Charity Shop Hop - Bedford

This is where I hail from, and growing up here with it's plethora of charity shops, it's no surprise really I ended up the way I did!

I still remember vividly some of the second-hand shops long since gone that I used to trawl around as a kid with my mum.  There was one on Midland road which had a fabulous old shop counter, glass fronted with pull out drawers laden with buttons, linen and jewellery.

There was one on Bromham Road run by two old ladies, which was where my mum would buy Christmas ribbons by the bin bag full, and a second-hand clothes shop upstairs along St Peter's street, which always seemed to turn up Clothkits kid's clothes.

Anyway, back to the present. There is a wealth of charity shops in the town centre, but I'll save those for another post.  Instead I'm concentrating on the Castle Road area.



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This is one of the most sought after areas of Bedford to live, with its good schools, park and the beautiful embankment nearby.  It has a very 'villagey' atmosphere with a great sense of community, and row upon row of Victorian terraced houses.

All these vintage, thrifty hotspots are within a few hundred yards of each other, so this is certainly a trip easy on the shoe leather.

Here you'll find an architectural salvage shop, well worth a browse, especially in the courtyard out the back.  There's all manner of chimney pots, stained glass, pine doors and fireplaces.

Opposite is the Mercy in Action charity shop.  I've found many beautiful items here but they can be a bit pricey.  They have a dedicated vintage section, and often sell small items of furniture, spilling out onto the street.

Further along is the Children's Society shop.  Again lots of bargains to be had here, although it is mainly clothes.

Next-door is the Pine shop, and you'll probably catch a whiff of the Briwax as you walk past.  They do sell antique furniture as well as made-to-measure items, so it's worth a peak inside.

Further up is Eagle Bookshop.  Heaven for the kindle-phobics.  Beautifully laid out over several floors, you will find vintage and antique books on every subject under the sun.

Opposite is my favourite shop in Bedford.  Bargain Alley is a joy.  A house clearance shop, you literally never know what it's going to turn up.  You need to roll up your sleeves and have a good rummage here.  The prices are incredibly reasonable, and you're likely to find furniture bargains, as well as kitchenalia, crafting items like broken jewellery, games pieces, playing cards and fabric.

This street has a lovely cafe culture, and there's plenty of cafes, coffee shops and beer gardens to choose from.  Personally I'd recommend The Cheese Kitchen - go and check out their sparkly new cafe and deli.

Joining in with Lulastic's Charity Shop Blog Hop.