London Charity Shops: 11 Best Oxfam Shops in London
I’m always looking for the best charity shops near me, and over the years, I’ve found Oxfam shops in London to be particularly mesmerizing. Born and raised in France, browsing the charity shop racks was not something fashionable. France is a country where vintage fashion is praised and acclaimed, but charities with shops are not meant for the fashionista. Living in a big city changed my mindset entirely. That was when I discovered that local charity shops in London are trendy shops that every girl next door visits at least once a week. And to be fair, choosing second-hand is definitely the way to go most of the time for me.
My first charity shop love was the Oxfam shops. There, I learned that thrifty and fashion could go hand in hand. I also learned that cheap charity bookshops could make for months of fascinating reading.
London Charity Shops: 11 Best Oxfam Shops in London
Back when I used to live in Bethnal Green, I would often look for charities shops near me. And what did I find, sooner or later? Oxfam shops, of course. It seems that among all charity shops in London, Oxfam shops and bookshops are some of the most famous.
We all know that the best charity shops in London provide a swift turnaround to our wardrobes and bookshelves. Sometimes, you can even find the odd furniture charity shops London will unravel for you. In addition, you can find cheap frames, prints, chairs, and wardrobes to redecorate your home. Yet, charities in London are more than just buying stuff on the cheap.
What does Oxfam UK do, exactly?
Established in 1942, Oxfam shops have been the window shop for a global movement acting against poverty. Whether you choose to purchase from their charity shops in Islington, Dalston, Greenwich, or Camden Town, you’re giving your two cents to an organization that is changing the world. And that’s something I admire when it comes to charity shops in the UK. They’re here to stay, and they’re here to do actual good in the long term.
From refugee camps to women’s rights and acting to put a term to poverty for good in our globalized world, Oxfam acts on all fronts. It has always been one of the very charities with shops where I give my money without a second thought.
Now that this is established, let’s talk about the best Oxfam shops I’ve visited in London. If you’re wondering: “Are charity shops open on a Sunday?â€, you’ll be happy to know that some of the Oxfam shops in London are indeed open on Sunday afternoons. Just check out the information on their Google page. That way, you won’t run around London like a headless chicken. What we want is the certainty to be shopping for amazing cheap clothes, second-hand books, and homeware on a budget.
Now let’s get on with the best Oxfam shops in London!
Oxfam Bookshop Bloomsbury Street
We’re going to be starting this Oxfam shops list with one of my absolute favorite charity bookshops in London. That would be the Oxfam Bookshop on Bloomsbury Street. Located in Central London, close to Soho, Tottenham Court Road, and the British Museum, this Oxfam UK shop is the first of the kind I ever encountered in London. This must have been in 2014, back when I didn’t mind carrying books back and forth between countries.
The Oxfam Bookshop on Bloomsbury Street is the Oxfam shops’ flagship store when it comes to books. There are lots to shop there. If you’re looking for second-hand art books in London, for instance, that’s a shop you’ll love to browse. I’ve spent hours and hours there. In addition to the used art books, this is one of the Oxfam shops where they stock lots of fiction and novels, rare books, and collectibles. There are even academic books that span from philosophy to economy. One of the best charity shops in London for books, with new and old titles wherever you turn your head.
Oxfam Books & Music Islington
If you ever find yourself looking for charity shops in Islington, I can advise Fara for clothes, accessories, and shoes. But when it comes to books and music, yet another one of the Oxfam shops steals the case. Oxfam Books & Music Islington is one of the few charity bookshops in London that offers a wide range of books and music.
I’m talking about two floors and a very different selection than the Bloomsbury charity shop. In Islington, books revolve around literature, history, and fine art books. For kids, you’ll find plenty of children’s books as well. Adults, you can even treat yourself to travel, leisure, and academic books. On top of that, this is one of the Oxfam charity shops in Islington where the music section is well-stocked. It spans from CDs to vinyl and even DVDs. If that’s your local charity shop, lucky you!
Oxfam Shop Holloway Road
When I was living in Seven Sisters and was looking for charity shops near me, I found this Oxfam shop on Holloway Road. I realized that the entire Holloway Road was especially full of the best charity shops in London. When it comes to the Oxfam shop on Holloway Road, it’s a hidden gem out in the open. That, for whoever is ready to travel to North London.
What I love about charity shops in North London especially, is the fact that prices are very reasonable. You can find really cheap clothes, used books and even accessories and shoes in this Oxfam on Holloway Road. When I am looking for charity shops near me, I always make sure there are other brand names nearby. Well, close to Oxfam, there are shops like the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research.
