Antique Shops in South Devon

Like much of the UK, there's a growing movement to promote sustainable living and reduce our carbon footprint in Devon. One of the most rewarding ways to participate in this initiative is by embracing the world of second-hand treasures. South Devon, with its picturesque landscapes and charming towns, is home to a plethora of antique shops that are perfect for perusing sustainable collectables. 

Antique Shopping in Teignbridge 

With its charming market towns and scenic landscapes, Teignbridge provides the perfect backdrop for antique enthusiasts seeking to unearth hidden treasures. Towns such as Dawlish, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot are havens for those looking to find something unique and historic.  

General Antiques in Dawlish has been a staple to the town for many years. If you are visiting Dawlish, you might enjoy checking out the local history items, such as postcards and photos showing how the town looked decades before. 

If you’re visiting Teignmouth Hello Retro is a great place to pick up a loud and colourful statement piece for your home as they specialise in vibrant designs from the 60s and 70s. Other antique shops in Teignmouth include Miller Antiques near the train station, Time Flies who specialise in antique clocks, Bella’s Emporium on Regent Street and Chicy Rachael if you’re a lover of all things shabby chic.  

Newton Abbot is home to a number of antique shops in the town centre. On Union Street we have The Attic and a little further down on Wolborough Street is Ogwell Antiques who specialise in vintage toy and motoring memorabilia. Uniques of Newton is somewhat of a landmark in the town, prominently recognised for its array of ‘animals’ who sit outside the shop to entice you in to browse.  

Antique shopping is much like negotiating tactics—both require patience, a keen eye for value, and the ability to recognize hidden gems," says the founder of Shapiro Negotiations Institute. "Exploring places like Teignbridge’s antique shops offers a perfect setting for finding unique treasures while honing those negotiation skills.

Antique Shopping in the South Hams 

The South Hams, an enchanting region in Devon, is a haven for antique enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Antique shops scattered throughout this picturesque area offer a captivating journey through time. Whether you're strolling through the charming streets of Kingsbridge or venturing inland to the historic town of Totnes, you'll find a treasure trove of vintage delights. 

Williams Used Furniture in Kingsbridge is the perfect shop to visit if you love a rummage. From top to bottom the unit is filled with pre-loved furniture and extraordinary collectables. Also in Kingsbridge is Kingsbridge Antiques Centre where a number of individual dealers sell interesting antiques, memorabilia, books and jewellery.  

Totnes is somewhat of a leader in sustainable shopping with a high street full of charity shops, antique stores and businesses selling locally and ethically sourced goods. Cunningham Whites is the place to visit for beautifully crafted wooden furniture, whilst Bogan House Antiques is a small but mighty shop boasting a wonderful eclectic mix of keepsakes and interesting finds.  

Antique Shopping in East Devon 

Whether you're wandering through the historic streets of Sidmouth, exploring the market town of Honiton, or venturing into the countryside, you'll find a diverse range of collectibles that capture the essence of picturesque East Devon. 

Along the River Exe are several quaint towns and villages. One particularly fantastic antique shop located here is Topsham Quay Antique Centre which sits upon the river banks in Topsham. They offer a diverse collection of vintage treasures, including furniture, ceramics and jewellery.  

Further east, the Vintage Trading Post in Ottery St. Mary, is a charming boutique shop specializing in vintage and retro goods. This hidden gem offers a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and collectibles from various eras.  

Adjacent to Colyton Tramway Station, which is connected via the Seaton Tramway, discover The Vintage Shed, a treasure trove with antiques, retro furniture, and crafts from over 30 traders. They also purchase unique items if you need to offload or make room for something and offer free parking. 

Also in East Devon we can recommend visiting Sidmouth Antique Centre and Jackdaw’s Antiques & Collectables in the seaside town of Sidmouth, Nana’s Attic and Hermitage in Honiton, as well as Green Dragon and Dolphin Antiques in beautiful Seaton.  

Antique Shopping in Torbay 

Torbay, also known as the English Riviera, boasts a selection of antique shops that beckon collectors and history enthusiasts. From the historic streets of Torquay to the charming corners of Paignton and Brixham, Torbay's antique shops offer a diverse range of vintage goods. 

In Torquay you’ll find Frank Craig Antiques which have over forty years in the antique trade and sell a wonderfully curated selection of furniture, artwork, bronze, clocks and porcelain. There’s also Atelier Kingsley, located in The Market Forum who specialise in mid-century modern antiques and object D’Art.   

