Manchester is a very fashionable city, and we’re always up for digging through vintage and sustainable goodies, but what about lovely shiny antiques to decorate out spaces with? Well, we’re well catered-for as in our region, the options are almost endless, so we’ve put together a guide to the best antiques shops in Greater Manchester to spend an afternoon having a mooch.
1. Insitu
One of the Manchester antiques shops that may have passed you by is Insitu, which aside from stocking a great variety of goods, is housed in a gorgeous former Victorian pub.
Offering antiques and architectural salvage, Insitu is run by Laurence, who has been trading under the name since 1984, and along with a talented team lives to reclaim, reinvent and reimagine antiques and novelty, architectural pieces including furniture, stained glass windows, cornices and everything up to salvaged giant seahorses from a swimming pool…
📍 Insitu Manchester, 252 Chester Rd, Hulme, Manchester, M15 4EX.
2. Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill, Stockport
The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill describes itself as: “A treasure trove […] overflowing with a diverse selection of traders sourcing a delicious array of vintage.” We’d say it’s accurate, but honestly nothing justifies the scale and selection at the emporium.
Alongside vintage clothing and homeware, Pear Mill boasts one heck of a selection of antiques too, with plenty of vendors offering bits and bobs from every era you can think of. The likes of Logistique offers French and British objects including pots, jugs and tables, The Modern & Teak Shop includes French brocante, quirky antiques, religious art and selected industrial items, and Dusty’s Vintage Interiors has everything from an array of mirrors, tiffany lamps, chandeliers, rugs, gilt frames, Art Deco items, to fire screens, dressing tables, collectibles and so much more – you’re spoilt for choice.
📍 The Vintage Emporium, Pear Mill, Stockport Rd. West, Lower Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 2BP.
3. 20th Century Stores, Stockport
20th Century Stores looks tiny from the outside, but inside it’s filled with independent traders selling everything from furniture to jewellery, retro clothing to collectible beer mats. Although it’s mainly a vintage shop, this TARDIS-like Stockport spot has so many twists and turns that you’re sure to stumble on something shiny and fabulous, whether it’s old enough to be an antique or not. There’s definitely no harm in having a look!
📍 20th Century Stores, 26 & 27 Market Pl, Stockport SK1 1ES.
4. Failsworth Antiques Quarter
Not just a antiques shop, but an entire part of town, Failsworth Antiques Quarter is an absolute haven for those who love nothing more than mooching for something old and shiny. Wrigley Head is the street that houses the main antique shops in Failsworth, making it super convenient for a day-long spree.
With no less than four huge antiques shops in one Greater Manchester area, spend an afternoon digging through endless glassware, kitchenware, furniture, collectibles, film props and more – you’re sure to come away with something truly unique.
📍 Wrigley Head, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9BS.
5. Levenshulme Antiques Village
Based in the gorgeous Old Town Hall building, Levenshulme Antiques Village is a regional hypermarket where many dealers buy and sell antiques, pre-war and vintage furniture, fireplaces and collectibles, with a popular café serving traditional English breakfasts and daily home cooked specials – so you can really make a day of it.
What’s more, other services include fireplace sales and restoration, picture framing stained glass sales and repair, so if any of your own antiques are wearing thin, you know where to go! It’s yet another community hub in Levenshulme, and you really feel that sense of togetherness somewhere like this.
The Antiques Village is open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am – 4pm.
📍 The Old Town Hall, 965 Stockport Rd, Manchester, M19 3NP.
6. Bolton Wanderers Exhibition Hall Antiques & Collectors Fair
Alongside a huge car boot sale that happens bi-weekly, Bolton Wanderers’ Toughsheet Community Stadium is host to a beloved antiques and collectors fair every first Sunday of the month, and although it isn’t a permanent antiques shop, it’s well worth a visit if you’re around Greater Manchester. Browse the likes of jewellery, ceramics, old toys, vintage, retro, clocks, watches, glass, medals, and so much more, all within the huge expanse of exhibition hall within Bolton Wanderers’ stadium.
2025 Dates:
- Sunday 3rd August, 2025
- Sunday 7th September, 2025
- Sunday 12th October, 2025
- Sunday 16th November, 2025
£4.50, Seniors/Children £4, under 14s free.
📍 Toughsheet Community Stadium, Burnden Way, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6JW.