Thrifting 101: Charity Shop Crawls in Reading

2nd May 2025

Charity shopping in Reading isn’t just about snagging a great deal — it’s also a fun and easy way to explore different neighbourhoods, support good causes, and maybe even find that one-of-a-kind treasure. The best part? Many of Reading’s charity shops are clustered together, making it simple to turn your browsing into a relaxed little outing. 

Here are the best spots around Reading for a charity shop spree — all with multiple shops in walking distance, good transport links, and plenty of cafés to refuel between stops. 

Caversham
 

Just a short walk over the bridge from Reading town centre, Caversham is a lovely, village-feel suburb nestled by the Thames. Its compact centre makes for an effortless charity shop route, perfect for a chilled afternoon wander. 

You’ll find: 

• Age UK (Church Street) 
• Age UK (St Martins Precinct 
• Oxfam (Prospect Street) 

The shops are close together, mostly clustered around Church Street and Prospect Street, making it easy to hop from one to the next. There’s metered parking in the area and multiple bus routes from the town centre, or it’s a 20-minute walk over Caversham Bridge from the town centre. 

Bonus tip: Grab a coffee at one of the independent cafés nearby or stroll down to the riverside after your haul. 

Woodley Town Centre
 

Woodley, just east of central Reading, is home to a surprising number of charity shops in its compact, pedestrian-friendly precinct — ideal for hitting several shops in one go. 

Here you’ll find: 

• Thames Hospice 
• Sue Ryder 
• Helen & Douglas House 
• Oxfam 
• Oxfam Bookshop 

All these are centred around the pedestrian high street, within steps of each other. The whole area is flat, easy to navigate, and has plenty of parking in nearby car parks. Buses from Reading town centre run frequently, making it an easy destination for a half-day trip. 

Woodley’s town centre also has a good selection of mainstream shops, cafés, and a library if you’re after a slower-paced afternoon. Woodley also has regular markets so you might just stumble on extra treasures beyond the charity shops. 

Tilehurst Triangle
 

Tilehurst offers a more local, villagey vibe, and its Triangle — the hub of the neighbourhood — is home to three strong charity shops within a short walk of each other. 

• Sue Ryder
• Age UK 
• Cats Protection 

Everything’s within a few minutes’ stroll, and there's a Co-op, a couple of bakeries, and local cafés if you fancy a break. Parking is free on nearby residential streets (just check the signs), and buses from Reading run regularly — about 15 minutes from the town centre. 

It’s perfect for a quieter weekday browse, with a friendly community feel and some surprisingly good finds. 

Reading Town Centre
 

If you want to hit up the most charity shops in one go, the town centre is your go-to. With over half a dozen options all within walking distance, you can easily make an afternoon of thrifting (and still have time for coffee at The Oracle). 

Here’s the line-up: 

• British Heart Foundation (Broad Street) 
• Cancer Research UK (Broad Street) 
• Sue Ryder (Oxford Road) 
• British Heart Foundation Furniture & Electrical (Oxford Road) 
• Cancer Research UK (Friar Street) Charity Super.Mkt (The Oracle) – A newer addition, this pop-up-style multi-charity store is a must-visit for fashion lovers. 

All are close to the station making it ideal for anyone arriving by train or bus. The Oracle and Broad Street Mall both offer parking, and with so many food and drink options, it’s easy to make a whole day of it. 

Insider tip: Start at Broad Street Mall and make a loop through Friar Street and The Oracle to cover them all without doubling back. 

Thames Hospice Superstore
 

If you’ve got the time (and boot space), make a detour to the Thames Hospice Superstor, located just outside central Reading on the Reading-Caversham border. This is no ordinary charity shop. It’s a full-blown warehouse of pre-loved goodies.
Inside, you’ll find:

• A huge range of furniture, homeware, fashion, and bric-a-brac
• A repair and upcycling service that gives items a new lease of life
• An on-site café for when you need to recharge after all that browsing

There’s ample free parking and it’s close enough to swing by after visiting Caversham or the town centre. If you're furnishing a new flat, looking for a DIY project, or just after a serious rummage, this superstore is well worth a standalone visit.

Grab your tote bags and go thrift!
 

Whether you're a seasoned thrifter or just dipping your toe into sustainable shopping, Reading’s neighbourhoods offer a range of charity shop experiences — each with its own vibe, selection, and local character. And with so many shops located close together, it’s never been easier to explore the town and support some great causes along the way!