Hemswell Antique Centres
Explore Europe's largest antique centre on a former bomber airbase, with over 375 dealers offering furniture, collectables, and more.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Hemswell Antique Centres
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Europe's largest antique centre on a former bomber airbase, with over 375 dealers offering furniture, collectables, and more.
"If you cannot find what you are looking for at Hemswell then good luck finding it anywhere else!"
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast airbase. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
Check the Website First 💻
Use the dealer directory to plan your visit and find specific items or dealers you're interested in.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,853 reviews
Type
Home Goods Store
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Guardroom
Main Building
Immerse yourself in a curated collection of high-quality antiques and jewelry. A must-see for discerning collectors.
Vast Dealer Network
Across multiple buildings
Discover an unparalleled variety of furniture, collectables, and unique finds from over 375 dealers.
Former Bomber Airbase Setting
Entire site
Explore a unique historical location, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your antique hunting adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Expedition
Navigating the Airbase
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast airbase. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
Check the Website First 💻
Use the dealer directory to plan your visit and find specific items or dealers you're interested in.
Don't Rush Your Visit ⏳
With so much to see, dedicate at least half a day, if not a full day, to explore thoroughly.
Cafe Choices Matter ☕
The Guardroom cafe and its attached coffee shop are highly recommended; others may vary in service quality.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking across the vast airbase. Prioritize comfort for a better experience.
Check the Website First 💻
Use the dealer directory to plan your visit and find specific items or dealers you're interested in.
Don't Rush Your Visit ⏳
With so much to see, dedicate at least half a day, if not a full day, to explore thoroughly.
Cafe Choices Matter ☕
The Guardroom cafe and its attached coffee shop are highly recommended; others may vary in service quality.
Bargaining & Offers 🤝
Some dealers may be open to offers, especially if you're buying multiple items. The website also allows online offers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hemswell Antique Centres for its immense size, incredible variety of antiques, and unique setting on a former airbase. The Guardroom is a particular highlight for its quality offerings and excellent service. While the sheer scale can be overwhelming, most find the experience rewarding and worth dedicating a significant amount of time to.
"Great experience from start to finish. I used to work in Gainsborough and my partner and I were bored last weekend and I remembered seeing the sign for Hemswell Antique Centres but had no idea what to expect. We decided to give it a try and we were so pleased we did. We started in the Guardroom and were immediately impressed with the quality and grandeur of the items on display. It didn’t take long for me to instantly be attracted to set of four 1960s prints of 1920s racing cars but I was sensible and decided to think about it before buying. A few days later I decided I couldn’t let them go. I found that the website had a really comprehensive directory and the ability to bid an offer online. My offer was accepted and we came to collect the beautiful prints yesterday. We were served by a lovely lady who had only been working for a few days but clearly had a drive to learn and had the right approach to customer service. She couldn’t have been more helpful and made the experience of collecting the prints really enjoyable. We ended up having a look around all the buildings and ended up taking away more items we never intended on buying but definitely were not willing to leave behind! Overall, a great collection of pieces, beautifully arranged and well worth visiting. Maybe don’t stop at the Hemswell Antiques cafe in one of the other buildings further round though, the level of service is not on a par with the Guardroom or the little coffee shop attached to the guardroom which is also really nice. If you are bored and fancy going to somewhere full of intrigue, this is the place for you."
Dan Rodwell
"I just want to say a massive thank you to Lydia from the Guard Room for her friendly and personable customer service when we visited yesterday to look at engagement rings. She was absolutely fantastic as was the lady helping us in building 2. They made my experience extra special and helped me choose the most expensive one out of the ones I liked. 😆❤️ And Lydia organised a discount with the dealer.
Hemswell is a fantastic place to visit, absolutely full of gorgeous antiques and jewellery. Can recommend the lemon drizzle cake in the cafe too."
Zoe Phillips
"Spent a wonderful 5 hours here yesterday and was astounded by the sheer size and variety of antiques on sale! If you cannot find what you are looking for at Hemswell then good luck finding it anywhere else! All the staff are really friendly and helpful. We used the larger cafe and found everything to be lovely with attentive and again friendly staff. Sadly we are not local as in the area on holiday but will defiantly recommend Hemswell."
Sue R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hemswell Antique Centres is located on a former bomber airbase. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available on the old parade ground. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available on the old parade ground, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Public transport options to Hemswell Antique Centres are not extensive. It's advisable to check local bus routes, but driving is the most common and convenient method of arrival.
The address for Hemswell Antique Centres is on the former RAF Hemswell airfield, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 5TJ.
The centre is well-signposted from major roads. Look for signs directing you to Hemswell Antique Centres from the A15.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Hemswell Antique Centres is generally free. You can browse the vast collection of antiques without purchasing an admission ticket.
Opening hours can vary slightly, but Hemswell Antique Centres is typically open daily. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening times before your visit.
No, there are no admission fees to enter Hemswell Antique Centres. You can explore the extensive showrooms and grounds freely.
Yes, many dealers at Hemswell Antique Centres are open to offers. You can also make offers online through their website for certain items.
The Guardroom is a prominent building within the complex and is easily accessible as you explore the centres.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Hemswell Antique Centres is one of the largest antique centres in Europe, featuring over 375 dealers spread across multiple buildings on a former bomber airbase.
You can find an incredibly diverse range of antiques, including furniture, collectables, jewelry, art, and much more, from over 375 dealers.
While vast, the centres are generally well-organized. Using the website's dealer directory can help you navigate and find specific areas of interest.
Absolutely! The site is a former bomber airbase, and you can still see remnants of its past, adding a unique historical dimension to your visit.
Yes, Hemswell Antique Centres offers the ability to bid and make offers on items through their website, which is convenient if you can't visit in person immediately.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several cafes on-site. The cafe in The Guardroom and the small coffee shop attached to it are highly recommended for their quality and service.
Reviews suggest the cafes offer good food, with specific mentions of delicious lemon drizzle cake. The Guardroom cafe and its attached coffee shop are particularly praised.
Yes, The Guardroom has its own cafe, and there's also a smaller, nice coffee shop attached to it, both receiving positive feedback.
The Faun Cafe, located across from the antique centres, is also recommended and serves a fantastic all-day breakfast.
The cafes offer a range of options, including cakes and likely light meals. The Faun Cafe is noted for its all-day breakfast.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use within Hemswell Antique Centres. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and dealers.
The Guardroom offers a visually rich environment with its curated displays. Exploring the various buildings will reveal unique items and settings perfect for photography.
Yes, you can take photos of items you are interested in. This can be helpful for reference or if you decide to make an offer online later.
While not explicitly stated, avoid intrusive photography that might disturb dealers or other shoppers. Professional or commercial photography might require prior arrangement.
Visitors often capture close-ups of unique collectables, grand furniture pieces, and the overall atmosphere of the vast antique halls.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit