Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale

🍳Bodmin, Cornwall

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Welcome to Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale: A Hidden Gem in Cornwall

Picture this: it’s a sunny Saturday morning, you’ve got a fiver in your pocket, and you’re ready to hunt for treasures. That’s the magic of car boot sales, and after years of exploring them across the UK, I can tell you there’s something special about the Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale in Bodmin, Cornwall. Running every Saturday from May to September between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, this market has been a staple for bargain hunters, collectors, and families alike.

Whether you’re a seller with a car full of goodies or a buyer after a unique find, it’s a friendly, laid-back spot that’s all about community and great deals. I’ve spent countless weekends here, chatting with vendors and digging through stalls, and I’m excited to share everything you need to know about this little Cornish gem. So, grab a cuppa, and let’s dive in!

Facilities

♥ Catering and refreshments are available.
♥ Toilets are provided on-site.
♥ Parking is also available.
♥ There’s no need to book in advance.

Opening Times

♦ Every Saturday 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
♦ Every Week ♦ May to September

Buyers Details

♦ Entry Time: 10:00 AM
♦ Entry Fee: £1 for Adults and Free for under 12.

Sellers Details

♦ Entry Time: 9:00 AM
♦ Entry Fee: Car £7,Small Trailers £4, Large Trailers £6 and Vans £11.

Contact Details and Directions

Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale,

Rugby Club,
Bodmin,
PL30 4AW

Tel: 07858202618

What to Expect at Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale

If you’ve never been to the Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale, you’re in for a treat. Every Saturday from May to September, the field in Bodmin comes alive with stalls bursting with goodies. You’ll find a bit of everything here, and that’s what keeps me coming back year after year.

Range of Goods

The variety is honestly half the fun. You’ve got antiques that look like they’ve got a story to tell—think old brass lamps or chipped teapots that’d charm any vintage lover. Then there’s second-hand furniture, perfect if you’re kitting out a flat on a budget. Clothes? Piles of them, from kids’ jumpers to retro jackets that scream 80s cool.

I’ve even nabbed collectibles like old coins and vinyl records that made my day. Seasonal stuff pops up too—think gardening tools in spring or beach gear as summer kicks in. It’s a lucky dip, and you never know what gem you’ll unearth.

Specialties & Local Finds

What makes Lanhydrock special are the local treasures. You’ll spot handcrafted bits like wooden coasters or knitted scarves from Cornish crafters who know their stuff. Locally made jams and chutneys show up regularly too—perfect for a picnic after you’re done browsing. I’ve seen vintage Cornish pottery here more than once, and it’s a lovely nod to the area’s heritage. It’s these little finds that give the market its own flavour.

Vendor Variety

The sellers are a mixed bunch, and that’s what keeps it interesting. You’ve got folks selling handmade jewellery next to others offloading rare books or upcycled chairs they’ve spruced up themselves. Vintage fashion stalls are a big draw—I once found a tweed coat that’s still my winter go-to.

It’s not just stuff from attics either; some vendors bring proper passion, like the guy with a table full of model trains or the lady with stacks of old postcards. It’s this mix that sets Lanhydrock apart from your average car boot.

Sellers at Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale

If you’re thinking of setting up a stall, Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale is a cracking spot. Gates open for sellers at 9:00 AM, so you’ve got an hour to unload before the buyers roll in. Fees are fair—£7 for a car, £4 for small trailers, £6 for large ones, and £11 for vans. No need to book, just rock up and get stuck in.

Seller Backgrounds

The sellers here are a lovely lot. You’ve got local Bodmin residents clearing out their garages, seasonal traders who follow the car boot circuit, and regulars who’ve been at it for years. I’ve chatted with a retired teacher selling off her book collection, a young mum flogging baby clothes, and a guy who’s been trading vinyl since the 90s. They’re here for different reasons—some to declutter, others to make a bit of cash—but they all add to the friendly buzz.

Vendor Highlights

There’s always a standout or two. Last summer, I met a vintage toy collector with a stash of 70s action figures—pure nostalgia! Then there’s the local artisan who brings her pottery every week; her mugs are now all over my kitchen. And don’t miss the antique specialist who turns up with quirky bits like old clocks or brass candlesticks. These folks make it feel personal, like you’re shopping from mates.

Atmosphere at Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale

Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale got a vibe you can’t fake—it’s warm, welcoming, and just the right kind of busy. It’s not about rushing through; it’s about soaking it all in, from the chatter to the smell of bacon rolls wafting over from the catering van.

Community Vibe

The community feel hits you straight away. Regulars nod hello like you’re part of the club, and vendors remember you if you’ve haggled with them before—I’ve had a guy save me a record he knew I’d love from the week prior. Families potter about with kids darting between stalls, collectors pore over boxes with laser focus, and students hunt for dirt-cheap decor for their digs.

I’ve watched elderly couples shuffle along, pointing out bits they recognise from their youth, while newcomers get pulled into chats with sellers like they’ve been coming for years. It’s proper Cornish hospitality—unfussy, genuine, and the kind of thing that makes you want to linger longer than you planned.