Paignton is home to Panzertruppe Collectables, a seller of premium Militaria, offering a mix of 100% original 1933 – 1945 items with a focus on the Armoured element of the Wehrmacht.  

Other notable antique shops are Rosie’s of Brixham, Decades Past and Temeraire Antiques in Brixham, Old Paignton Antiques in Paignton and Penny Lane in Torquay.  

Antique Shopping in Exeter 

Exeter is the historic and vibrant capital of Devon, and it’s home to a thriving antique scene. Antique shops in Exeter offer a rich assortment of treasures, from exquisite furniture and vintage jewellery to rare collectibles and decorative arts. 

Located on Exeter's historic quayside, Exeter’s Antique Centre on the Quay offers a diverse collection of antiques and collectibles. With numerous dealers under one roof, you can explore everything from vintage furniture and ceramics to classic books and retro clothing.  

The Exeter Trading Hub is a huge warehouse in Marsh Barton filled with all things antique, vintage and retro with a large yard of reclamation and garden wares. There’s also a coffee shop here so you can refresh yourself after a long day of shopping! 

We’d also recommend visiting The Attic and Pennies in Marsh Barton, and also Francis Kay Vintage at Mccoys Arcade on Fore Street. Mccoys Arcade is also home to a great vintage clothing shop too!  

Antique Shopping in West Devon 

With its picturesque landscapes and charming towns, West Devon home to a delightful array of antique shops. Whether you're meandering through the historic streets of Tavistock, enjoying the scenic beauty of Okehampton, or discovering hidden gems in the countryside, West Devon's antique shops provide a wonderful opportunity to uncover the region's rich history and heritage through its timeless artefacts. 

A haven for all things antiques, Tavistock is the place to go for second hand shopping. There are a large number of antique shops to peruse including Fishbelly Antiques, Armoury Antiques and Militaria, Knights Emporium, Yesterday’s, Decodent and Re FURNISH. Combined with its fascinating past, friendly locals and independent businesses, Tavistock is heaven for history enthusiasts. 

In Okehampton there’s a few additional antique shops to visit. The Cubby Hole is perhaps the most popular in town selling quality pre-owned furniture, collectables and curiosities from throughout the ages, as well as St James Street Antiques, a hidden gem tucked behind the St James Chapel.  

Antique Shopping in Mid Devon 

Whilst exploring the market town of Crediton or wandering down the historic streets of Tiverton, you’ll find antique shops that provide a nostalgic journey through the region's rich heritage and culture aplenty in Mid Devon.  

The Crediton Antique Centre specializes in exquisite ceramics, featuring renowned brands such as Moorcroft and Royal Worcester. Additionally, they offer a diverse range of items including small furniture, glassware, model railway collectibles and vintage signage. 

Meanwhile in Tiverton Stag and Squire are passionate about rare, quirky and decorative antiques. Filled to the brim with decadent and outrageous antique items to conjure wistful nostalgia, they’re not your usual brick and mortar shop so you’ll have to schedule an appointment with them to browse their fascinating collection.  

Other prominent antique shops in Mid Devon include Boutique 37 Antiques and Corner House Antiques in Tiverton, James Antiques, Barney & Knowle and Springfield Emporium in Crediton plus Nicknacks in Cullompton.  

Antique Shopping in Plymouth 

Brimming with maritime heritage, Plymouth is home to a vast array of antique shops that cater to both locals and visitors. These shops offer a diverse range of vintage treasures, from maritime artefacts reflecting the city's naval heritage to classic furniture, ceramics, and collectibles.  

Start your exploring at the Barbican, a delightful old port with cobbled streets and specialist shops; you’ll find a number of great second-hand businesses dotted throughout the neighbourhood. Parade Antiques is perhaps one of the most mesmerising shops to browse. It’s decked from floor to ceiling with unique collectables and memorabilia. We even spotted a headpiece worn by Audrey Hepburn when we visited! There’s also a fantastic antique jewellery shop called Pre-Owned if you’re looking for this specifically.  

Further in land near Devonport in Plymouth is Then and Now Antiques and Collectables which is a rummager’s dream. You can sift through the store to find stunning ceramics, pieces of art and hand-crafted furniture for hours on end.  

South Devon's antique shops offer a delightful journey through time, where you can discover the beauty of bygone eras and reduce your carbon footprint simultaneously. Embrace the charm of antique shopping in Devon.  

For those looking to discover places to purchase vintage fashion head to our Best Vintage Clothing Shops in South Devon blog post.  

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