Region
Three times a year — in May, in June or July, and again in August — Southwell Racecourse opens its grounds to one of Nottinghamshire's most distinctive antiques fairs. That limited calendar is part of the appeal. This is not a weekly car boot or a casual summer fair; each date carries a degree of occasion, and collectors treat it accordingly. The event has been running since 2013, building a reputation across the East Midlands for the quality of its dealers and the sheer variety of stock on offer.
The racecourse setting does real work here. The grandstand provides a solid indoor anchor, with covered tent sections extending the sheltered trading space further. Beyond those, outdoor pitches spread across the open ground, giving the whole fair a generous scale. The layout rewards a full day rather than a brisk circuit. Moving between indoor displays and open-air stalls gives the browsing a natural rhythm, and there is always another corner worth exploring.
The merchandise spans a genuinely wide range. Antique furniture sits alongside vintage clothing, jewellery, glassware and ceramics. Coins and old currency, decorative ornaments, kitchenware and musical instruments all appear regularly. Dealers bring stock pitched at collectors, at interior decorators, and at buyers simply looking for something interesting for the home. The breadth means most visitors leave with something, even if they arrived without a specific target in mind.
The standout feature for serious collectors is the presence of valuers from Golding Young and Mawer on the day. This established East Midlands auction house brings professional expertise directly to the fair, operating from within the indoor grandstand area. For anyone with a piece at home that might be worth more than expected, this is a rare and practical opportunity. Getting a professional view at a fair removes the need to book a separate formal appointment, and that alone makes the event worth planning around.
The market runs from 09:30 to 16:00 on each of its three annual dates. An early bird option is available for those who want first access before the main crowds arrive — at a serious fair, arriving early consistently pays off. English summer weather rarely guarantees sunshine, but the covered indoor sections mean the market continues regardless. The outdoor stalls are still enjoyable in mixed conditions, and the atmosphere stays engaged whatever the weather delivers. Refreshments are available on site, which matters when several hours of browsing is the plan.
Getting there by train is straightforward. Rolleston station, served by East Midlands Railway on the Matlock to Newark line, sits approximately 50 metres from the site — one of the most convenient rail connections of any antiques fair in the region. Bus route 28 also stops nearby, with stops at Croft Farm Close and Fiskerton Road both within roughly 700 to 800 metres of the venue.
The combination of a distinctive setting, a wide dealer base, and on-site auction-house expertise makes this fair genuinely uncommon. It suits collectors who want to buy and assess in the same visit — and anyone who enjoys a well-run antiques event in a setting that feels like more than a car park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often does the Southwell Racecourse Antiques Market run, and when should I check for dates?
A: The market takes place just three times a year, typically in May, and twice across the summer months of June to August. Because the schedule is limited and dates can shift between years, check the organiser's official channels before you plan a visit.
Q: Is it worth arriving early, and what does early bird entry involve?
A: At a fair where serious collectors are competing for the same stock, arriving early consistently pays off — first pick of furniture, jewellery and smaller collectables goes quickly. An early bird admission option is available for those who want access before the main gates open to the general public. Confirm current pricing and entry times with the organiser directly.
Q: What is the Golding Young and Mawer valuation service, and how does it work on the day?
A: Experts from Golding Young and Mawer, a well-regarded East Midlands auction house, attend the fair in person and offer professional valuations from within the indoor grandstand area. If you have a piece at home you suspect might be worth more than it looks, this is a practical opportunity to get a considered view without booking a separate formal appointment. It is one of the features that sets this fair apart from most regional antiques events.
Q: What happens if the weather is poor — does the market still run?
A: Yes. The grandstand and large covered tent sections provide a substantial indoor trading area, so the market continues regardless of English summer weather. The outdoor pitches are still enjoyable in mixed conditions, and the atmosphere tends to stay lively. Waterproof footwear is sensible if rain is forecast.
Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: Rolleston station, on the East Midlands Railway line between Matlock and Newark, is approximately 50 metres from the site — an unusually convenient rail connection for an antiques fair of this scale. Check current timetables with East Midlands Railway before you travel.
Marketplace Highlights
Add a review