Antique Treasure Hunting

Antique Hunting at a Slower Pace

One of the greatest pleasures of staying at Black Mountain Escapes is having the freedom to wander without an itinerary. The surrounding market towns are filled with independent antique shops, hidden emporiums and seasonal fairs where every visit uncovers something different.

Whether you’re searching for Welsh oak furniture, vintage textiles, reclaimed lighting or simply looking for inspiration, the journey is just as enjoyable as the discoveries, with half the joy coming from never quite knowing what you’ll find next.

After a day exploring, return to your escape for an evening beside the fire, a glass of wine and the satisfaction of finding something with its own story to tell.

The Welsh Antique Fairs

West Wales hosts several excellent antique fairs throughout the year, each with its own character.

Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells

If you’re planning a stay around the fair dates, it’s well worth booking your accommodation early, as this popular event attracts visitors from across the UK.

Held each May and September, the Builth Wells Antiques Fair is one of the UK’s largest events, attracting hundreds of dealers from across Britain.

You’ll find everything from Welsh country furniture and architectural salvage to vintage homewares, artwork, lighting, books and decorative curios.

It’s an inspiring day out whether you’re furnishing a home or simply enjoy browsing beautiful pieces.

National Botanic Garden of Wales

The spring and autumn fairs at the Botanic Garden offer a smaller, more relaxed experience surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Expect garden antiques, rustic furniture, vintage botanical prints and seasonal decorative pieces, It’s an easy fair to combine with lunch in the gardens before heading back through the Towy Valley.

Our Favourite Antique Shops

The Works Antiques Centre — Llandeilo

This is one of our favourite destinations.

A huge collection of independent dealers offering Welsh furniture, vintage lighting, painted pieces, architectural salvage and constantly changing stock. Afterwards, spend time wandering Llandeilo’s independent cafés, galleries and boutiques.

Carmarthen Antiques Centre

A treasure trove of Welsh furniture, ceramics, artwork, silverware and decorative antiques tucked away in one of Wales’ oldest towns.

Perfect for an afternoon of relaxed browsing.

Penderyn Antiques

Known for beautifully restored Georgian and Victorian furniture alongside quality Welsh antiques.

Ideal if you’re searching for a statement piece to take home. If you’re making the journey, the nearby Penderyn Distillery also makes an excellent stop before heading back through the Brecon Beacons.

The Old Curiosity

Exactly what the name suggests.

Expect vintage curiosities, quirky decorative pieces, retro collectibles and plenty of unexpected discoveries.

Tim Bowen Antiques

Near Ferryside, this specialist dealer focuses on traditional country furniture, Welsh antiques and beautifully sourced farmhouse pieces.

An excellent stop if you’re exploring the Carmarthenshire coastline.

Malthouse Antique Centre — Narberth

A wonderful combination of antiques, artisan makers, gardens and café.

It’s the sort of place where an hour quietly turns into an afternoon, especially once the café is involved.

Take Your Time

Whether you return with a car full of treasures or simply a notebook full of ideas, antique hunting in West Wales is as much about the journey as the discoveries. It’s one more reason so many guests find themselves planning a return visit.