Hillside Car Boot Sale Alton

What to Expect at Hillside Car Boot Sale

Hillside Car Boot Sale is a Hampshire treasure, thriving every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday from April to October, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, in the picturesque town of Alton. A family-run favorite since 1990, it’s a bustling hub where I’ve spent countless mornings—lured by the aroma of catering stalls and 13 acres of stalls bursting with second-hand and antique goodies. Buyers arrive from 7:00 AM for £1 entry (50p after 8:00 AM, kids/seniors free post-8:00), while sellers set up from 7:00 AM for £10 (£5 for charities)—no booking needed. With a playground, toilets, parking, and hearty refreshments, it’s a bargain-hunter’s joy—here’s what’s waiting.

Range of Goods

Hillside’s haul is a cracker—like a Hampshire attic flung open for spring and summer. You’ll spot treasures that nab you, like a chipped teapot I grabbed that’s now my brew star, or a quirky clock begging for a shelf. Antiques shine—maybe a tarnished silver tray or a bookcase with rural heft. Clothes pile high—kids’ jumpers, retro blazers, or boots I’ve roamed downs in. I’ve bagged oddities that spark banter, like old Alton fair stubs or a toy horse that still clops. Summer brings picnic gear, autumn books—it’s a deal paradise with a story in every find.

Specialties & Local Finds

Hillside’s got a flair for Hampshire gems that warm the soul. Expect local crafts—perhaps a hand-stitched coaster or a woven basket that’s pure cozy. Catering stalls dish up treats—I’ve scoffed bacon rolls and Hampshire scones that sing with a tea. Alton relics pop up too, like a scuffed market badge or a Petersfield postcard dripping nostalgia. One seller swore her aunt baked the jam tarts she was selling—those local threads make every item glow. It’s not just a market; it’s Alton’s rolling-hills heart laid bare.

Vendor Variety

Hillside’s traders are a cheery crew, each tossing a pinch of Hampshire’s charm into the sprawling stalls. You’ll see setups heaped with wares—maybe a polished brass lamp or a patched quilt—next to piles of dog-eared novels. Vintage clobber pulls crowds; I bagged a scarf that’s my park-walk pal. Some rework old bits—a splintered crate now a planter, gone quick. Then there’s the chatty ones—a bloke with a jumble of garden tools, spinning yarns, or a gal with Alton knick-knacks who knows every lane. Their mix across 13 acres keeps it buzzing, nothing like a flat market.

Sellers at Hillside Car Boot Sale

Selling at Hillside’s a breeze—roll in from 7:00 AM, no booking needed. It’s £10 per pitch (£5 for charities)—a steal for the crowds pouring in from 7:00 AM (£1 entry, 50p after 8:00 AM, kids/seniors free post-8:00). I’ve pitched here, shifting old mugs and a wobbly stool, with kids darting to the playground and the market humming in Alton’s sunny fields. The catering—a scone with jam kept me fueled—added to the trade in Hillside’s family-run glow since 1990.

Seller Backgrounds

Hillside’s sellers are a warm bunch, reflecting Hampshire’s countryside pulse. Locals clear their clutter—boxes of trinkets, stacks of linens they’ve outgrown, or a trowel they’re done with. Weekly regulars haul fresh batches every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. I’m fond of the old-timers—a chap with a hoard of old lanterns, or a mum with heaps of kids’ comics. I’ve nattered with a retiree ditching spare gear, a family post-clearout, and a baker with extra tins. They’re here to trade or support charities, turning stalls into quick catch-up hubs.

Vendor Highlights

Some traders linger in memory. One dewy dawn, I met a fella with a stash of old Alton fête tags—wee bits of history that hooked me. A regular gal’s stall sparkles with hand-mended napkins—one’s my picnic pride. Then there’s the quiet seller, slipping out treasures like a brass jug or a Jane Austen snap that’s pure heart. They’re not just selling—they’re sharing Hampshire relics, making each browse a sunny Alton yarn.

Atmosphere at Hillside Car Boot Sale

Hillside’s got a vibe that’s pure Hampshire—morning hum, welcoming, and bursting with family-friendly spirit, April to October. The 7:00 AM start rolls into a lively 1:00 PM close across 13 acres.

Community Vibe

Step in, and you’re one of the crew—locals flash a nod, and traders chirp “alright?” like you’re a mate. Families wander with kids hitting the playground, toting 50p finds, while bargain hunters swarm the stalls. Alton folk mix with Hampshire day-trippers, and old-timers linger over relics that echo village fetes. I’ve seen newcomers slip into trader banter—it’s Hillside’s big-hearted, 1990-rooted charm. Packed with community warmth, it feels like a countryside party with deals.

Entertainment

Hillside’s catering is a treat—bacon rolls, scones, and brews that hit the spot; I’ve munched a tart by the stalls. Toilets keep it comfy, and the playground—swings and slides—adds a spark for kids. The real buzz is the scene—a haggle turning to chuckles, the rhythm of a 13-acre family market. No rides, but the sunny hum—buyers milling till 1:00 PM—carries it. It’s a morning that feels like a proper Hampshire outing.

