Buying in the Regions

There are a number of large, and smaller, towns and cities such as Edinburgh, Harrogate, Chester, Brighton and Norwich, well known for their antique shops and these are well worth a visit. Additionally there are four areas particularly famous for the variety and number of their art and antiques shops, each set in some of England's most beautiful countryside and within easy reach of London.

Petworth, West Sussex

The ancient market town of Petworth, set at the northern edge of the South Downs, is famous for its fascinating array of shops and galleries specialising in a diverse range of antiques and works of art.

Travel from London is easy: by car take the A3 road and then the A283 to Petworth - about 1? hours' driving, or there are regular trains from Victoria station to Pulborough, only a few miles in a taxi to Petworth. While in the town do not miss visiting Petworth House with its superb collection of art treasures, set in the midst of one of the finest 18th century parks laid out by Capability Brown.

Further details of Petworth's antique shops, travel and where to stay or visit are obtainable from the Petworth Art and Antique Dealers Association (PAADA), East Street, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0AB. Telephone: 01798 343172. Website: www.paada.com

Thames Valley

The Thames Valley takes its name from the country's most famous river. From the Capital follow it up to Windsor, past the historic towns of Maidenhead,Marlow and Henley, and then along the fertile river valley from Reading, passing through beech woods to Wallingford and Dorchester, and on to the historic spires of the great university city of Oxford. This whole area is rich with antique shops, many of which are housed in historic buildings. Exploring the area and visiting antique shops and galleries needs planning, such are the choices available, and is best undertaken by car. To discover the best shops, plan your journey, find out where to stay and what to see, you should contact The Thames Valley Antiques Dealers Association, The Old College, Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxon, OX10 7HL. Telephone: 01993 882420. Website: www.tvada.co.uk

The Cotswolds

In many of the Cotswold's picturesque towns, with old buildings of honey-coloured stone, and sleepy villages set amongst gently undulating countryside characterised by dry stone walling, good antique shops and galleries can be found. This is a beautiful and tranquil area, with plenty of places to discover whether towns or villages such as Witney, Burford, Broadway, Cirencester and Stow-on-the-Wold or famous country houses such as Blenheim Palace and Chastleton House near Stow. The pace of life slows in the Cotswolds. Away from the beauty and history of the main towns are villages where often a strip of grass, and sometimes a small stream, divides the cottages from the road. It is a place to spend time, to enjoy the hospitality of its many excellent hotels, and to explore its antiques shops and galleries. You can find out where to go and how to get there, by car or train or coach, and where to stay, by telephoning or writing to The Cotswold Antique Dealers' Association, Broadwell House, Sheep Street, Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire GL54 1JS. Telephone/Fax: 01451 810407. Website: www.cotswolds-antiques-art.com

The West of England Antiques Dealers Association

Established in 2007 the West of England Antique Dealers' Association (WEADA) was set up to promote the interests of the antiques trade in the region. Our long-term aim is the build and maintain confidence between WEADA members and the public by providing a comprehensive Guide to our members, their knowledge and services throughout the area.

WEADA has a membership of some 69 covering Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.

Members are invited to join by recommendation and are all proven to have demonstrated good business standards and expertise. WEADA members provide the trade, interior designers and private buyers with an organised approach to buying and selling antiques through their shops, private residences and on-line.

A full range of antiques, art and collectables is available through WEADA with shops displaying everything from period armour, furniture from 16th to 20th century as well as contemporary 20th century art and design.

Comprehensive advice on the purchase and care of antiques and works of art can be provided by all our members, many of whom also know about the restoration of antiques and art, in some cases offering this as an additional service.

If you have any enquiries regarding your trip to the West of England or would like further information about how to get to any of our members please contact the WEADA office hotline on +44 (0)1749 860686 and we will be happy to help you.

West of England Antique Dealers' Association
Pennard House
East Pennard
Shepton Mallet
Somerset
BA4 6TP
Email: info@weada.co.uk
www.weada.co.uk