5 Best Antiques and Collectors Fairs in the UK for 2012

Ardingly International Antiques and Collectors Fair - Within easy access from London, just over 10 miles from Gatwick and under 2 hours from Dover, the Ardingly International Antiques and Collectors Fair attracts dealers from all over the country and from across the world. With over 1,500 stalls selling quality goods such as delicate ceramics, this is one of the biggest fairs in the south of the country. It is also renowned for the quality of the European decorative items that are on display to buy.

Shepton Mallet Antiques and Collector’s Fair - Shepton Mallet Antiques and Collectors Fair is the foremost event of this type in the West of England and has a strong reputation. The show is based at the Royal Bath and West Showground and features over 600 stands. With the great range of antiques on offer, the fair attracts some of the country’s premier dealers.

Cambridge Annual Second Hand and Antiquarian Book Fair - This is an antiques fair that specialises in old, rare and collectable books as well as other printed material. Located at the Guildhall in Cambridge, the fair has been running for nearly 40 years and attracts up to 100 dealers. Expect to see a wide and varied selection of these very collectable items.

BADA Antiques and Fine Art Fair - This week long festival is one of the most prestigious fairs in the country for the range and quality of the art and antiques on offer. The 100 or so dealers are all members of the British Antique Dealers Association, ensuring that the items being sold are of the highest standard. Due to the nature of this annual event, and the range of specialists in various fields, the event also acts as a showcase for the antiques industry, bringing together people and a lot of stock under one roof that would not usually be available.

Newbury Antiques and Collectors Fair - The Newbury antiques and collectors fair is a sizeable event with over 4,000 stands across 85 acres at the Newark and Nottinghamshire Showground. This is a bi-monthly show which attracts thousands of antiques dealers, buyers and enthusiasts. There is a hugely comprehensive range of different items from art to furniture and all sorts of memorabilia from the worlds of sport and film. Its location for the Newark show also makes it easily accessible, being only two hours from London and less than an hour from East Midlands Airport.