Facilities at Hillside Car Boot Sale

Hillside’s got it sorted—everything you need for a cracking morning.

Nearby Amenities

Alton’s a belter for stretching your day. The town centre’s a short hop—cafes for a tea or shops for a mooch. The South Downs are close too—green trails for a post-rummage wander with mates or kids.

Parking & Accessibility

Parking’s ample—£1 entry from 7:00-8:00 AM (50p after, kids/seniors free post-8:00) gets you in, no extra sting. The 13-acre grounds suit buggies or creaky joints, though wet grass can get sloppy—bring boots. Toilets and catering (rolls, scones, drinks) keep you set, with a playground for family fun, and no booking makes it a doddle for all.

Why Hillside Car Boot Sale Stands Out

Hillside Car Boot Sale is a Hampshire treasure that’s got me hooked, blending family-run warmth with 13 acres of bargains since 1990. Here’s why it’s a regional star.

Comparison with Other Markets

Hillside’s Apr-to-Oct Sunday run matches Wassell Grove’s seasonal hum, topping North Cave’s year-round stint for spring spark. Its £1/50p entry undercuts Strawberry Fields’ £1.50/car, beating Battersea’s £1-£7; I nabbed a teapot here easier than Apps Court’s £2. Seller fees—£10 (£5 charities)—trump Redcar’s £12-£16, pulling homelier hauls than Eboot’s pricier pitches. No booking outshines markets needing calls, and Hillside’s playground trumps Ross-on-Wye’s simpler setup. Smaller than Strawberry Fields’ sprawl, Hillside’s rural vibe keeps it lively yet cozy—a Hampshire win.

Proximity to Local Attractions

Hillside’s Alton spot is a cracker for a Hampshire day out. Alton’s centre is minutes away—Jane Austen’s House for history or Curtis Museum for charm; I’ve strolled there post-haul. The South Downs are close—hills and trails, lush for kids or family walks. Winchester’s a quick drive—cathedral or historic streets for a culture hit; I’ve paired it with Hillside’s buzz. Unlike North Cave’s estuary calm or Bradford Bulls’ urban hum, Hillside blends quaint towns, rolling hills, and heritage gems, turning your morning rummage into a full Hampshire adventure.

Special Events or Seasonal Information

Hillside keeps its Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays buzzing from April to October, with a few twists to keep it fresh.

Annual & Seasonal Events

The 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM slot’s steady, but Bank Holiday Mondays—like May or August—bring extra zing. I’ve hit a rammed one with stalls overflowing—pure Alton craic. Not guaranteed, but these bursts add a summery lift when they land.

Themed or Holiday Markets

Apr to Oct leans into Hampshire’s warm seasons. Spring rolls out garden relics—pots, old rakes. Autumn nudges cozy—blankets, books. I’ve grabbed festival gear one Sunday, picnic bits a Bank Holiday—small shifts that keep it lively. Alton’s rural vibe spills over, with stalls flaunting extra countryside flair.

Final Thoughts on Hillside Car Boot Sale

Here’s my take on Hillside Car Boot Sale—a Hampshire gem from years of sunny hunts. It’s a family-run legend since 1990, bursting with antiques and family-friendly warmth across 13 acres. Grab a scone, chase bargains, or soak in the countryside buzz—it’s a proper belter. I’ve nabbed treasures here, bantered with traders like pals, and loved the seasonal spark. Hit it any Sunday or Bank Holiday Monday, Apr to Oct, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM—bring a quid (or 50p later). You’ll wander off with a gem and a grin.

FAQs for Hillside Car Boot Sale

Q: When is Hillside Car Boot Sale open?

A: Every Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, April to October. A cracking Hampshire rummage!

Q: Where is Hillside Car Boot Sale held?

A: In Alton, Hampshire—a family-run gem since 1990!

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

A: £1 from 7:00-8:00 AM, 50p after; kids and seniors free post-8:00—a steal for 13 acres!

Q: What are the fees for sellers?

A: £10 per pitch, £5 for charities—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 7:00 AM—dead simple.

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

A: Plenty of parking—£1/50p entry covers it, no extra cost.

Q: What facilities are available on-site?

A: Playground, catering (bacon rolls, scones, brews), toilets—sorted for a family morning!

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

A: Second-hand and antiques—furniture like bookcases, clothes from kids’ jumpers to retro blazers, and Hampshire gems like Alton relics or Petersfield postcards. Picnic gear and books shift seasonally.

Q: Are there any special events or themed days?

A: The 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM slot’s solid, but Bank Holiday Mondays bring extra stalls or buzz. Not fixed, but a treat when they hit!

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

A: No pet policy listed—check on-site, as rural markets often welcome dogs with care.

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

A: Alton town, South Downs, or Winchester—tons to stretch your Hampshire day!

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

A: It’s the £1/50p entry, playground, catering, and Alton’s rural hum since 1990. Bargains and Hampshire warmth make it a regional star!