One of London’s most central car boot sales, the weekly Pimlico car boot sale has a lot to offer bounty-hunting cheapos. It’s not a big event, but it’s not too small either—expect to spend an hour or two scouring through everything.
What to look for at the Capital Carboot Sale
The main draw is vintage clothing. Many of the stalls are packed with womens clothing of all kinds and styles (along with a few men’s items). It’s mostly a free-for-all, so you might have to do a little digging to find what you’re after. But there’s some great stuff on display if you’ve got the time to hunt for it! Other common sights include enamel pins, jewelry, kids toys and tools.
Head along early for first dibs on bargain vintage furniture, clothing and collectibles, as well as the odd used electronic good. Early bird tickets cost a princely £7.00. For cheaper items or just to browse, you’re better off arriving after 11:30 am, when the price drops down to £1.00.
It’s also great if like me, you just like to browse old junk and worn bric-a-brac. We spotted old postcards, and at least five presumably-haunted clowns spread across multiple stalls. We went with a classic hobo clown. If you’re more interested in clown marionette puppets, harlequin figurines or paintings of pierots, you’ll probably find what you’re looking for.
Getting to Pimclico Car Boot Sale
Pimlico Car Boot Sale is a few minutes walk from Pimlico underground station, and six or seven minutes from Victoria Station. you’ll almost certainly be getting the Victoria line here. When you arrive, be sure to check in the academy building at the end of the yard. It’s easily missed, and there are plenty of stalls inside.
Setting up your own pitch
Prices vary depending on whether you’re bringing a car/van (and whether you’re keeping it on the grounds throughout the event). You can also pay for premium spots with more traffic, tables and clothing rails. Expect to pay between £10.00 and £40.00
Word is that only second hand goods are allowed—so if you’re coming to flog new gear, there’s a good chance you’ll be ejected. The same goes for professional traders, though at least of the merchants seem to be regular car boot hustlers, especially when it comes to clothes.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, many events have been canceled. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
