Lincolnshire Antiques has established itself over the past couple of decades as the centre for antiques in the UK. Whether you’re a professional dealer, hunter, collector or just simply someone who likes having a rummage around for something old and different, then this county is for you!

The interest has boomed over the past 30 years with the growth of popular television programmes devoted to the subject. People are no longer clearing their attics of ‘old stuff’, but checking rather more carefully to see if there’s an heirloom or two hiding away under the dustsheets. In fact the extremely popular BBC “Antiques Roadshow” valuation programme has visited the county several times, the most recent being a return visit to Lincoln in 2009.

Regardless of whether you are looking for something Victorian, Art Deco, Edwardian or Victorian, or perhaps a clock or some fine jewellery, or maybe even a specific collectors piece made by Spode, Belleek, Clarice Cliffe, a Goss Cottage, or even Fabergé, there’s the distinct chance you may find exactly what you are looking for in one of the myriad of establishments dotted around. But be warned, there’s so much to choose from.

By far the most exciting Lincolnshire Antique venue, and currently the largest centre in Europe, the old airfield at Hemswell, is home to over 300 dealers displaying thousands of items. Here, you can spend hours and hours exploring the three buildings on site housing three hundred display areas packed with everything and anything old you could possibly think of - antiques, collectables, furniture, curios. Enjoy hours of browsing through treasures from a bygone age, all in one convenient location.

Both Horncastle - once dubbed the 'Best Town for Antiques' - and Stamford, also renowned for its establishments, have some interesting places to visit. There are also other towns that have also become popular over the years for Lincolnshire antique shopping, and they include Boston, Market Rasen, Sutton Bridge and Louth – you’ll have no difficulty in finding some fascinating showrooms displaying some fine pieces from every era.

There are also regular auctions held throughout the county – and of course some fantastic fairs. There is an ongoing programme in the county during the summer – Swinderby, Lincoln Showground, Stamford, Grimsthorpe and more – there’s bound to be one near where you are staying, so for the best information and advice, check locally when you arrive.

Who knows, you may just grab the unusual bargain of the century that will have you running to the Antiques Roadshow with your find?




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