Car boot sale FAQ — every question answered

A car boot sale is an open-air market where people sell second-hand goods from the boot of their car — a British weekend institution. Buyers browse for bargains, antiques and everyday items. We list 207 hand-checked sales across the UK.

Sellers usually arrive first thing in the morning to set up, with buyers admitted shortly after. Each listing shows its own times.

Outdoor sales can be cancelled at short notice for rain or waterlogged ground — always check with the organiser before travelling.

Sunday is the classic boot sale day — 154 of the 207 sales we list run on a Sunday, with Saturday and bank holiday Mondays close behind.

For the best bargains, arrive early — many sellers set up from 6:30–8:00am. Sellers usually pay a small pitch fee on the day.

32% of the sales we list are free for buyers to enter; the rest charge a small fee at the gate. Check the pricing section on each listing.

Most venues offer parking and many are free — 93% of the sales we list have on-site parking for buyers. Look for the parking tag on a listing.

Most sellers are cash-only, though some now take contactless. Bring cash in small denominations to be safe.

Many sales welcome dogs on a lead. Use our dog-friendly car boot sales page to find ones that do.

Everyday useful items sell fastest: children's clothes and toys, tools, kitchenware, books, DVDs, garden gear and small furniture. Branded clothing, vintage items and collectables attract early-bird dealers, so price those with confidence.

Yes for clearing clutter quickly — a typical pitch costs £5–£15 and busy sales see hundreds of buyers in a morning. Sellers commonly take £50–£150 on a good day, more with quality stock and sensible pricing.

Most casual sellers make £50–£150 per morning after the pitch fee, depending on stock and footfall. Arrive early, price items to sell, and bring change and bags — unsold goods can always go to the next sale.

Some sales are turn-up-and-pitch, others need pre-booking — each listing notes the seller arrangements where known.

Use the Add a Sale page to submit your event — listings are free and checked by hand before they go live.