Canonbury Antiques

Canonbury Antiques sits just outside St Albans, a proper warren of period furniture, vintage collectibles and the sort of objects that make you wonder about their previous owners. You're not looking at a polished museum here - this is the real thing, full of mid-century pieces, glass, ceramics and furniture that ranges from genuinely good finds to genuine tat. The appeal depends entirely on what you collect or whether you're the type who enjoys the hunt.

It's the kind of place where you can spend twenty minutes or three hours, depending on how deep you want to dig. Serious antique hunters will get the most from it, particularly those after specific periods or styles. Casual browsers might find something unexpected, or leave empty-handed. Fair warning: opening hours and admission charges aren't publicly listed, so ring ahead before making the trip from Aldenham Country Park or Commons Wood Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite.

If you're staying in the area as part of a caravan holiday, it's worth a half-day detour from St Albans, though don't expect it to dominate your itinerary. Pair it with a walk around the town centre or the cathedral if you're after a fuller day out. The locals clearly rate it enough to keep returning, which says something.