But since you now know that there are amazing cafes in Chelsea and super cool British charity shops for secondhand designer clothes in London, I’d say that’s a pretty cool area to start with.

Pretty soon, I will write about the best charity shops in other areas of London, like North Finchley where I now live, as well as East and South London. Those are guides that are still in the works for The London Local, and I know a bunch of you have been waiting for them. But for the moment, do pay a visit to those cool Chelsea charity shops, and see what you can find!

If you’d like to discover more amazing things to do in London, I can now recommend these guides on The London Local for you:

• the coolest Japanese shops in London
• amazing dog cafes in London
• and the biggest bookshops in London for true book lovers

Until next time!

PS. Did you know there are dinosaurs in London, and you can see them for free?