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Sense Charity Shop, Cambridge

Affordable finds in central Cambridge, supporting a national disability charity with every purchase.

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Tucked into Cambridge’s bustling Burleigh Street, Sense is a vibrant charity shop brimming with second-hand clothing, books, accessories, and homewares. Run by the national disability charity Sense, this shop supports people with complex needs while offering great-value finds in the heart of the city. It’s a go-to for budget-friendly fashion, vintage pieces, and thoughtful donations, all in a welcoming, community-focused space.

A brief summary to Sense

  • 60 Burleigh St, Cambridge, CB1 1DJ, GB
  • +441223366958
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit mid-week for quieter browsing; weekends and afternoons can be busier, especially during university term time.
  • Check the reduced-price rails regularly—items are often marked down multiple times, offering excellent bargains.
  • Bring clean, good-quality donations of clothes, books, or homewares to support the charity’s work and keep stock fresh.
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Sense location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Sense

A Community-Driven Charity Shop

Nestled on Burleigh Street in central Cambridge, the Sense charity shop is more than just a place to browse second-hand goods—it’s a hub of community support and inclusion. Operated by the national charity Sense, which supports disabled people with complex needs, the shop channels all proceeds into vital services and programmes. Every purchase here directly contributes to empowering individuals with sensory impairments and other complex disabilities, making shopping both affordable and meaningful.

What You’ll Find Inside

Inside, the shop is neatly arranged with a wide selection of donated items. Clothing ranges from everyday wear to smart and vintage pieces, often at very low prices, with frequent reductions that attract bargain hunters. Shelves are filled with books, from novels and classics to practical guides, while accessories, jewellery, bags, and homewares add further variety. Seasonal stock changes keep the inventory fresh, so there’s always something new to discover, whether you’re after a unique outfit, a gift, or a household item.

Shopping with a Purpose

Sense Cambridge stands out not just for its prices, but for its ethos. The shop welcomes donations of good-quality clothes, books, toys, and other items, which are sorted and priced by staff and volunteers. This circular model reduces waste and supports sustainable consumption, while also creating opportunities for people with disabilities to be involved in retail and community life. Visitors often appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the sense of contributing to a cause that values inclusion and creativity.

Practical Details for Visitors

The shop is located in a busy part of Cambridge, close to other high-street shops and services. It’s easily accessible on foot from the city centre, train station, and main bus stops. Opening hours are generous, with the shop open six days a week and slightly shorter hours on Sundays. While the space is compact, it’s well-organized and accessible, with staff on hand to assist. There are no on-site cafes or extensive seating, so it’s best suited for focused browsing rather than long stays.

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