Charity Shop UK

Charity shops directory

The UK's charity shops, in one place

Reviewed — chains and locators verified

Compare 14 major chains, typical donations and collection options — and a link straight to each store locator.

What do UK charity shops accept?

Nearly all of the UK's more than 9,900 charity shops (Charity Retail Association, checked 13 August 2026) take clean clothes, books, homeware and bric-a-brac; furniture and electricals go to the specialist stores run by British Heart Foundation, Sue Ryder, Age UK and Emmaus — collection coverage and accepted items vary by branch. Looking for your nearest shop? Use the charity shop near me page — every chain's store locator in one place.

Opens charity shop results in Google Maps. Confirm hours and donations with the shop.

Open a charity shop map

Your search, or location if you choose to share it, goes to Google Maps. Charity Shop does not store it. No location permission is needed to type a town or postcode.

Who should skip this: Skip this directory if you wanted to donate a bag of goods to this website — we have no stockroom. Use the router for clothes, furniture and electricals, or give a costed animal gift if you only have money.

Charity shop questions

What do charity shops accept?

Nearly all accept clean clothes, shoes, books, homeware and bric-a-brac. Furniture and electricals need specialist stores — British Heart Foundation and Emmaus run them — because upholstery needs fire labels and electricals need safety testing. When in doubt, check the chain’s donation guidance before you go.

How does Gift Aid work when I donate items to a charity shop?

If you’re a UK taxpayer, sign up for retail Gift Aid at the till: the charity can then claim an extra 25% of whatever your donated items sell for, at no cost to you. You register once per chain and they track your items.

Which charity shops collect furniture for free?

British Heart Foundation, Sue Ryder, Age UK (larger stores) and Emmaus offer furniture collections through participating services. Check your postcode, item condition and availability with the provider.

Do charity shops take electrical items?

Some do — British Heart Foundation and Emmaus accept electricals at dedicated stores, where items are safety-tested before sale. Smaller high-street shops often can’t, so check the chain’s donation guidance first.