New Study Reveals the 5 Star Antique Shopping Capital of the UK

A new study reveals Greater London as the capital for five-star antique shopping experiences in the UK.

The study, conducted by selling site for-sale.co.uk, analysed five-star-rated antique shopping venues in the UK and calculated the number of shops in each area along with total TripAdvisor ratings to award each region a “Capital Score”

Greater London received a score of 14.4, making it the nation’s five-star antique shopping capital. It has the second-highest number of top-rated antique shops, with 13, which equates to a shop ever 121 square kilometres. Its highly rated shops have received 70 reviews, including 29 for Farringdon’s Jewellery, where shoppers said they had a “brilliant ring buying experience” and encountered “unexpected splendour”.

Cheshire boasts five-star shopping experiences in Chester, Warrington and Birkenhead, coming in second place with a “Capital Score” of 13.1. There is a five-star antique shopping experience for every 391 square kilometres; and a total of six shops across the county.

Cheshire’s shops have a combined 160 reviews, mainly for “The Antiques Shop”, located in Chester. “An excellent shop full of historical wonders” was one shopper’s description of his experience, and another loved the fact that he was told “the history of everything in the shop.”

The third best place for an antique shopping experience is Merseyside, scoring 11 points. The county has a shop for every 129 square kilometres and a total of 26 reviews. There are five high-rated antique shops in the area, with Liverpool claiming two out of the five. The shop with the most reviews was Southport’s “The Royal Arcade”, bringing in 13 reviews. Shoppers in the area described their experience as an “unusual find” and an ”absolute treasure trove.”

In fourth place is Somerset, receiving a “Capital Score” of 9.4. Bath, Yeovil and Taunton are home to most of the 14 five-star antique shops in the district, offering 298 square kilometres per shop. The area recorded 85 reviews, with nearly half (38) of them for “The Emporium” in Yeovil. Shoppers found quirky, interesting items like antique clocks, military memorabilia, collectable China and vintage mirrors; a shopper commented: “Fascinating vintage shopping destination – love this place!”

In the fifth position is Kent, with 9.2 points. The county has ten five-star antique shops, with Faversham recording the most number of shops in the area. There is an antique shop every 374 square kilometres, and they have received 95 reviews in total, the second-highest amount. “The Canterbury Jewellers and Pawnbrokers” is the most popular shop, with 72 reviews. Antique lovers were impressed by the friendly and helpful staff and described it as a place for “tasteful, classical, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco style items”.

Commenting on the study, a spokesperson for For-sale.co.uk said: “It is pleasant to see the areas that offer fantastic shopping experiences for antique lovers in the UK and tourists who visit the country to explore its shopping avenues. Antiques are still an excellent option for unique gifts for special occasions and an ideal way to source unusual items that become a talking point when entertaining visitors.”