Looking for an excuse to get out and about despite the typical bank holiday weather? If you live in South Wales or are within easy driving distance of the border, the upcoming bank holiday weekend offers a full programme of car boot sales running from Saturday through to Monday.
From community fundraisers to larger commercial events across the Severn, there are plenty of opportunities to hunt for deals, declutter your home, or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll with a hot drink.
Whether searching for vintage treasures, everyday household items, or just wanting to browse the stalls, here are some of the top local car boot sales to visit over the bank holiday.
Monmouth Showground (Monmouth, Monmouthshire) – Saturday
The Monmouth car boot sale is held at the showground and represents one of the more traditional rural-style events in the region.
However, opening times are not fixed or published in advance, as they can change depending on the organiser and time of year.
Generally speaking, this operates as a flexible mid-morning to early-afternoon event rather than an early-start boot sale, so visitors should anticipate variation rather than a set schedule.
Woolaston Village Area (near the Wales–England border) – Sunday 3rd May
Located just across the border from South Wales, Woolaston hosts a community-style car boot sale that draws shoppers from both sides of the Severn.
This event usually opens around midday, though exact start times are not formally set and may vary depending on conditions and organiser decisions.
It remains a popular Sunday destination due to its location and laid-back atmosphere.
Risca Leisure Centre Car Park (Risca) – Sunday & Monday
One of the most well-organised events of the weekend, the Risca car boot sale is run by the local parent-teacher association and operates according to a clear, structured schedule across both days:
Sellers: 7:30–8:00am
Buyers: 8:30–9:00am
Finish: around 12:00pm
This is a well-managed community event featuring food stalls, refreshments, on-site facilities, and strong fundraising support for local schools.
Visitors should expect queues on arrival and a busy but efficient flow of buyers.
Bower Ashton / Clifton Area, Bristol – Sunday & Monday
Just across the Severn Bridge, the Clifton-area car boot sale ranks among the larger regional events within easy reach of South Wales.
It follows a fairly consistent pattern typical of major organised boot sales:
Sellers: from around 7:30am
Buyers: from around 8:30am
Finish: around 12:00pm
This is a busy, high-turnover event popular with both casual shoppers and regular traders, and arriving early is strongly recommended.
Sadlers Farm Area (Raglan, Monmouthshire) – Saturday, Sunday & Monday
The Raglan car boot sale runs throughout the entire bank holiday weekend in a rural field setting.
As with many countryside boot sales, timings are not fixed to a strict published schedule, but typically follow a familiar pattern:
Early morning seller arrival
Morning trading window
Midday finish
Many events are weather dependent, so sunny weekends tend to attract the largest crowds and best finds.
For those seeking bargains, it’s best to arrive early, bring cash, don’t be afraid to negotiate, and check social media pages for last-minute weather updates.