Waterside Antiques
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Waterside Antiques

4.4
·659 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore three floors of treasures at Waterside Antiques in Ely, a riverside gem packed with vintage finds, French antiques, and old tools.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

CrowdLow
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Waterside Antiques

Waterside Antiques

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore three floors of treasures at Waterside Antiques in Ely, a riverside gem packed with vintage finds, French antiques, and old tools.

4.4
(659 reviews)

"A prime location with a great range of items on sale across several floors, something for everyone!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Allocate ample browsing time

With three floors of treasures, give yourself plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny.

Check for minimum card spend

Be aware of the minimum card spend, typically £10, for purchases.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Three Floors of Finds

Three Floors of Finds

Entire building

Explore a vast collection across multiple levels, from small curiosities to statement furniture pieces.

Specialty Tool Collections

Specialty Tool Collections

Top floor

Discover a dedicated section featuring a wide array of old tools for woodworking and collectors.

French Antiques & Vintage

French Antiques & Vintage

Various sections, curated by Jen

Seek out exquisite French treasures and unique vintage items, often highlighted by specific dealers.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigate the Treasures

Waterside Antiques boasts three floors packed with vintage finds. Explore each level to uncover hidden gems, from small trinkets to larger furniture pieces. Be prepared to spend a good few hours browsing the diverse collection.

Parking & Accessibility

Parking near Waterside Antiques can be challenging. While there are spaces directly in front, they fill up quickly. Several larger car parks are a 5-10 minute walk away, offering more reliable options for visitors.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Catch the sunset over the Fens
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

It’s always been a dream of mine to go antiquing in Europe, but I had no idea how to make that logistically happen UNTIL I discovered @hohantiques 🥹they host antiquing trips to England several times a year and plan a wholeee amazing itinerary… including staying at some of the most beautiful hotels, best restaurants, and seeing some of the most beautiful places England has to offer. 🤩 and my favori...
@arceriinteriors
49.7K likes • 264.7K views

Allocate ample browsing time

With three floors of treasures, give yourself plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny. InstagramReddit

Check for minimum card spend

Be aware of the minimum card spend, typically £10, for purchases. Reddit

if you’ve seen all the hype about olive ateliers in the US best believe this is the UK version and I’m obsessed, I’ll be back Marlow 🫶🏻 #antiquestore #interiors #londonvlog #homeware #londonaesthetic
@matildabeaa
14.2K likes • 303.8K views
If you visit #ely #cambridgeshire head over to waterside antiques and head to the top floor. You’ll find lots of our #oldtools for sale. We’d love to see your pictures too so if you do visit take a pic and send it to us. #antiquetools #dowoodworking #wooddesign #woodworking #woodworkers #woodworkersofinstagram #woodworks #finewoodworking #woodshop #woodworker #handtools #toolsforlife #vintaget...
fenland_tools
20 likes • 618 views

Explore the top floor for tools

Don't miss the top floor for a fantastic selection of old tools, perfect for woodworkers. Instagram

Parking strategy

Utilize the larger car parks a short walk away, as spaces directly in front are often full. Reddit

Friday is my day off, so after doing some pottering in the studio, it was time for a wander around Waterside Antiques in Ely. My all-time favourite part is seeing what Jen has discovered - not only does she have a fantastic eye for a French treasure, but she's incredibly lovely, too! Well worth a visit! Now I just need to work out where that chandelier could go... 🥰 . . #antiques #frenchliving #...
mrs_pickles_imaginarium
47 likes • 735 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Allocate ample browsing time

With three floors of treasures, give yourself plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny. InstagramReddit

Check for minimum card spend

Be aware of the minimum card spend, typically £10, for purchases. Reddit

Explore the top floor for tools

Don't miss the top floor for a fantastic selection of old tools, perfect for woodworkers. Instagram

Parking strategy

Utilize the larger car parks a short walk away, as spaces directly in front are often full. Reddit

Dog-friendly policy clarification

Note that the venue is not dog-friendly, so plan accordingly if you're traveling with pets. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(659 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Waterside Antiques is a highly recommended destination for antique lovers, praised for its prime riverside location and vast selection across three floors. Visitors appreciate the wide price range, from affordable trinkets to higher-value items, and the curated collections from various dealers, especially French antiques and old tools. However, parking can be a challenge, and the venue is not dog-friendly.

"Nice antique shop in a prime location.. It is an interesting place to browse some of the fascinating items even if you are not looking for anything in particular. Some of the items are not very old but interesting additions to their wide range of antiques.
I am sure the location of the shop has attracted many curious visitors from outside the city. We discovered the shop while looking for the river."

Ronna Fu

"Always a great range of items on sale across several floors. Prices range from £1 to thousands. Something for everyone. I always come away with something even if I only went for a mooch around. The only tricky bit is finding somewhere to park. Don't bother with the spaces in front of the building, they are always full, there are three bigger carparks 5-10 minutes walk away."

Rob Howells

"Reviews and pictures looked amazing, read through the site and there is nothing about it not being dog friendly so drove an hour to take a look - guess what not dog friendly - couldn't even carry him! Lost out on £250 of sales we spent at elsewhere (see other review) - oh hum."