This ensures that if I travel, I will be able to purchase new clothes and books on a budget from several places in a row. Plus, on Holloway Road, you can find the Islington Central Library. That’s one of the best quiet places to work and study in London. Then, you can even grab a delicious halal Full English breakfast at the Rabbit Hole on the same road. All in one, easy peasy.
Oxfam Bookshop Victoria Strutton Ground
I’ve never been that much of a fan of the Victoria and Pimlico areas in London. I just feel like they are much too far from all the famous London landmarks. Yet, the Oxfam UK shop on Strutton Ground is one of the best charity bookshops in the city. I have written quite a few articles about the biggest book shops in London and the best second-hand bookshops in London as well. So, I think we know by now just how crazy I am about finding cheap used books in the city.
The Victoria Oxfam shop is a huge shop that offers a collection spanning from fiction to classic literature, and even rare books. Whether you are looking for a specific topic or would just like to treat yourself to a new second-hand book, you will find what you’re looking for in this Oxfam UK shop. There are even CDs, vinyl, and DVDs in this South West London charity shop. So, if you’d like to spend an hour browsing the racks, why not make it a Saturday moment? That’s between you and yourself. Especially since this is one of the charity shops in London where the book selection is so clean and well ordered!
Oxfam Shop Camden
When I first visited London, I knew almost instinctively that the best charity shops in London were in Camden. That is why I have written a full guide to the best charity shops in North London, including Camden Town and Finsbury Park, for you some time ago.
In Camden Town, you will not only find one of the best Oxfam shops in the city. In addition, on Camden High Street, you will also come across Traid London, which sells very stylish designer clothes for cheap. By the way, another amazing place to find Traid UK is in Dalston, in East London. Actually, one of the best charity shops in Dalston is a huge Traid. This one will be part of my upcoming guide to the best charity shops in East London.
If you want to find other amazing local charity shops, all you need to do is type ‘charity shops near me’ on Google Maps. In Camden, you will find Scope, Mind Camden, the British Heart Foundation, and Cancer Research. There, there are even more charities in London that sell anything from stylish second-hand clothes to used books in great condition.
This Oxfam shop in Camden sells books and music in great condition, shoes, clothes, accessories, and even a bit of homeware. That makes for one of the best local charity shops in Camden Town, period. Plus, it reflects perfectly the young and trendy vibe that this London area boasts.
Oxfam Dalston: Best Oxfam Shops in London
Dalston is home to the best charity shops in London. I particularly enjoy walking around this lively area which, like Holloway Road, I consider to be a hidden gem in London. It’s known almost exclusively to the local population. The Oxfam UK shop in Dalston is located on Kingsland Road, on the main artery of Dalston at the end of Stoke Newington.
By the way, if you don’t know Stoke Newington, it might not be the best area for charities with shops. However, it is a cute village-like area in London that you will love to discover if you’re a fan of independent shops and brands in London.
Oxfam is one of the charity shops in Dalston that features the most donations. It is a huge charity shop filled with books, clothes, accessories, and even homeware. From second-hand clothes to pots, plates, and frames, you are bound to find your fill of used things to give a new life to.
I know that when you’re new to the city, you’d rather find a charity clothes shop in Central London. Or in one of the tourist places like Camden Town, or fancy Chelsea. But if you’re ready to travel to local charity shops like Dalston, Holloway Road, or even Fulham, you will find some hidden gems in London.
Oxfam Shop Bethnal Green: Best Charity Shops in London
When I used to live just off of Bethnal Green Road, I was so lucky to have some of the best charity shops near me. That included an Oxfam shop, but also the Spitalfields Crypt Trust and Lamas Pyjamas on Roman Road. It took me literally 3 minutes to go to my local charity shops at that time. The Oxfam shop in Bethnal Green is a large store where, first of all, all the clothes are ordered by color – a very smart and quirky way of ordering clothes in a charity shop.
At this Oxfam UK shop, you can find anything from very trendy dresses and coats to a very interesting selection of second-hand books. Add to this jewelry and even Sourced by Oxfam skincare products from independent brands in London. I will grant you they are not second-hand, but still very interesting to pick up.
The fact that Bethnal Green is not too far from the center makes this Oxfam one of the best charity shops in London. If you ever want to donate clothes, music, books, and homeware, you can do so at this shop as well. Get yourself a nice second-hand book, a cute like-new top, and even fairtrade food and drink, and I promise your mood will be lifted up instantly.
Oxfam Shop Earls Court
I really like the South West area of London, even if for some reason – work and obligations – I’ve never visited too many of the local charity shops there. After all, I had plenty of charities shops near me when I used to live in Mile End, Bethnal Green, and Seven Sisters. We’re really lucky to have charity shops in London of the likes of Oxfam. Even in the west where the living quality is higher and the prices usually follow in designer shops.
