Potters is an independent antiques and coins store located near the Christmas Steps and the centre…read moreof Bristol. It is a really cute, old shop with a huge variety of goods inside. It is a little crowded in there and I was a little overwhelmed with all the products, and it did seem as though too much was crammed into a small space. However, it was not busy when I visited, therefore I could easily navigate around the shop and I wasn't hurried out when I didn't buy anything. The shop window (as in the photograph) is a good indication as to what to expect in store.

This shop is what it says on it's sign, thousands of old coins, notes, antique ceramics, paintings…read moreand tonnes else all crammed into every nook and cranny in this tiny shop. Despite its lack of space, it is this factor that makes it so endearing. I was nervous about knocking anything down by accident with my big bag! The gentleman at the counter won't pay much attention to you while you're browsing around, but is very happy to help should you have any questions about the items. A truly quirky, enjoyable shop to dig around.

As I mentioned in one of my previous reviews of a Clifton Village business it is often those at the…read morehigher end of the price spectrum who tend to cling on to the past a little longer than the rest. Focus on the Past on Waterloo Street is a prime example. The first thought that comes to mind for me is 'old stuff being sold for loads of money'. Now this may seem like a layman's jaunt at any antique shop but I'm actually no stranger to such stores. Many an hour have I spent perusing the worlds of my ancestors in various dimly lit rooms and backyards. I am no stranger to the world of antiques. This place really strikes me as one that has got a little carried away with itself. Admittedly there are some beautiful items of furniture on offer but it just seems way too steep for what it is.

With its attractively chaotic-looking jumble of items on the pavement, this shop is good fun for a…read moregood rummage and explore. There is absolutely heaps of stuff for sale here, from the more expensive things like big pieces of antique furniture, through complete teasets, to pictures, bits and bobs of crockery, and jewellery. The jewellery section is marvellous: strings and strings of beads, and broaches by the dozen. The owner is very friendly and doesn't mind at all if you're clearly just in there to admire and mooch around. He strikes me as an owner who knows each and every item in stock and could tell you more about it all if you asked. I'd definitely come back here to browse for gifts or maybe if I was looking for bits of furniture for my house.

On a street dotted with shops that although they're fascinating and individual, they could really…read morebe from any road in Bristol (or indeed the UK) it's refreshing to see such a well found little number. As though it has always been here this timeless little beauty is Cotham Antiques. Various shop frontages and signs about the place hold different by-lines of wind-up gramophones, unique gifts, crystals and jewellery. Not one is a lie for this shop is very diverse indeed. On one hand it could be a shop for tourists, eager to find something unique from this fair city. Yet on the other it is a veritable treasure trove for the jeweller, the gem stone healer and the student alike. Think all things fine, pretty and delicate - this is a very special place indeed.

Walk through the doors of this antique shop and you'll feel like you've gone back in time, and…read morepossibly down a rabbit hole, as everything is so small! The cabinets at the front of the shop hold what I imagine were once parts of a dollhouse - miniature tables, farmyard animals and even English dictionaries. Dotted around the store there are also several violins, including bows and cases, many of which are children's violins which are half the size of regular violins. Miniatures aside, this place is a real treasure trove and reasonably priced - I spotted an old Singer sewing machine for just £65. There are also areas for jewellery, ornaments and the odd camera accessory too. The owners know their stuff and also sell greeting cards too. I'm not sure where they get their stock from but if you're looking to sell some of your own antiques then this might be a good place to enquire.

I don't particularly like the term junk shop as this place is full of decent quality furniture and…read moreantiques, but it feels like a junk shop in that things are balanced precariously on shelves and sofas and the feel is similar to stumbling into Aladdin's cave. I had a nosy in here after moving house. I saw some sofas on display so thought I would sneak a peek at the other treasures on offer. Thing here range from the practical, such as furniture, cabinets and the like, to erm, ornamental - there are lots of old plates with kitsch paintings on hanging on the walls. If you like your living space to be cluttered with vintage trinkets then definitely check Elizabeth's Place out.

If you're struggling on the cash front, and/or have recently moved into unfurnished accommodation…read moreand need cheap furniture, this is the place for you. Selling a variety of second hand furniture at reasonable prices, from beds, to tables and chairs to sideboards and cabinets, Elizabeth's Place is ideal for stocking up on those missing furnishings you require. The shop also sells household tit bits, such as ornaments and crockery, and has a great little store room filled with clothes, which is open for rummaging. And if you're a cat lover, look out for the affectionate black cat - he tends to reside amongst the furniture, but unfortunately is not for sale...

This second hand shop on Gloucester Road is a maze of bargain furniture. I managed to pick up a…read morebeautiful old mahogany table for £40 (granted, it took a bit of negotiation, but at least he was willing to talk about the price). The shop has got 3 rooms and a large back yard. In each you can find anything from tables, chairs, wardrobes, to odd metal brackets, mirrors, and general rare items that make each second hand shop unique and an experience to peruse. The man who runs it is averagely friendly - ask him what you're after and he'll take you to some corner of the shop where he might just have the exact thing you were looking for - that sure happened in our case. He'll only get a little bit grumpy when you start haggling the price, but it's worth a try. They also buy furniture - he'll give you a good price for it, but as above, it's always worth talking about the price to make it more appealing to which ever side you're coming from. A furniture shop that's well worth a browse.

This place is a bit of a hidden gem, but it's well worth a visit. They sell pretty much everything…read moreyou could want in here at a pretty decent price. The best bit of advice I was given was that you can haggle your socks off with them and get it for even cheaper! They openly promote you to hand in your unwanted furniture, which means I will most definitely be using when I have to move out of my student digs and back into my parents house! Just be careful where you tread in here as there is literally things scattered on the floor and on every flat surface.

Despite the name this antique shop has a whole range of items, although of course an emphasis on…read moremilitary goods. My favourite were the wooden ships. They have handy little notices with some pieces giving an explanation to their origin and meaning, which helps antique luddites like myself.

Bit ramshakle outside, and a little less ramshakle inside…read more.. There is a good selection of random pieces of furniture, perfect if you're looking for the perculiar bedside table to fit into a wierd corner in your room. There is also the usual bizzare selection of crockery you'd expect to find in an antiques shop, and also the odd piece or old toy you would'nt expect to come accross. If you need some assistence it's there for you, but you can browse at your hearts content without being disturbed if you so wish.

Great little antique shop opposite the cycle shop of the same name, they have a little display…read moreoutside with some hardback books, plus a window display and a few things inside. I found a very interesting vintage camera here and a guy browsing at the same time (take note J & * Bazaar) bought some hardback bound books. Staff let you get on with it until you need them.

Amelie and Melanie really surprised me when I first walked past. From the outside it didn't really…read moreappeal to me as it looked a little like a jumble sale, or a second hand furniture store. Don't be fooled though, please go inside. They have an amazing selection of Japanese Antiques which I have never seen before. Don't get me wrong, I am definitely no expert, but some of their antiques really were amazing. It's not like I can ever afford anything, but I still love to ponder around the shop exploring all they have to offer. Check out their wooden pieces as the detail in them in incredible. It's also worth looking at their prints too as they are equally as amazing.