Mark Lawrence

What People Like

Prime riverside location
Vast selection across 3 floors
Wide price range

What People Dislike

Parking difficulties
Not dog-friendly

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Waterside Antiques is located in Ely, Cambridgeshire. It's situated in a picturesque spot near the canal. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, driving is common. Be prepared for parking challenges near the venue itself, with larger car parks a 5-10 minute walk away being a more reliable option. InstagramReddit

The shop is in a prime location by the river, making it a point of interest for visitors exploring Ely. Its proximity to the canal and picturesque setting helps in locating it. Reddit

Driving is a popular method. However, parking directly in front of the building is often full. It's recommended to use one of the three larger car parks located a 5-10 minute walk from the antiques centre. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no admission tickets required to enter Waterside Antiques. It's a free-to-browse establishment, allowing visitors to explore its extensive collection without an entry fee. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, and it's always best to check their official social media or website for the most up-to-date information. However, many visitors report enjoying weekday mornings for a less crowded experience. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there is a minimum card spend of £10 for purchases made at Waterside Antiques. If your purchase is less than this, you'll need to pay with cash. Reddit

Unfortunately, Waterside Antiques is not dog-friendly. Visitors planning to bring their pets should make alternative arrangements, as dogs are not permitted inside the premises. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Waterside Antiques offers a vast and varied selection across three floors. You'll find everything from small curiosities and homeware to larger furniture pieces, old tools, and specialty items like French antiques. Instagram+1

The layout is described as a bit messy, which encourages exploration. This means you'll need to delve into different areas to discover unique finds, adding to the treasure-hunting experience. Reddit

Prices range widely, from as little as £1 to thousands of pounds, ensuring there's something for every budget. Many visitors find the prices to be reasonable for the items on offer. Reddit

Absolutely. Collectors will find a diverse range of items, including a notable selection of old tools on the top floor and specialty French antiques curated by dealers like Jen. Instagram+1

Its prime riverside location, the sheer volume of items spread across three floors, and the curated collections from various dealers contribute to its unique charm. The 'messy' layout also adds to the adventure of discovery. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

While not explicitly forbidden, it's always polite to be mindful of other shoppers and dealers. Many visitors share their finds on social media, so taking photos is generally accepted, especially for personal memories. Instagram+1

The top floor with its tool collection, displays of French antiques, and the general atmosphere of packed shelves offer great photo opportunities. The picturesque setting by the river also provides lovely exterior shots. Instagram+1

There are no specific mentions of restrictions for personal photography. However, for commercial use or professional shoots, it's advisable to contact the management directly to inquire about their policy. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Waterside Antiques can be an engaging outing for families, offering a treasure hunt-like experience for children. The sheer volume of items across three floors can spark curiosity and imagination. However, it's important to note that the venue is not dog-friendly, so families with pets will need to make separate arrangements. The 'messy' layout, while exciting for adults, might require closer supervision with very young children. Consider focusing on specific areas like the top floor for tools or smaller decorative items that might be more accessible and interesting for kids. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, Waterside Antiques offers a wide range of items with prices starting from as low as £1. This makes it an excellent place to find affordable souvenirs, decorative pieces, or unique gifts without breaking the bank. Reddit Remember the minimum card spend of £10, so it might be wise to bring some cash for smaller purchases. The thrill of discovery in a place with such a vast inventory means you can often find great value if you're willing to spend time browsing. Reddit

🛠️ Woodworking Enthusiasts & Collectors

Woodworking enthusiasts and collectors will find Waterside Antiques particularly appealing due to its dedicated section of old tools on the top floor. Instagram This curated collection offers a glimpse into historical craftsmanship and provides opportunities to find unique or hard-to-source implements. Beyond tools, the general variety of antiques across the three floors caters to a broad range of collecting interests, from vintage homeware to decorative art. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of the Three Floors

Waterside Antiques is renowned for its expansive layout spread across three distinct floors. Each level offers a unique browsing experience, from ground-floor curiosities to upper-level specialty collections. Visitors often describe the space as 'packed to the rafters,' emphasizing the sheer volume of items available. This multi-level setup encourages a thorough exploration, ensuring that even the most dedicated treasure hunters can spend hours uncovering hidden gems. The arrangement, while sometimes described as 'messy,' is part of its charm, inviting discovery and a sense of adventure. InstagramReddit

On the top floor, a particular highlight for many is the extensive collection of old tools. This section is a must-visit for woodworking enthusiasts and collectors alike, showcasing a variety of implements that speak to a bygone era of craftsmanship. Instagram The variety ensures that whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, you're likely to find something that catches your eye. The pricing across all floors is varied, ranging from very affordable small items to more significant investments, making it accessible to a wide range of shoppers. Reddit

Curated Collections and Dealer Insights

Beyond the general inventory, Waterside Antiques features contributions from various dealers, each bringing their own specialty and eye for unique items. Jen, a dealer frequently mentioned, is particularly noted for her excellent taste in French antiques and vintage treasures. Her displays, especially around festive seasons like Christmas, are a significant draw for visitors seeking specific aesthetics. Instagram+1 This curated approach means that while the overall space is vast, there are distinct areas where specific styles and eras are expertly showcased.

These dealer contributions add depth and variety to the shopping experience. It's not just a warehouse of old items; it's a collection of carefully selected pieces, often with stories behind them. The presence of dealers like Jen and those contributing to the tool section means that visitors can find items that are not only old but also possess a certain quality and provenance. This makes Waterside Antiques a destination for those looking for more than just a bargain, but for pieces with character and history. Instagram+1

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