The Oxfam Earls Court charity shop clothes are usually branded and still affordable. You can get many items around 2, 3, and even up to 10 pounds, whether we’re talking about books, jewelry, accessories, or clothes. If you go visit the Saatchi Gallery or one of the famous exhibitions at the Victoria and Albert Museum, why don’t you take a walk to Earl’s Court and browse the Oxfam shop afterward? Not only will you be able to relish the beautiful sights around you, but this is one of the local charities in London where you’re bound to find a new wardrobe favorite.
Oxfam Highgate: Best Oxfam Shops in London
Don’t you love it when you go to specific charity shops in London, only to find that there is more than just one in the area? Highgate is one of my favorite areas in London because, much like Hampstead, it looks like a village inside London. It is quiet, posh, and a very soothing place. There, you can imagine that local charity shops will sell only the best items, in the best condition, at the best price.
In Highgate, there is an Oxfam UK shop focused only on second-hand books and music. If you’ve been looking for second-hand art books, that’s going to be the place. Yet, you can also find classic literature, cooking books, history, fiction, and even children’s books there. This makes the Highgate Oxfam charity bookshop a one-stop shop for both adults and kids. No need to go to Foyles or Waterstones when you can get a new treat for the whole family right in the heart of Highgate.
The music section is about pop, jazz, classic, and rock. You can even pick up sheet music and scores there in addition to the usual CDs and DVDs. If you’re looking for a charity shop to donate to, this Oxfam UK shop accepts donations as well.
On the same street, on Highgate High Street, you will come across a second Oxfam shop. This one is more general and given we’re in a posh area, you are bound to find second-hand designer clothes and items in great condition at a very affordable price. So, if you’re in the area, visiting the Highgate Cemetery, for instance, hop on to Highgate High Street to visit these Oxfam shops. You won’t regret the visit. For sure, they are local charity shops run by passionate people who take great pleasure in selecting donations in almost new or new conditions.
Oxfam Shop Portobello: Best Charity Bookshops in London
If you ever want to keep the wheel rolling by donating books to one of the best charity shops in London, then the Oxfam Bookshop on Portobello Road is a great choice. I love the whole Portobello slash Notting Hill vibe, as you may have noticed when I talked about the most colorful houses in Notting Hill a while back.
Portobello sure is one of the poshest areas in London. Understandably, the Oxfam UK shop on Portobello Road stocks a great range of almost new books and music. Those, you would never find in another shop at such a great price. The bookshelves are filled with fiction, leisure, classic literature, and even collectible books. That’s not all though. As you know, there is always more at the best charity shops in London that one could wish for.
If you want to know what the best charity bookshops in London are, then the Oxfam Portobello bookshop is one of your best bets. It might be located on a much-loved street, but it is clean with ordered books. There are even magazines, music, CDs, and DVDs beyond measure. That’s a perfect Oxfam UK shop to go to when you want to treat yourself to a new second-hand book but don’t really know what you’re looking for.
Oxfam Shop Fulham
The Oxfam shop on Fulham Road might be one of the best-ordered charities in London. You can see that the staff there really wants to make your life easier while doing good. Everything there looks almost brand new with a great selection of accessories, jewelry, shoes, and clothes. In addition to that, you will also find a great range of books, music, and homeware at this charity shop.
If you ever happen to be in Fulham, I would definitely recommend going there. They also sell the full Sourced by Oxfam range, which includes the organic skincare products I mentioned higher up in this guide to the best Oxfam shops in London.
I really like how Oxfam has expanded its offer to give back to the community while building one of the best charity shops in the UK in less than 80 years. If you’d like to donate to this charity shop, you can do so, as they accept music, books, and clothes on a regular basis.
London Charity Shops: 11 Best Oxfam Shops in London
If like me, you are always looking for the best local charity shops in London, this selection of Oxfam shops should help you start your shopping experience on the right foot. Wherever you turn your head in London it seems that there is always a charity clothes shop around. What I mostly like are charities in London that sell almost exclusively second-hand books. And who am I to complain when we know just how crazy I am about shopping in London on a budget?
From Bethnal Green to Dalston, Islington to Fulham, and Portobello to Camden, I have listed here only the top Oxfam shops I have visited so far. If you are more adventurous, I would definitely recommend going to the Chiswick or Chelsea branches. Especially if you are a fashion lover and are after second-hand designer clothes in London. Then, of course, if you’re more of a lively, upbeat type of person, the selection you will find at the best charity shops in North London like Camden Town and Finsbury Park could very well match your vibe.
In any case, just make sure to visit an Oxfam UK shop. The prices are very decent and the condition of the used books and clothes, jewelry, and homeware is always spick-and-span. As usual, just have fun while doing good. Isn’t that what the best charity shops in London, Oxfam shops or not, are all about, after all?