It is no secret that I adore going to charity shops, whether it is to find something to resell on for more money, or finding a stunning new decorative piece for my home. Swaffham, in Norfolk, is home to a wonderful array of charity shops. In this post I am going to share the Swaffham charity shops with you.
About Swaffham
Swaffham is a market town in Norfolk, just 12 miles east of King’s Lynn and 31 miles from Norwich.
If you enjoy Georgian buildings, links to Tutankhamun and reasonably priced charity shops then visiting Swaffham should go on your to do list!
Getting to Swaffham
The easiest way to get to Swaffham is by car, with plenty of free parking options available.
There is free parking for 2 hours all around the town centre – you will need to collect a free parking ticket is you are parking in the market square (unavailable on Saturdays due to the market taking place). There are also a few parking spaces dotted around the centre in front of some of the charity shops – look for spaces outside of EACH and Your Hospice Shop.
The postcode for the market place car park is PE37 7AB.
A longer stay car park is located at Theatre Street Car Park, Theatre Street, PE37 7HF which is around a 5 minute walk (0.3m) to the town centre.
For public transport options you can opt for taking the bus to Swaffham.
There are no train stations in Swaffham.
Swaffham Charity Shops
There are 7 charity shops in Swaffham, and they are all easy to walk to from each other – you can easily plan a circuit around the town to visit all the charity shops and if you’re quick enough, just about make it back in time before your 2 hours of free parking runs out.
Overall, the charity shops in Swaffham are really well priced and offer good value for money. My favourite for the best bargains is Your Hospice Shop, so if you are short on time then definitely make sure you visit them.
I’ve written about them below in order of my personal preference.
Your Hospice Shop (Supporting Tapping House)
Your Hospice Shop is top of my list when it comes to Swaffham charity shops!
They are the biggest charity shop in the town, boasting an upstairs and downstairs area.
In the shop you can find:
- Homewares
- Bric A Brac
- Furniture
- Clothing
- Accessories
- Toys
- Books
And more!
They often have a clothing sales rail where you can pick up items for just £1.
My favourite finds here are dresses, which are usually priced at £4 at most.
They are open Monday-Friday 9:00-17:00 and Saturday 08:30-16:30.
Address: The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House, 75 Market Place, Swaffham, PE37 7LR
Break
Break is a charity supporting young people, and they say: ‘Whether that’s through therapeutic services, respite breaks, providing a resilient home or support with parenting, we are committed to supporting them through whatever life has in store.’
Their charity shop in Swaffham has lots to offer for bargain hunters.
For sale you will find clothing, bric a brac, toys, a dedicated craft area, accessories, books and more.
They are open Monday – Friday 8.30am until 4.30pm, and on Sundays from 10am – 4pm.
Their address is 11/12 Market Place, Swaffham, PE37 7AB.
The Big C
The Big C is a cancer charity, and the shop in Swaffham is small but mighty.
Inside you will find clothing, bric a brac, books and a dedicated children’s section.
There is also regularly a sales rail with offers, and in warmer months you will see extra items outside for sale.
They are open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
The address is 9 Market Place, Swaffham, PE37 7AB
The Children’s Society
The Children’s Society charity shop in Swaffham is a popular one!
Inside you will find clothing and accessories, a dedicated craft area, books as well as a children’s section. There is also a small section for bric a brac, and sometimes you might find the occasional piece of furniture.
I actually got my office chair from here – a pink massaging office chair for just £25, brand new!
They are open Monday-Saturday 9:00-17:00.
The address is 45 Market Place, Swaffham, PE37 7LA.
Sue Ryder
This Sue Ryder doesn’t sell clothes but instead you will find bric a brac, a seasonal section (Christmas later in the year, gardening earlier in the year), electronics and appliances, books and a few pieces of furniture.
They are open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
The address is 47 Market Pl, Swaffham PE37 7LE.
EACH – East Anglia Children’s Hospice
East Anglia Children’s Hospice supports over 500 children and young people per year, and their charity shops give them a chance to raise much needed funds to continue to do this.
The store has a heavy focus on clothing and accessories, but you will also find homewares and bric a brac, as well as books and a children’s section in the store.
In my opinion, the prices can be on the pricier side for Swaffham charity shops.
They are open Monday to Saturday 9.00am – 4.30pm.
Address: 35 Market Place, Swaffham, Norfolk, PE37 7LA
PACT
PACT is an animal charity, and their charity shop based in Swaffham is slightly away from the other charity shops, so if I am short on time I often skip this one. Personally I haven’t found any great bargains from here, hence it being last on my list.
