A47 Car Boot Sale

What to Expect at A47 Car Boot Sale

A47 Car Boot Sale is a Leicestershire legend, buzzing every Sunday from March to October, 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM, off Desford Road, Thurlaston (LE9 9JE). Sprawling across 27 acres of picturesque farmland, it’s a lively hub where I’ve spent countless mornings—drawn by award-winning catering and ~100 stalls offering new and second-hand delights. 

Buyers stroll in from 6:00 AM for £1.50 per adult (free for under 12s), while sellers set up from 6:00 AM with fees at £7 for cars, £10 for small vans, £12 for medium vans, £15 for large vans, and £5 for table hire—no booking needed. With free parking, luxury toilets, kids’ activities, and dog-friendly grounds, it’s a deal-hunter’s joy. Check @A47CarBoot or call 07821 557164 for weather updates. Here’s the scoop on what makes A47 a must-visit.

Range of Goods

A47’s haul is a proper belter—like a Leicestershire farmhouse attic flung open for summer. You’ll stumble on treasures that grab you, like a chipped ceramic teapot I nabbed that’s now my brew star, or a quirky brass lantern begging for a nook. Furniture’s a big draw—think a wobbly oak table you could restore, or a sturdy pine dresser with rural heft. Clothes pile high—kids’ wellies, vintage tweed coats, or boots I’ve tramped Blaby trails in. 

I’ve bagged oddities that spark a natter, like a faded Hinckley market poster or a toy tractor that still chugs. Spring brings allotment seedlings, autumn offers cozy throws—it’s a bargain wonderland with a Leicestershire tale in every find.

Specialties & Local Finds

A47 shines with Leicestershire gems that warm the heart. Local crafts steal the show—hand-stitched tablecloths or a knitted scarf that’s pure fireside cozy. Award-winning catering is a treat; I’ve wolfed down bacon rolls with local chutney and donuts that melt with a specialist coffee. Village relics pop up often—a scuffed program from a Thurlaston fête or a Desford postcard dripping nostalgia. 

One trader swore her auntie’s recipe made the shortbread she was flogging—those local yarns make every item glow. Autojumble stalls on select Sundays add vintage car bits for enthusiasts. It’s more than a market; it’s A47’s rural soul, woven with second-hand charm and Leicestershire pride.

Vendor Variety

A47’s traders are a cracking bunch, each adding a dash of Leicestershire’s countryside spirit to their ~100 stalls. You’ll find car boots stuffed with new and second-hand wares—a polished radio here, a patched quilt there—next to tables of dog-eared paperbacks or tarnished silverware. Vintage clobber draws crowds; I snagged a wool cap that’s my winter-walk mate. Some sellers get crafty, turning a cracked crate into a chic planter that sells out fast. 

Then there’s the chatty lot—a farmer with a sprawl of old tools, spinning tales of local harvests, or a lass with Earl Shilton trinkets who knows every village pub. Their diversity keeps the market humming, never a dull moment.

Sellers at A47 Car Boot Sale

Selling at A47’s a doddle—roll up from 6:00 AM, no booking needed. It’s £7 for cars, £10 for small vans, £12 for medium vans, £15 for large vans, with £5 table hire if needed—cracking value for the crowds pouring in from 6:00 AM at £1.50 per adult (free for under 12s). I’ve set up here myself, flogging old mugs and a rickety side table, with the market buzzing in Thurlaston’s sun-dappled fields till 1:30 PM. 

The catering—a donut and a brew kept me going—made trading a breeze in this seasonal, rural glow. With dog-friendly grounds, kids’ activities, and disabled access, it’s a Leicestershire morning well spent, with buyers eager for a deal and traders swapping stories like mates. Take all rubbish home to respect the countryside

Seller Backgrounds

A47’s sellers are a hearty crew, pulsing with Leicestershire’s rural charm. Locals turn up to clear their clutter—think boxes of mismatched crockery, piles of outgrown jumpers, or a garden fork they’re done with. Seasonal regulars haul fresh stock every weekend, from bric-a-brac to homemade preserves. I’m fond of the old-timers—a grizzled chap with a hoard of rusty hinges, or a nan with stacks of kids’ annuals from the ‘80s. I’ve nattered with a gardener offloading spare pots, a couple post-house-move, and a baker with surplus scones. They’re here to declutter, earn a bit, or share their craft, making stalls feel like friendly village meet-ups.

