There are a couple of streets which specialise in antiques, between Notting Hill and High Street Kensington. Weaving your way down Kensington Church Street you will find a few smaller shops, or for many shops in one area head to the back streets of Chelsea and Fulham.

In the flea markets, the most famous of which being Portobello Road or Camden Market, you can grab some nice pieces at great prices. Another popular way for the English to buy antiques is through auction. There are auction houses all around town - Bonhams, Sotheby's and Christies are the most famous - but there are some popular and less pricey ones in Chiswick or right in heart of town such as www.hectorpaterson.co.uk.

Next to Leicester Square tube station, you will find Cecil Court (in the photo above), where you will find a few antique shops selling books and posters as well as smaller pieces and traditional furniture.

For cheap items, go towards the suburbs such as Finsbury Park's Seven Sisters Road, the Shepherd's Bush area or around the main high streets in the East where you can find basic bed frames and sofas.

Visit our Classifieds section to see if there are any second hand bargains.