Guide To Charity Shops In Linlithgow

Ready to explore the charity shops in Linlithgow? Here’s my big guide to making the most of your shopping trip in this historic West Lothian town.

Choosing to buy preloved from charity shops is a great way to shop sustainably on a budget while supporting good causes. As such, I thought I’d share some of my favourite charity shops to encourage you to go and visit them, or inspire you to hit up the ones in your local area.

Today I’m focusing on Linlithgow in West Lothian. Located just a short train ride from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, this historic town is not only known for its beautiful loch, atmospheric palace, and scenic canal paths but also for its excellent charity shopping.

As someone who lives in West Lothian, I visit them anytime I need to fill a gap in my wardrobe. Here’s my list of must-visits, alongside the unique features of each shop.

Guide To The Charity Shops In Linlithgow

Ready to explore what this West Lothian town has to offer? Prepare yourself with my top charity shop tips and let’s go shopping!

For this guide, I’ve gone from east to west along the high street. I’ve started at DEBRA in The Regent’s Centre, went along the high street, and then finished up in the west of the town – at the Barnardo’s shop in Linlithgow Bridge. It’s a roughly 25-minute walking route and takes in all the charity shops the town has to offer.

If you want to stop for a coffee along the route some of my favourite places include Flat Flat White, near DEBRA, and Arran, near Oxfam. However, you’re never far from a coffee shop in Linlithgow!

DEBRA

As the biggest charity shop in Linlithgow, the DEBRA shop in the Regent Centre, beside Tesco, offers a bit of everything. This includes men’s, women’s and kid’s clothes, shoes and accessories, alongside homewares, books, electrical items, and even some furniture pieces. However, despite being the biggest store, it doesn’t have a changing room – which I feel is the one downside.

Funds raised for DEBRA go towards supporting people affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). This is a rare and often painful genetic condition that causes the skin to blister and tear at the slightest touch. Known as “Butterfly Skin” because of the delicate nature of the skin, EB can vary in severity but can cause lifelong challenges.

Find it at Unit B, The Regent Centre, 10 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7HU.

Oxfam

From DEBRA you can walk a little bit along the High Street. Just before you reach the historic Cross area where Linlithgow Palace is located, you’ll find the Oxfam Linlithgow charity shop.

It may be quite a compact shop, but inside you’ll find a solid collection of clothes, shoes and accessories for men, women and children. I’ve found many good quality items from great brands here over the years – it’s always a must-visit for me. And despite its small size, there’s even a changing room here to try before you buy.

It also has a great collection of books and a small range of preloved homewares. There’s even a selection of new greeting cards and new ethical items carefully curated by Oxfam.

All proceeds go towards supporting Oxfam’s work in alleviating global poverty.

Find it at 98 High St, Linlithgow, EH49 7AQ.

Cancer Research UK Shop

Also on the High Street, just past The Cross, is Cancer Research UK’s shop. It offers a great mix of clothing, accessories, toys, books and homewares. Plus it’s got one changing room, so you can also try on any potential purchases.

As one of the UK’s largest charity retailers, this shop has a reputation for keeping shelves stocked with good-condition items, so it’s worth checking in regularly. I’ve found heaps of great clothes in here over the years so for me it’s always a must-visit.

Find it at 107 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EQ.

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS)

If you like designer labels the Linlithgow CHSS shop is a must-visit. Classed as a ’boutique shop’, this little shop focuses on designer gems for men and women. Its fun and quirky interior also makes it a bit different to your average charity shop.

I’ve found that prices here are a little higher compared to other charity shops in Linlithgow, but that’s reflected in the brand names carried and the quality of the stock. Don’t worry though – there is a changing room so you can try things on.

I’ve also found that sometimes the shop carries new items made by local knitters, making it another unique way to support the charity.

Proceeds here help fund the prevention, treatment, and support of people affected by heart, chest, and stroke illnesses in Scotland.

Find it at 220 High St, Linlithgow, EH49 7ES.

British Red Cross

Spread across two neighbouring shops on the High Street, The British Red Cross has a solid presence in Linlithgow. The first shop is packed with men’s and women’s clothes, shoes and accessories, all well laid out by colour and size.

As well as preloved options, I’ve regularly found new pieces from high fashion brands like Zara in here, still with their labels on, but at charity shop prices.

Right next door, you’ll find the other shop, which specialises in books, alongside a small selection of homewares. It’s the perfect place to pick up a cosy weekend read.

Funds raised for the British Red Cross support a vast range of humanitarian efforts both in the UK and globally. It provides emergency response, medical aid, and long-term support in times of crisis and disaster, as well as a range of local services that help people in need.

Find them at 217-221 High St, Linlithgow, EH49 7EN.

Barnardos

Whilst all the other charity shops are quite close to one another, from the British Red Cross, it’s a bit of a walk to the final stop on the Linthgow charity shop trail. And it’s only worth the walk if you have children. This is because the Barnardo’s shop here is a specialist children’s shop. This means it only sells preloved toys, kids’ clothes and baby gear, such as cots, prams and high chairs.

As a parent, I’ve found this shop to be invaluable. I’ve picked up so much stuff for my kids from here over the years. The kid’s clothes section goes from newborn up to roughly age 8, but sometimes you’ll find older kids’ clothes in here, depending on what’s recently been donated. Meanwhile, all the preloved baby gear is in great condition and at such great prices.

Funds raised for Barnardo’s go directly towards supporting vulnerable children, young people, and families across the UK.

Find it at Unit 2B, Falkirk Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7PH.

Can’t make it to your local charity shops? Try my guide to online charity shops in the UK.