They sell clothing, books, bric a brac, children’s items and have a dedicated pet section.
They are open Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm.
The address is 36 Market Pl, Swaffham PE37 7QH
Where to eat and drink in Swaffham
After visiting all the Swaffham charity shops, chances are you will want to rest your feet and grab a refreshment.
Depending on how much time you have and your preferences, there are plenty of places to get a drink or some food in Swaffham whilst replenishing your energy to tackle the charity shops.
Chains include:
- Costa
- Greggs
- Subway
Independent places open in the day time include:
- Margaret’s – Cakes, breakfasts, amazing pizza and soft play, but service can be a little slow so if you have parked with a 2 hour restriction just be aware of this.
- Market Cross
Top Tips For Finding Bargains At The Charity Shops
If you love to get a bargain then here are my top tips for grabbing a bargain at the charity shops.
Visit Early and Often: The best items tend to get snapped up quickly, so try to visit early in the day for first pick. Frequent visits also improve your chances of finding new arrivals, as stock changes regularly. Some shops might even restock throughout the day, so checking back at different times can also pay off.
Look for Quality Items: When browsing, take time to check for high-quality brands, well-made materials, and durable construction. For clothing, natural fabrics like wool, cotton, and silk often indicate quality and can be better long-term finds. With furniture and homeware, look for solid wood or unique vintage details—many charity shops offer great antique items if you know what to spot.
Get to Know the Staff: Building a friendly rapport with the staff can lead to valuable insights. Sometimes staff might give a heads-up on when new stock arrives, upcoming sales, or hold back items you’re looking for (within reason!). They may also share tips on hidden finds that other shoppers may overlook.
Timing for Seasonal Stock: Many charity shops switch their stock seasonally, bringing out coats, jumpers, and boots in the autumn and spring/summer clothes as the weather warms. Checking around seasonal changes can be ideal for getting first dibs on relevant items.
Shop Around the End of the Month: As people declutter at month-end (or after payday), you might notice a bump in quality donations, which then makes its way to the shop floor in the days following. Similarly, post-holiday periods, especially January, can bring a wave of donations as people clear out their homes.
Learn to Spot Hidden Gems: Charity shops often have hidden treasures, from vintage records to out-of-print books and collectible ceramics. If you’re interested in a particular niche—like vintage fashion or retro electronics—do a bit of research on identifying valuable items in that category. Knowing brand logos, signature designs, and the feel of quality materials can help you quickly identify gems among everyday stock.
Look Out for Sales and Discount Days: Some charity shops hold regular sales or “fill-a-bag” events where you pay a set amount to fill a bag with items. Others may have discounted racks for items that have been in the shop for a while. It’s worth asking if the shop has any upcoming sales, clearance sections, or discount days.
Try Before You Buy: If possible, try on clothing before you buy, as sizes can vary between brands. Many charity shops offer limited fitting rooms, so it’s best to wear something comfortable and quick to change in and out of for easy trying on. This can prevent the disappointment of finding that a fantastic item doesn’t fit quite right when you get home! Although you call sell it on Vinted if you don’t want to ask the charity for a refund.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swaffham Charity Shops
How many charity shops are there in Swaffham?
There are seven charity shops in Swaffham, all within walking distance of each other in the town center.
What are the best times to visit for new stock?
It’s best to visit early in the day or just after weekends, as shops often receive and restock items over the weekend. Visiting around the end of the month may also yield new items from recent donations.
Is there free parking near the charity shops?
Yes, there is free parking for up to 2 hours around the town center. Just be sure to collect a free ticket if parking in the Market Square (except Saturdays during the market). The Theatre Street car park also offers longer stays.
What types of items can I find?
Swaffham’s charity shops offer a wide range of items, including clothing, furniture, bric-a-brac, books, toys, accessories, and even homewares. Some shops focus on specific categories, such as furniture or clothing.
Are there options for food and drink nearby?
Yes, you’ll find both chain cafes, like Costa and Greggs, and independent options. Margaret’s offers a cozy spot for coffee, cakes, and meals but can be a bit slow, so keep parking restrictions in mind.
Can I volunteer at any of these shops?
Many charity shops welcome volunteers. If you’re interested, just ask inside the shop, and they’ll be able to provide details on how you can help.
What should I do if I buy something and change my mind?
Refund policies vary by shop, so it’s best to ask about returns before buying. Alternatively, you could resell the item online (like on Vinted) if the charity shop doesn’t accept returns.
