"Early Bird Bargain Hunter: My 40-Mile Drive at Dawn and the Sneaky Trick That Uncovers Hidden Treasures!"

I’VE been a self-proclaimed car boot queen for as long as I can remember. I’m up at 6am – sometimes four times a week – travelling up to 40 miles on average to visit multiple car boot sales across the country.

In 2019, I started recording my car boot adventures, sharing my bargain hauls online, and over the last two years my content has racked up over 350 million views.

Becky Chorlton has helped reframe carboot sales as unexpectedly cool again Credit: Supplied Becky’s ‘dirty’ trick helps her find treasure in the carboot sales that most wouldn’t even look at Credit: Alamy

Once dismissed as old-fashioned weekend rummaging, are being swept up in Britain’s second-hand shopping boom. New figures show almost half of UK shoppers now buy pre-loved goods at least once a month, with 92 per cent planning to maintain or increase their second-hand spending.

A wave of videos is also helping reframe them as unexpectedly cool again.

searches for “car boot sales near me” have risen significantly since 2021, and as the continues to climb, it’s no surprise more people are turning to second-hand shopping.

I’ve also seen a noticeable post-pandemic shift back towards face-to-face interaction with buyers wanting to see, touch and judge items before buying, something you simply can’t do online.

And then there is the growing awareness around and looking after our planet. I see many more young people at car boot sales wanting pre-owned bargains.

While I love second-hand like , I much prefer rummaging in a muddy field for a good deal.

Items at car boot sales are usually far cheaper, especially as you have no postage or buyer protection fees to worry about.

I can see exactly what I’m buying in , so there’s no disappointment when something doesn’t arrive, turns up damaged, or isn’t authentic.

There’s no waiting, no returns and no drama.

And then there’s the experience of going to a car boot sale that shopping online can’t give you.

I love the thought of heading out and not knowing what I’m going to find, then the adrenaline rush when you discover a bargain.

And there’s a real warmth about the community – people are so chatty and friendly.

One of my favourites is Carol, she’s in her 80s and has had a stall in the same spot at my local car boot for over 20 years.

She doesn’t always make much , but she loves getting out of the house and chatting to people – and really, isn’t that what it’s all about?

I’ve driven all the way to Cornwall to try out the car boot sales. There’s one almost every day down there and most of them start later – perfect if you enjoy a lie in.

I came home with a brand new wetsuit for £10, which retails at more than £150, and a bodyboard for £1. Even a bodyboard in the surf shops would cost £10+ so I definitely got a good deal.

From a muddy floor to a flagship store, it’s proof you never know what you’ll find at a car boot sale Credit: Supplied

There are weeks when I come home with an armful of treasure, but even when I’m empty handed, I still feel like I’ve had an uplifting morning.

One of my most memorable came when I spotted a jacket lying on the floor, priced at £40. Anyone who knows their vintage knows these jackets can sell for £200, so it felt like one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments that only happen at .

I contacted Italian fashion label Fiorucci, and they displayed the jacket in their London Soho store. They were collaborating with second-hand sellers at the time and displaying some of their best pieces for customers to shop. The jacket ended up selling for £195.

From a muddy floor to a flagship store, it’s proof you never know what you’ll find at a car boot sale. Most shoppers only look at what’s laid out neatly on tables, but I always head straight for the boxes dumped on the floor – even if they’re a bit dirty – because that’s where the best bargains are hidden.

As an orange Le Creuset fan, I was worried it would take me years to complete my collection, then one morning I found an entire set for £20. Admittedly, they did need a deep clean, but a new set is worth over £600 so I didn’t mind getting my hands dirty!

But probably my most treasured find isn’t anything designer or fancy, but a small, hand-painted plant pot I picked up for 50p. It sits on the windowsill in my kitchen and makes me smile every time I look at it.

But it’s not all treasure. I buy a lot of ‘mystery bags’ at the car boot sales, mainly to share the opening on my social media. I’ve found some questionable items including mouldy food, naughty adult toys and used plasters. It definitely makes for entertaining unboxings.

That’s the magic of car boot sales – sometimes it’s not about how much something is worth, but the quiet joy of finding something you genuinely love and giving it a place in your home.

London & South East

Peckham car boot: Great if you’re looking for one off pieces from small independent brands to designer steals. I’ve seen everything from trenches to . It’s open every Sunday from 10am.

Shepperton car boot sale: Expect a busy, no nonsense car boot at Shepperton, with rows of sellers, plenty of everyday bargains, the odd hidden gem, and that classic buzz where you have to move fast before someone else snaps it up. It’s open from 7am every Saturday to kick start your weekend.

Capital car boot (Pimlico): expect a fast-paced, city-style car boot with a proper mix of sellers, from everyday household bits to genuinely great vintage and resale-worthy finds. It’s open every Sunday from 10am.

Arminghall car boot sale: If you’re looking to dive into the deep end of car booting then this one’s for you. Expect a large, well-established car boot with a proper buzz and everyday bargains. It’s open both Wednesdays and Sundays from 7.30am.

North West

It’s not always about how much something is worth – finding something you genuinely love is joyful too, says Becky Credit: Supplied

Bolton car boot: This one is HUGE! Usually spaced across 3 large car parks, It’s brilliant for hours of browsing on a Sunday morning. Get there at 7am to get the best pick.

Warrington car boot: This one is family-run and has been running for over 20 years. A nice mix of regular market traders and traditional car boot stalls. You can go twice in one week if you’re prepared for the early start. It’s open Wednesdays and Sundays from 6am.

Haydock park car boot: Probably the biggest midweek car boot in the UK. On a good day it can take 2-3 hours to get round the whole thing. I’d recommend this one if you love antiques, homewares and unique items. Drop the kids at school and then pop over. It’s open from 9am every Wednesday.

Barton Airport car boot: This one is a great morning out for the entire family. Sometimes they have bouncy castles and multiple food vendors. Start your weekend right by grabbing a bargain. It’s open every Saturday from 9am.

Rixton car boot: This one is newer and less established but if you’re looking for somewhere more relaxed to have a browse then this one is for you. It’s open from 9am on Thursdays and Sundays with the potential of more days being added in the future.

North East

Strawberry Fields car boot sale: This one has the potential to be a full day out. It’s a market and car boot sale all thrown into one. They sell the best cakes here! Plenty of traditional car boot stalls filled with opportunities to grab a bargain. Open Sundays from 6.30am.

South West

Becky is also a big fan of the £1 mystery bags which can contain questionable items – but they’re fun to unpack Credit: Supplied

Exeter racecourse car boot: A car boot perfect for the late risers. It starts at 1pm on Sundays. The entrance fee is slightly higher but you’re bound to find some trendy items once inside.

Truro cattle market: Expect a brilliantly quirky browse through the animal pens, where tables of bargains sit where livestock usually stands, plenty of everyday finds and the occasional hidden gem if you’re willing to rummage. Open Sundays and Bank holiday Mondays from 12pm.

Midlands

Croft car boot sale: Expect a classic countryside car boot with a relaxed pace, loyal regular sellers, plenty of household bargains, and the kind of steady rummaging where patience usually pays off with a decent find. true bargain hunter’s dream but not for the faint hearted as you’ll have to get there at 5.30am on Sunday if you want to be first there.

Stickney car boot sale: A traditional village car boot with a friendly, unhurried feel, familiar faces each week and plenty of practical bargains. It starts at 6am every Saturday.

• Follow Becky on Instagram and TikTok @ BeckysBazaar