If you love rummaging through rails and hunting for unique vintage gems — this trail is for you. Spend a day (or two) hitting a mix of vintage haunts, charity shops and warehouse sales — all within reach around the city centre and Northern Quarter.

THE MAIN TRAIL — Oldham Street & Northern Quarter 

1. Afflecks

The mothership of Manchester indie culture. Multiple floors of vintage, handmade, retro, alternative fashion and trinkets. You can spend one hour or five — both are normal experiences.

2. Pop Boutique

Feel-good vintage with racks that never disappoint. A great spot for 60s–90s pieces that always feel super wearable.

3. Blue Rinse Vintage

This one’s for the Y2K lovers, grunge girlies, and anyone who loves denim in all its forms. Always worth digging.

4. COW Vintage

A Manchester institution — filled to the rafters and now has the MINT edition of kids-wear!

5. Oxfam Originals

A charity shop, yes… but a fancy one. Expect true vintage, cool jackets, designer surprises, and a bit of everything else.

6. Gone Fishing Vintage

If you're into a big jackets this ones for you. Think Stoney, C.P. Company etc.

7. Suzy Loves Milo

A hidden-gem just off Stevenson Square, mixing Japanese streetwear vibes with rare designer/vintage finds. Small, curated, and not like your average thrift shop — in the best way. I've has some sensational sunnies from here.

8. RSPCA Charity Shop (by the Craft Centre)

Don’t underestimate it — it’s one of Manchester’s most underrated thrifty treasure spots. Retro homeware, clothing and random little bargains.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS: 

AKA: The ones to pencil into your calendar.

These two aren’t regular walk-in shops, but they deserve a BIG shoutout because when they open their doors… it’s basically vintage Christmas.

Vintage Folk — Warehouse Sale Weekends

Massive rails, hundreds of pieces, proper treasure hunting, and good prices (£5–£20 finds are normal). If you love a dig, this is your spot.

SYLK Store — Open Studio Days

Think: curated designer vintage, stunning silhouettes, minimal cool-girl staples, and a warm, chill studio atmosphere. Heaven!

My not so secret little black book of thrifting in Manchester. Go fourth and thrift, but please for the love of god DM me all of your finds.

Kayleigh x