Whether you’re a history buff, want to build on your unique collection of historic memorabilia or just love to wander amongst all things with a past, there’s something oh-so-comforting about exploring antique shops when on holiday.
Characterful, unique and filled with things that’re sure to spark a memory or two, the UK is particularly good at antiques, and history-filled Devon definitely has its fair share of great shops to sink your teeth into.
From tucked-away treasures in traditional market towns and huge warehouses jam-packed with curios and collectables to antique shop trails that take you across an entire town, Devon offers a plethora of opportunities for the keen antique hunter. Another fab thing about the world of antiques is that it’s not a weather-dependent activity, so you can shop till you drop whenever the skies turn unfavourable.
So whether you’re radical about retro, verbose on vintage or addicted to antiques, here’s our top selection of antique shops in Devon to make your holiday a little more memorable.
Topsham Quay Antiques Centre
The Quay, The Strand, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0JB
Spread over three huge floors spanning over 9,000 square feet, this incredible warehouse is packed to the brim with antiques and collectables. Standing proudly quayside in the historic port town of Topsham, this fabulous Antiques Centre has over 65 dealers with cabinets of curios to browse.
It’s been a star on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, so you’re in for a real treat and bound to find something special to take home with you after your holiday in Devon. Open every day except Christmas Day, combine a visit with exploring the town itself, which sits on the banks of the Exe Estuary. There are lots of winding lanes to wander along, while a visit to Topsham Museum will give you a glimpse into the town’s maritime past.
Ashburton Antiques Trail
Nestled on the southern slopes of Dartmoor, the picturesque market town of Ashburton is an absolute must-visit for antique lovers. With over ten antiques shops in the town, the people of Ashburton have put together an Antiques Trail for visitors to follow to make the most of their visit. Each shop has its own speciality, be it Georgian and Victorian furniture, jewellery, mid-century modern art, retro, ceramics and everything in-between.
For instance, In A Nutshell Antiques specialises in gorgeous furniture items for your home, Avalon Antiques focuses on militaria, Clinton House Interiors has a lovely selection of French antiques, and The Shambles offers old English furniture, Scandinavian silver, and French linens. The town has also appeared on the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip as well as The Antiques Riviera on Channel 4, highlighting how important a destination it is for lovers of all things antique. Combine the trail with an amble around the town itself, taking in the medieval market square, the 15th-century St Lawrence Chapel, and maybe a walk along the River Dart.
The Antique Village
Hele, Exeter EX5 4PW
Situated about 8 miles east of Exeter, the village of Hele is home to the ginormous Antiques Village, where over 100 dealers over three floors vie for your attention with their collections of vintage treasures. Whether you’re after that perfectly unique piece of jewellery, a gift for yourself to remind you of your holiday in Devon or simply love to while away an hour or two browsing, there’s so much to see in this 4-acre site, which also houses an auction house and an architectural salvage area.
If, after all that bargain hunting, you’re left needing a sit-down, head to the Dovetail Café for coffee and cake, or a tasty lunch. Hele is close to beautiful Killerton House Gardens, so why not pop here afterwards for a gentle stroll along the herbaceous borders and a breath of fresh air - the perfect combination for a history-themed day out.
Old Bridge Antiques
11 Bridgeland Street, Bideford EX39 2PZ
A Bideford highlight for 30 years, Old Bridge Antiques sits within a beautiful old stone building. With over 30 dealers showcasing a huge range of antiques and collectables over three floors - some say there’s over 25,000 items to peruse – you’ll not run out of things to look at! So if you’re passionate about Art Deco, books, Turkish carpets, kitchenalia, vintage clothes or even old whiskey barrels, there’s something to be found for every kind of enthusiast here.
Afterwards, take time to explore Bideford, an old port town set on the estuary of the River Torridge, filled to the brim with independent shops, a historic Pannier Market, plenty of places to eat and narrow backstreets to explore, or take the ferry over to nearby Lundy Island, an astonishing conservation centre that’s a must for wildlife lovers.
Exeter Quay Antiques
The Antiques Centre, 2 The Quay, Exeter EX2 4AP
Nestled on the edge of the River Exe in the heart of Exeter’s historic quayside, Exeter Quay Antiques has been running since 1986, set within an ancient building dating back to 1680 that has served as a customs shed, a fish market, and even a greengrocer's. With a hand-picked selection of antique dealers displaying their wares, this is the place to come for glass, china, coins, toys, silver, clocks, paintings, books and photography, and so much more.
There’s a café on site if you need to quench your thirst, or take a walk along the riverside path, take a canal cruise or even hire a boat and take to the water yourselves. Alternatively, it’s just a short stroll into the centre of Exeter where you’ll find the stunning cathedral, a plethora of shops to browse, and even underground medieval passages to explore.
The Brixham Steam Packet Company Ltd
60a Fore Street, Old Foundry Court, Brixham TQ5 8DZ
While not strictly an antiques shop, any lover of all things vintage (and in particular with all things nautical) should definitely pay a visit to The Brixham Steam Packet Company in the seaside town of Brixham in South Devon. A family-run business born of a passion for our rich maritime history, it began as a shop selling ocean liner antiques and memorabilia before evolving into a fabulous exhibition of artefacts from famous ocean liners such as Cunard and White Star Line.
In addition, they opened The Chart Room, an Art Deco-inspired coffee lounge serving afternoon teas in the style of the era, surrounded by the rare and unique collection of maritime memorabilia. So if you’re exploring Brixham, definitely make time to pay a visit (but please note this is an adults-only spot due to the rarity of the artefacts).
Trinity Marine
Scattor Rock, Shaldon Lane, Dunsford, nr Exeter EX6 7YT
If you have a love of all things nautical and are looking for that perfect artefact for your home, make sure to head over to Trinity Marine. Passionate about vintage lighting, porthole mirrors, marine objects and nautical antiques, the huge warehouse is full to the brim of treasures to discover, while workshops are busy restoring ancient sea-themed curiosities to their former glory.
Founded in 1976, you’ll find Trinity Marine tucked away in the beautiful Teign Valley with two large showrooms to pootle about in, full of such delights as naval and ocean liner china, ship salvage (anyone for a foghorn?), furniture, mirrors, clocks and lighting - to name just a few of their collections. Afterwards, stretch your legs and fill your lungs with plenty of fresh air with a walk around the local countryside.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our beautiful holiday cottages in Devon and start planning your antiques-themed break today.