Vendor Highlights

Certain traders stick in your mind. One misty morning, I met a fella with a stash of old Thurlaston show tickets—wee scraps of history that hooked me right in. A regular lass runs a stall bursting with hand-sewn potholders; one’s my kitchen pride. Then there’s the quiet bloke, slipping out treasures like a dented tin kettle or a faded Hinckley market snap that’s pure Leicestershire soul. On autojumble Sundays, a gearhead with vintage car badges stole the show. These folks aren’t just selling—they’re passing down village tales and quirky finds, turning every browse into a proper countryside yarn that lingers long after you’ve left.

Atmosphere at A47 Car Boot Sale

A47’s got a vibe that’s pure Leicestershire—early-morning hum, welcoming, and brimming with rural warmth, March to October. The 6:00 AM start stretches into a cheery 1:30 PM close across 27 acres of farmland, with Blaby’s rolling hills as a backdrop. Recent reviews praise its lively buzz and friendly staff, revitalized since its 2024 return after wet weather delays.

Community Vibe

Step into A47, and you’re part of the fold—locals flash a smile, and traders toss a “morning!” like you’re a regular. Families mill about with free under-12s finds, kids dashing to activities, while bargain hunters weave through ~100 stalls, the fields’ quiet adding a cozy spark. Thurlaston and Desford villagers mingle with Leicester day-trippers, and old-timers linger over relics that stir memories of village fêtes. I’ve watched newcomers slide into trader banter over a chipped mug—it’s A47’s big-hearted way. Lively yet laid-back, it feels like a countryside fair bursting with deals.

Entertainment

A47’s catering is a proper treat—award-winning bacon rolls with local relish, donuts, cheese on toast, and specialist coffees that warm your hands; I’ve savored a hotdog while eyeing stalls. Luxury flush toilets (with baby changing) keep things comfy, and kids’ activities add a buzz for families—I’ve seen tots giggling at games. The real magic’s in the scene—skylarks trilling overhead, a haggle turning into chuckles, and the pulse of a seasonal market till 1:30 PM. Dog-friendly grounds add to the fun; I’ve seen pups trotting happily on leads. Autojumble and classic car shows on select Bank Holidays bring extra flair. It’s a morning that feels like a true Leicestershire escape.

Facilities at A47 Car Boot Sale

A47’s got the essentials nailed—everything you need for a cracking rummage.

Nearby Amenities

A47’s Thurlaston spot is a gem for stretching your Leicestershire day. Leicester’s a short drive—its cathedral or National Space Centre hum with charm. The Bosworth Battlefield nearby offers a historic wander through 1485’s drama, perfect for mates or family. Hinckley’s cafes and museums add a cozy vibe; I’ve lingered there post-haul.

Parking & Accessibility

Parking’s plentiful and free—£1.50/adult entry (free for under 12s) at the gate, with contactless preferred or exact cash to avoid hold-ups. The flat 27-acre site suits buggies or creaky joints, with disabled access catered for, though wet weather can turn patches boggy—pack sturdy boots. Luxury toilets, award-winning catering (burgers, donuts, coffees), and kids’ activities keep you fueled, and dog-friendly vibes make it a cinch for all.

Why A47 Car Boot Sale Stands Out

A47 Car Boot Sale is a Leicestershire treasure that’s got me hooked, blending seasonal bustle with pure rural charm. Here’s why it’s a regional star.

Comparison with Other Markets

A47’s Mar-to-Oct Sundays match Quorn’s run but are smaller than Measham’s year-round hum. Its £1.50/adult entry (free under 12s) is pricier than Saddington’s £1 but undercuts Battersea’s £1-£7; I nabbed a teapot here smoother than Duston Mill’s £2/car. Seller fees—£7-£15, £5 tables—beat Holcot’s £8-£25, pulling richer hauls than Eboot’s pricier pitches. No booking tops markets needing calls, and A47’s 27-acre sprawl trumps Torksey’s inland calm. Smaller than Strawberry Fields’ scale, A47’s autojumble flair keeps it fresh—a Leicestershire win.

