A comprehensive ranking of the best charity shops around Lancaster

If you’re a university student, you’re bound to be familiar with charity shops. Whether this may be for sustainability, originality, or funky clothes for a social event, you’ll find something that sparks your interest. Lancaster is thriving with charity shops and hopefully this guide can help you decide where to look.

Cancer Research

Cancer Research certainly had the best women’s coats. This may suit you if you’re going as Macklemore for Halloween, or are simply just that stylish. Either way, the options are there.

This is one of the largest charity shops in Lancaster, so you are bound to find what you are looking for here at a very accessible price. This ones has lots of unique bits which may randomly help a costume or suit your specific clothing style.

This store has the largest homeware section, too, which is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for some quirky mugs or shot glasses.

Star rating: 5/5

Oxfam

I would rank this store to be the best charity shop overall. It has a wide range of stylish women’s clothing including lots of vibrant tops and cargo trousers at the back. This is certainly the best place for women’s clothing as there are mostly tops and jumpers and little in the men’s section.

The clothing racks are very nicely colour coordinated, so finding what you’re after is very easy. Their home accessories also has lots of funky mugs if that sparks your interest, but most notably, Oxfam wins the best Lancaster charity shop for their sustainability.

Their eco-friendly range includes all home goods such as soaps, shampoos and conditioners, cleaning products, and a large range of sustainably-sourced Fairtrade coffees and chocolates.

Star rating: 5/5

Barnardo’s

I found this shop to be very well colour-coordinated and easy to navigate. (Kudos to the Barnardo’s workers.) This charity shop could definitely supply your next fancy dress costume… Velma from Scooby Doo? Maybe a group M&M’s costume?

Another thing to note is their coats and jackets section. There were many options that could serve as a good, cheap club-jacket that you wouldn’t mind loosing or having a drink spilt on.

Star rating: 3/5

British Heart Foundation

Most notably, this store has the best accessories section. There are plenty of necklaces and rings to choose from that suit all styles and occasion. Last summer I found many of my now-favourite tops, so keep an eye out for the women’s top section (it has some gems).

The British Heart Foundation also has a large selection of bags to the right of the store, ranging from going-out bags to practical rucksacks. There is also a large skirts section which works well for summer.

Star rating: 3/5

Scope

Scope is just to the left of the British Heart Foundation and certainly has the best men’s section. Just at the back of the store is a wide range of baggy men’s jeans and lots of sports brand jumpers and fleeces.

For the women’s section, this store has the best set of small shoulder bags, all of which have been around five to seven pounds. The jumper and tops section is quite large and varied; you’re bound to find a turtleneck you like.

Star rating: 3/5

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army has a lot of patterned men’s t-shirts that could supply an entire “shit shirt” socials, so if you have one of them coming up certainly check out the Salvation Army.

This store also has the best men’s jackets, and is where I found my new favourite age 13 boy’s biker jacket (no shame). Don’t be afraid to check out sections that aren’t suited to you.

Side note, at the back of the store there is a large DVD collection (all 20p) which could make for many good movie nights with your housemates.

Star rating: 3/5

St Johns Hospice £1 Shop

This charity shop is an honourable mention if you’re looking for something on a small budget. Given by the name, everything is £1, so if you’re only after a scarf or a tie this is where it’ll be. At the back there is also lots of DVD’s and books all ranging from very recent to old classics.

The store is fairly small and had a limited supply, but there are some odd bits n bobs which may help a costume. Definitely still worth checking out!

Star rating: 2/5

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