Where are the best charity shops in Durham?

The St Cuthbert's Hospice Shop on Claypath is a standout, known as the 'Selfridges of the North East' for its quality and designer stock. North Road has a cluster of charity shops including the British Heart Foundation, along with the likes of Oxfam, Barnardo's and Cancer Research UK within a short walk.

Is there a furniture charity shop in Durham?

Yes. The British Heart Foundation store on North Road specialises in furniture, home and electrical goods, including sofas, beds, wardrobes and appliances, and offers a free collection service for donations of unwanted furniture and electricals.

Which charity shop in Durham supports a local cause?

The St Cuthbert's Hospice Shop on Claypath raises money for the local hospice that has cared for people across Durham since 1988, so every purchase and donation directly supports local end-of-life care. It is one of several St Cuthbert's Hospice shops across the county.

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The Best Charity Shops in Durham

Durham is a happy hunting ground for charity-shop bargains, from a hospice shop dubbed the 'Selfridges of the North East' to the cluster of shops along North Road.

durhamcity.live·9 September 2026

As a university city with a steady turnover of well-kept donations, Durham is a genuinely good place to charity-shop, whether you are after preloved fashion, second-hand books, homeware or the occasional designer find. Better still, every purchase supports a good cause, from local hospices to national charities. Here is our guide to the best charity shops in Durham.

St Cuthbert's Hospice Shop

The pick of the bunch, the St Cuthbert's Hospice Shop on Claypath raises money for the local hospice that has cared for people across Durham since 1988. It has earned a reputation as the "Selfridges of the North East" for the quality of its stock, with designer clothing, footwear, jewellery and accessories on the rails alongside homeware, china, books and children's toys. Because it supports a local cause, it is a particularly feel-good place to shop and to donate.

Best for: Best for quality and designer finds that support a local hospice.

The North Road cluster

For a proper charity-shop crawl, North Road is the place to head, with a run of shops from national names including the British Heart Foundation, whose Durham store specialises in furniture, home and electrical goods with a free donation-collection service. Along and around North Road you will typically find the likes of Oxfam, Barnardo's, Cancer Research UK and Sue Ryder within a short walk of one another, making it easy to browse several in one trip.

Best for: Best for browsing several charity shops in one go.

Making the most of them

Charity shops reward regular visits, as stock turns over quickly and the best pieces go fast, so it is worth popping in often rather than hoping to find everything in one trip. Donations of good-quality clothing, books and homeware are always welcome and directly fund the causes behind each shop, and larger items like furniture can often be collected. Opening hours vary from shop to shop, and some are run by volunteers, so times can change; a quick check before a special trip is wise.

Run or know a great charity shop in Durham we should add? Get in touch.