Proximity to Local Attractions

A47’s Thurlaston spot is a cracker for a Leicestershire day out. Leicester’s a quick hop—its historic cathedral or National Space Centre buzz with charm; I’ve lingered there post-haul. The Bosworth Battlefield nearby offers a gripping 1485 history lesson, ideal for mates or family. Hinckley’s close too—its cafes or Concorde museum add a cozy spark; I’ve paired them with A47’s hum. From city vibes to historic trails and market-town charm, A47 sets you up for a full Leicestershire adventure after your rummage.

Special Events or Seasonal Information

A47 keeps its Sundays alive from March to October, with twists to keep things fresh.

Annual & Seasonal Events

The 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM slot’s rock-solid, with Bank Holidays—like May—bringing extra fire, often with autojumble or classic car shows. I’ve hit a heaving one with stalls rammed and buyers elbow-to-elbow—pure A47 craic. Weather-permitting (check @A47CarBoot), these bursts add a summery lift that’s hard to beat, as seen in its 2024 return.

Themed or Holiday Markets

Mar to Oct taps into Leicestershire’s golden seasons. Spring unfolds garden gear—seed trays, rusty trowels. Autumn leans cozy—think homemade jams or woolly scarves. I’ve snagged festival kit one Sunday, picnic blankets a Bank Holiday—subtle shifts that keep it lively. A47’s rural roots shine through, with stalls bursting with local crafts and village harvests, especially during autojumble events for car buffs.

Final Thoughts on A47 Car Boot Sale

Here’s my take on A47 Car Boot Sale—a Leicestershire gem born from years of early-morning hunts. It’s a seasonal star, overflowing with new and second-hand finds in a 27-acre glow. Grab a donut, haggle for bargains, or soak in the countryside buzz—it’s a proper belter. I’ve nabbed treasures here, from chipped teapots to Leicestershire relics, and bantered with traders like old mates. The award-winning catering and family-friendly warmth keep me coming back. Hit it any Sunday, Mar to Oct, 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM—bring £1.50 per adult (kids under 12 free). You’ll leave with a gem and a Leicestershire grin.

FAQs for A47 Car Boot Sale

Q: When is A47 Car Boot Sale open?

A: Every Sunday, 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM, March to October. A cracking Leicestershire rummage!

Q: Where is A47 Car Boot Sale held?

A: Off Desford Road, Thurlaston, Leicestershire, LE9 9JE—a 27-acre countryside favorite!

Q: How much does it cost to get in as a buyer?

A: £1.50 per adult, free for under 12s—a steal for ~100 stalls!

Q: What are the fees for sellers?

A: Cars £7, small vans £10, medium vans £12, large vans £15, table hire £5—lush for the crowd!

Q: Do I need to book in advance to sell or visit?

A: Nope, no booking needed! Sellers and buyers from 6:00 AM—dead simple.

Q: Is there parking, and does it cost anything?

A: Ample free parking—£1.50/adult entry covers the gate, free for under 12s.

Q: What facilities are available on-site?

A: Award-winning catering (bacon rolls, donuts, coffees), luxury toilets, kids’ activities, dog-friendly grounds—sorted for a cracking morning!

Q: What kind of stuff can I find at A47 Car Boot Sale?

A: New and second-hand mix—furniture like tables or dressers, clothes from kids’ wellies to vintage coats, and Leicestershire gems like Thurlaston fête relics or Desford postcards. Autojumble adds car bits on select days.

Q: Are there any special events or themed days?

A: The 6:00 AM-1:30 PM slot’s steady, with Bank Holidays packing autojumble or classic car shows. Weather-permitting—check @A47CarBoot for updates!

Q: Can I bring my pet to A47 Car Boot Sale?

A: Dog-friendly—bring them on a lead, but check on-site for any specific rules.

Q: What’s nearby if I want to make a day of it?

A: Leicester, Bosworth Battlefield, or Hinckley—loads to stretch your Leicestershire day!

Q: Why’s A47 Car Boot Sale worth a visit?

A: It’s the £1.50 entry, 27-acre sprawl, and A47’s seasonal hum. Bargains, autojumble, and Leicestershire warmth make it a regional star!