Entertainment

There’s no fancy stage or buskers, but Lanhydrock doesn’t need them—it’s lively enough as it is. The catering van’s a godsend—hot bacon rolls, sausage baps, or a steaming tea to keep your hands warm on a chilly morning. Toilets are on-site too, so you’re not stuck legging it to the nearest pub.

The real entertainment’s in the people—kids giggling as they chase each other, dogs wagging their tails at every pat, and the hum of friendly bartering all around. It’s not polished, but it’s got a charm that feels like a village fete crossed with a big family gathering.

Facilities at Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale

Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale keeps the basics covered so you can focus on the fun. It’s not flashy, but it’s practical, and that’s what counts when you’re hauling bags of bargains around.

Nearby Amenities

Bodmin’s got your back if you want to make a day of it. A short drive away, you’ll find cosy cafes dishing up pasties or cream teas—perfect for a proper Cornish refuel after all that browsing. There are little shops too if you need to grab a snack or some batteries for that retro radio you just bought.

If you’ve got kids or just fancy a breather, there’s green space nearby to stretch your legs or let the little ones run wild. It’s all close enough to keep the day flowing without feeling like a trek.

Parking & Accessibility

Parking’s sorted with plenty of room for both sellers and buyers—just pull in and you’re set. It’s all on a grassy field, so it’s nice and flat, though I’d recommend sturdy shoes if it’s been wet—mud’s part of the car boot charm, right? There’s space for everyone, and the layout’s open enough for pushchairs or wheelchairs to get around without much hassle. Disabled access isn’t marked out fancy, but it’s doable, and families or older visitors won’t find it a struggle either. Just check the forecast, and you’ll be laughing.

Why Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale Stands Out

Lanhydrock’s got a special something that keeps it in my top car boot picks, and I’ve seen a fair few over the years. It’s not just about what’s on the tables—it’s the whole package.

Comparison with Other Markets

Compared to some of the hectic city car boots I’ve been to, Lanhydrock’s a breath of fresh air. It’s busy but not bonkers—you can browse without elbowing your way through or shouting to be heard. The range of goods beats a lot of smaller village sales hands down, and those local Cornish touches give it an edge over the big generic markets.

At £1 entry for adults (free for under-12s), it’s a steal, and the family-friendly setup means you’re not wrestling with pushchairs or dodging traffic. It’s laid-back, affordable, and feels like a proper community do—hard to find that combo anywhere else.

Proximity to Local Attractions

Bodmin’s location is a bonus too. You’re spitting distance from Lanhydrock House, a gorgeous National Trust spot with gardens and history galore—perfect for a wander after you’ve filled your bags. Bodmin Moor’s just up the road, all rugged and wild, begging for a hike or a picnic if the weather’s playing nice. And if you’re into a bit of spooky history, Bodmin Jail’s not far either, with its tales of old Cornwall. It’s dead easy to turn a morning at the car boot into a full day out exploring the area—makes it worth the trip every time.

Special Events or Seasonal Information

Lanhydrock keeps things ticking along nicely from May to September, but they sprinkle in a few extras to spice it up now and then. It’s worth keeping an eye out for these little treats.

Annual & Seasonal Events

The regular Saturday rhythm is solid—10:00 AM to 12:30 PM every week—but sometimes they crank it up a notch. I’ve been to a summer fair day here where they roped in extra stalls and even had a little raffle going for charity—raised a fair bit for a local cause, and the vibe was electric.

There’s been talk of a fundraiser or two as well, pulling in the whole Bodmin crowd for a proper knees-up. Nothing’s set in stone each year, but when these pop up, they’re a brilliant bonus—more stalls, more chatter, and a real feel-good factor.

Themed or Holiday Markets

As the season winds down towards September, you’ll notice the stalls shifting a bit. Sellers start bringing out autumn goodies—think baskets of apples or jars of preserves for the harvest vibe. I’ve spotted a few Halloween bits creeping in too, like plastic skeletons or cheap costumes for the kids, which always gets a laugh. It’s not a full-blown themed market like you’d see at Christmas elsewhere, but it’s enough to give it a seasonal twist. Families love it when the vendors lean into that end-of-summer energy—keeps the kids happy and gives you something extra to browse.

Final Thoughts on Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale

So, there you have it—everything I’ve picked up from years of roaming the stalls at Lanhydrock Car Boot Sale. It’s more than just a place to grab a bargain; it’s a proper Saturday morning adventure. Whether you’re hunting for a quirky antique, stocking up on local jams, or just soaking up the friendly Cornish vibe, this market’s got something for everyone. I’ve laughed with sellers, scored treasures I still brag about, and made memories with my family here.

If you’re anywhere near Bodmin between May and September, swing by from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM—you won’t regret it. Bring a pound for entry (kids get in free!), a reusable bag for your finds, and maybe a mate to share the fun. Who knows? You might just stumble on your own little piece of car boot magic.